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Best Cat Heartworm Medications

Updated March 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Advantage Multi Topical Solution for Cats, 9.1-18 lbs, 6 treatments
Advantage Multi
Topical Solution for Cats, 9.1-18 lbs, 6 treatments
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

This broad-spectrum formula is most effective against flea infestations, but also addresses heartworm in cats and ferrets.

Pros

Addresses heartworms, fleas, and ticks with 1 treatment. Only requires 1 monthly application. Broad-spectrum approach. Also effective against ear mites. Minimal side effects reported.

Cons

Expensive price point. More effective on fleas than ticks. Results vary from cat to cat.

Best Bang for the Buck
Revolution Topical Solution for Puppy & Kitten, under 5 lbs, 3 treatments
Revolution
Topical Solution for Puppy & Kitten, under 5 lbs, 3 treatments
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Ideal For Kittens
Bottom Line

Some heartworm medications can be too strong for kittens, but this formula is ideal for younger cats and dogs.

Pros

Safe to use on both puppies and kittens. Can be used in combination with other flea, tick, or parasite treatments. Minimal side effects reported. Monthly treatment regimen. Topical formula is easy to apply.

Cons

Fleas can return after several weeks, especially in areas with high infestations.

Revolution Topical Solution for Cats, 5.1-15 lbs
Revolution
Topical Solution for Cats, 5.1-15 lbs
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Expert-Recommended
Bottom Line

This powerful topical solution covers a number of parasite-related issues, including mosquitoes, mites, and worms.

Pros

Also addresses ear mites and heartworm. Kills both adult fleas and eggs within hours of application. Effective for 30 days. Non-greasy formula, dries quickly. Works well with both outdoor and indoor cats.

Cons

Can require months of treatment to reach maximum effectiveness. Expensive and prescription-only.

Interceptor Tablets for Dogs 51-100 lbs & Cats 12.1-25 lbs, 6 treatments
Interceptor
Tablets for Dogs 51-100 lbs & Cats 12.1-25 lbs, 6 treatments
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

This heartworm preventative targets parasites specifically, not fleas or ticks.

Pros

Chewable tablet easier to administer. Broad-spectrum treatment of parasites including tapeworm, heartworm and hookworm. Monthly treatment regimen. Less likely to trigger allergic reaction.

Cons

Soft packaging can damage pills during shipment.

Heartgard Chewable Tablets for Cats, 5-15 lbs, 6 treatments
Heartgard
Chewable Tablets for Cats, 5-15 lbs, 6 treatments
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

This powerful formula kills heartworms and hookworms before they reach the dangerous adult stage.

Pros

Destroys heartworms at immature tissue stage. Also effective against hookworms at all life cycles. Chewable pills easier to administer. Medication is beef-flavored, appealing to cats.

Cons

Can be challenging to administer to cats that are hard to pill by nature.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Heartworm is a very dangerous medical condition caused by parasitic worms that enter the cat's bloodstream through infected foods, fleas, or ticks. The best treatment for heartworm is prevention, and this is what prescription-grade heartworm treatments provide. Heartworm medications are often combined with flea and tick medications for a more comprehensive treatment plan, but they can also be sold as a separate product. It is important that cat owners remain vigilant when administering heartworm medication, and to look for any signs of a possible heartworm infestation in the cat's feces. An actual case of heartworm often requires more aggressive treatment from a veterinarian.