Best Cat Dewormers
Does your cat have worms or parasites? Gross! Get rid of them with one of our picks for best cat dewormers.
Worms aren’t just gross, they can make your kitten or adult cat sick, so it’s important to get rid of an infection as soon as you know your kitty has one.
Your vet can determine if your cat has worms, but you might even see the worms if they’re passed through your pet’s stool. Yuck! Thankfully, there are medications that your vet can prescribe when your cat has been infected with worms or parasites. Below is a list of some of the best cat dewormers available, listed in no particular order.
Note: These products do require that you have a prescription from your veterinarian before you can purchase them online, so be sure to consult with your vet first to figure out if your pet has worms, to diagnose which type(s) of worms your cat has, and to receive a prescription for the appropriate medication and dosage for your kitty.
Remember, when it comes to medicating your pet, proceed with caution and do so only under the guidance of your vet to be sure you’re making the right moves. And always make sure you are using a product that is specifically made for felines.
1. Editor’s Choice: Interceptor Tablets for Dogs 51-100 lbs & Cats 12.1-25 lbs, 6 Treatments (White Box)
Interceptor is a broad-spectrum parasiticide. It can be used for both dogs and cats, so be sure to follow the directions closely for use in cats. Also, this product can be given to your pet monthly, so ask your vet if that is the right route to take. Basically, it can work on removing adult hookworms and adult roundworms in cats and kittens, and it can also be prescribed for heartworm prevention.
Administering this medicine might be easier than you anticipate because it comes in the form of a tasty tablet that can be given as a treat or added to your kitty’s food. Before giving this product to your pet, read the directions carefully, and read the precautions as well.
In terms of side effects, watch out for adverse reactions like vomiting, anorexia, ataxia, convulsions, hypersalivation, weakness, diarrhea, and depression/lethargy. Let your vet know right away if your cat experiences any side effects whatsoever after taking this medication.
You should not give Interceptor if your cat is already taking another medication for heartworm. And you should let your vet know about any other medications or supplements, in general, that your kitty is taking before you give her any Interceptor, as you want to be sure there won’t be any drug interactions. Also, this product should not be used in kittens that are younger than 4 weeks of age and that weigh less than 2 pounds.
The Interceptor product you need will be based on how much your cat weighs. This listing is for cats weighing 12.1 to 25 pounds, and it contains 23 mg of Milbemycin Oxime. Here are the other available options:
- Interceptor Tablets for Dogs 26-50 lbs & Cats 6.1-12 lbs, 6 Treatments (Yellow Box) for cats weighing 6.1 to 12 pounds. It contains 11.5 mg of Milbemycin Oxime.
- Interceptor Tablets for Dogs 11-25 lbs & Cats 1.5-6 lbs, 6 Treatments (Green Box) for cats weighing 1.5 to 6 pounds. It contains 5.75 mg of Milbemycin Oxime.
2. Runner Up: Revolution Topical Solution for Cats, 5.1-15 lbs (Blue Box)
Revolution is a topical solution that can be used in cats that are 8 weeks of age and older. It is available by prescription from your veterinarian, and it works by doing a few things. First, it can kill adult fleas and prevent flea eggs from hatching for one month. This helps to prevent and control flea infestations. Beyond that, it can treat and control ear mites. But when it comes to worms, it can prevent heartworm, as well as treat and control intestinal hookworm and roundworm infections.
To administer this medication, you simply apply it directly to your cat’s skin. Your vet might recommend applying it monthly. Always be sure to read through all of the package materials carefully to be sure you use this product correctly and safely.
Keep an eye out for side effects, which may include intermittent vomiting and salivation. Let your veterinarian know right away if you notice your cat experiencing side effects after administering this medication.
If your vet is thinking about prescribing Revolution, he or she should ask you about other medications or supplements that your kitty is taking, as this simple step can help ensure there won’t be any adverse drug interactions. If your vet doesn’t ask, be sure to share this information with him or her before you accept the prescription.
This listing is for the Revolution dose for cats weighing 5.1 to 15 pounds, and it contains 45 mg Selamectin per tube. Other options are:
- Revolution Topical Solution for Puppy & Kitten (Mauve Box). It is for kittens up to 5 pounds, and it contains 15 mg Selamectin per tube.
- Revolution Topical Solution for Cats (Taupe Box). It is for cats weighing 15.1 to 22 lbs, and it contains 60 mg Selamectin per tube.
3. Customer’s Choice: Profender Topical Solution for Cats, 5.5-11 lbs, 1 treatment (Orange Box)
Another product that you can buy with a prescription from your vet is Profender. This is another topical deworming solution. It can treat and control hookworm infections, attacking fourth stage larvae, immature adults, and adults. It can also treat and control roundworm infections, attacking fourth stage larvae and adults. And it can treat and control tapeworm infections caused by two different species of tapeworm adults.
Again, this dewormer is designed to be applied topically. Be sure to read the package instructions and other information provided by the manufacturer carefully, and if you have any questions or concerns, consult with your veterinarian for personalized guidance.
As with any other medication you give to your cat, tell your vet if your pet is currently taking any other medications or supplements. You want to be sure there won’t be any interactions.
Also, watch out for any side effects that might occur. These may include licking and excessive grooming, scratching the treatment site, salivation, lethargy, alopecia, agitation or nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, eye irritation, respiratory irritation, and shaking or tremors. Let your veterinarian know right away if your cat experiences side effects so he or she can tell you how to proceed.
Note: This product is to be used with caution on cats that are debilitated or sick. It should only be used on cats that are at least 8 weeks of age.
This listing is for the Profender dose that is appropriate for cats weighing 5.5 to 11 pounds. It contains 15 mg Emodepside and 60.1 mg Praziquantel, and it should be administered as a single topical dose. Other options are:
- Profender Topical Solution for Cats (Green Box) is appropriate for cats weighing 2.2 to 5.5 pounds, and it contains 7.5 mg Emodepside and 30 mg Praziquantel.
- Profender Topical Solution for Cats (Purple Box) is appropriate for cats weighing 11 to 17.6 pounds, and it contains 24 mg Emodepside and 96.1 mg Praziquantel.
4. Best for Tapeworms: Bayer Expert Care Tapeworm Dewormer
These simple tablets work to remove common tapeworms in both cats and kittens over the age of 6 weeks. If your cat is good for taking tablets, that can be given directly. However, for more troublesome or picky cats, these can be crumbled and mixed in with a small amount of their favourite foods for a more palatable taste.
The tablets come in a 3 pack and are scored to make it easier to divide them as needed to reach the right dose based on your cat’s weight. The recommended dosage ranges from ½ tablet to 1 ½ tablets.
The active ingredient in the Bayer Expert Care Tapeworm Dewormer is praziquantel, a common anti-worm medication and parasiticide that works to prevent the hatched worms from either growing or multiplying in the body, effectively ending the dangerous cycle. Not only is this medication used to treat cats and kittens, but it is also commonly seen in treatments for other mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and even humans.
5. Best Broad Spectrum: Advantage Multi Topical Solution for Cats, 9.1-18 lbs, 6 treatments (Purple Box)
Yet another topical solution when you are looking for a prescription deworming product is produced by Advantage Multi. Your vet might recommend administering this broad-spectrum product monthly. It can be used to help prevent heartworm disease, and it can treat and control ear mite infestations. It can also be used to kill adult fleas in order to treat flea infestations, and it can treat and control roundworms and hookworms.
Prior to deciding whether or not this product is right for your cat, let your vet know about any medications and supplements that you give to your pet. That way, your vet can determine if this product would negatively interact with anything else that your kitty is taking.
Read the directions and precautions carefully to use this product correctly and safely. Then, after administering this product, keep a close eye on your cat to see if there are any side effects, such as itching and scratching, redness, wounds, scabbing, or inflammation at the treatment site. Also, keep an eye out for other side effects, such as chemical odor or lethargy. Contact your vet right away if side effects of any kind occur.
This product should not be used on debilitated, sick, or underweight cats. It is not appropriate for use on kittens who are younger than 9 weeks of age or who weigh less than 2 pounds.
This listing is for cats weighing 9.1 to 18 pounds. It contains 80 mg Imidacloprid and 8 mg Moxidectin. Another option is:
Advantage Multi Topical Solution for Cats (Orange Box), which is designed for cats weighing 5.1 to 9 pounds. It contains 40 mg Imidacloprid and 4 mg Moxidectin.
6. Best Multi-Pet: Cestex (Epsiprantel) Tablets for Dogs & Cats
Cestex is another prescription dewormer for cats that your veterinarian might recommend. It can work on removing tapeworms in kittens and adult cats.
This medication comes in tablet form, so it is administered orally. The tablet is coated with a film to make it easier to give it to your cat, and it also won’t leave an unpleasant taste in your pet’s mouth. Plus, your cat doesn’t need to fast prior to receiving this treatment.
As is the case with any medication, look for side effects, which might include diarrhea or vomiting. If you notice any side effects at all, let your vet know right away.
Also, let your vet know about any other medications or supplements that your cat is taking so you can be sure it is safe to give your pet a dose of Cestex. After all, you don’t want to have to worry about any drug interactions.
This product should not be given to kittens that are younger than 7 weeks of age.
7. Best Tablet: Droncit Tablets for Cats, 23-mg, 1 tablet
Droncit is a prescription oral medicine for cats that can help treat tapeworm infections. It is formulated to treat two of the most common types of these worms, which are Taenia taeniaeformis and Dipylidium caninum. If your vet determines that your cat has been infected by these worms, he or she might recommend using this dewormer to get rid of them.
To administer this tablet easily, you can crumble it into your cat’s food, mixing it in so your pet won’t notice.
As always, let your vet know about any other medications and supplements that your kitty is taking. Unless your vet tells you it is safe to do so, Droncit should not be used if you are already giving your cat another tapeworm medicine.
After administration of this product, watch out for side effects, which might include diarrhea and increased salivation. Contact your vet if any side effects do occur so you can know what steps to take next.
8. Best for Kittens: Drontal Tablets for Cats, 2-16 lbs, 50 tablets
Drontal is a broad-spectrum dewormer for kittens and cats. It comes in tablet form, and it can help treat various intestinal worm infections, including hookworms, tapeworms, and roundworms. The medicine will work on destroying the parasites so your cat’s immune system and digestive system will then be able to remove them from the body.
Your veterinarian will help you figure out the appropriate dose for your kitty, based on her weight. Then, you can simply crumble the tablet and mix it into your pet’s food to make administration of this medicine easier. Otherwise, you can administer it by putting it directly into your pet’s mouth.
This dewormer is not appropriate for kittens that are younger than 2 months old. And it is only appropriate for cats weighing 2 to 16 pounds.
Always keep an eye out for any side effects when giving your cat any medication, including Drontal. Side effects for this product might include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, incoordination, and salivation. Let your vet know right away if your pet experiences any side effects or is acting sick after you administer this medicine.
This listing is for the bottle of 50 tablets of Drontal. If you only need one dose, another option is:
Use These Products Carefully to Tackle Worm Infestations in Your Cat
These products can be powerful, so use them with care. It can’t be stressed enough: it’s really important to read the information contained in a package of medication so you’ll know exactly what to do to make the most of the product, and to be sure it is safe for your cat (for example, some products aren’t meant to be used on sick cats or those that are younger than 8 or 9 weeks of age).
Overall, we hope this list of some of the top cat dewormers has been helpful in shedding light on what your options could be. Ultimately, it will be your veterinarian who will help steer you in the right direction towards the product that’s best for your furry friend.
How could I know if my cat has worms or parasites?
The most tell-tale sign of worms is noticing them in your pet’s feces or around their anus, but there are other common symptoms of worms and other intestinal parasites in cats that can indicate an infestation. Felines with parasites will usually have a big appetite but won’t be able to gain weight, their coat will be dull and of poor quality, and they’ll often have intestinal issues such as vomiting (they can even vomit out worms if the infestation is severe) and diarrhea or bloody stool. Another common sign of worms in cats, particularly kittens, is an enlarged, bloated belly.
How did my indoor cat get worms?
You might think that just because your kitty spends their days inside that they are safe from all parasites – but these nasty critters always find a way. The microscopic eggs of intestinal parasites such as roundworms can be brought in the house on your shoes or clothes, and tapeworms are usually transmitted through fleas: it only takes one infected flea hitching a ride on the family dog or even your clothes to pass on worms to your cat. This is why prevention is important for indoor acts as much as for those that venture outdoors!
How to prevent my cat from getting worms?
The only way to be really sure that your pet is safe from intestinal parasites is to have them on preventative medication all year long. Sure, keeping your home clean, free of fleas, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting your pet’s bed, bowls, etc. does go a long way, but it can’t guarantee you that your pet won’t still get worms somehow. Chewables, tablets, or powders formulated to prevent worms in cats are the safest and surest way to keep your feline friend parasite-free.
Can humans get worms from cats?
Some types of intestinal parasites that cats can carry can be passed on to humans, but not all. Roundworms can be transmitted to you, if you happen to ingest their egg, but the odds for that are very low – this is why it’s imperative to maintain proper hygiene when cleaning your pet’s litter and always wash your hands after removing feces from the litter box, even do you are not in direct contact with the waste. Good hygiene and preventative parasite medication for your pet are the key to your peace of mind and good health for you and your pet both.
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Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.
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