Buying guide for best dewormers for cats
Worms are a common parasite that cats are susceptible to. Fortunately, treating and preventing worms is easy with the right product.
A dewormer kills parasites while leaving your cat unharmed, allowing the dead worms to pass in your cat’s stool. Your cat should be given a dewormer that is not only safe for their age and weight but also treats the type of worm they are infected with. There are a few telltale signs of worms in older cats, but kittens need to be dewormed regularly until they reach a certain age. If you are concerned about harmful ingredients, you may want to opt for an all-natural deworming medication, which is often more expensive than other types. Dewormers can come in the form of a liquid or a tablet — you should choose the type you think will be easiest to give to your cat.
A dewormer is an integral part of maintaining your cat or kitten’s health, and a period of regular treatment is often required to eradicate worms.
How to know if your cat needs to be treated for worms
If you have a kitten, answering this question is easy: your pet needs to be treated for worms. This is standard treatment for all kittens below the age of three months. Kittens can be given dewormers starting at six weeks of age and should be treated every two weeks until they are three months old.
In older cats, some symptoms of worm infections include:
While these symptoms can be indicative of worms, some may be signs of a different illness. Either way, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
There are different medications for different types of worms. In our research, we note what each medication is designed to treat. Common infections include tapeworm, roundworm, heartworm, hookworm, whipworm, and ringworm. Some medications can treat more than one type.
Some dewormers are delivered as a chewable tablet, while others come in capsule form. We look at both types in our research.
Since pet owners must administer the medication, we include liquid dewormers on our shortlist, as this form is often the easiest to give a cat.
Some dewormers have restrictions based on a cat’s age or weight. When researching the best dewormers, we check each label, noting any restrictions we find.
We explore both all-natural dewormers and chemical dewormers in our quest for the best.
When researching cat dewormers, we investigate how long it takes each product to start working. Many of the best formulas start working within 24 hours.
We look at the shelf life of each dewormer so consumers have an idea how long the product will last.
We research each dewormer’s flavor, as this can affect a cat’s likelihood of swallowing it.
When searching for the best dewormers, we consider topical options that can be applied to the base of the cat’s neck.
We consider each product’s side effects and note them in our research. Common side effects of cat dewormers include an upset stomach and vomiting.
Key considerations
Medications for specific worm types
If you are able to identify which type of worm your cat is infected with, you should purchase a medication designed to treat that type of worm. Your vet may be able to help you identify what type of worm your cat has by noting your cat’s specific symptoms.
Cats may be infected with:
Tapeworm
Roundworm
Heartworm
Hookworm
Whipworm
Ringworm
Worms may come from cats eating infected rodents, drinking infected water, being bitten by fleas and ticks, or coming into contact with other cats with worms. As a result, outdoor-indoor cats are far more susceptible to worms than indoor-only cats.
Many medications target specific types of worms, but some can treat a variety of worms.
Finding a dewormer for your cat’s age and weight
Most dewormers list restrictions involving your cat’s age and weight. In most cases, the cat must be above a certain age or weight to be given the medication without any adverse effects. Never disregard warnings about age or weight restrictions.
Features
Administration method
There are four main types of dewormers, each of which varies in its ease of administration.
Liquid dewormers can be given to cats directly or put over a cat’s food. Many cat owners feel this is the easiest option, though cats may detect that something is amiss with their food and avoid eating it.
Tablets are often flavored and may be chewable, though cats may not be willing to eat them. Crushing them over food can often trick cats into taking tablets. Some may be pills, which can be challenging to give to cats as they cannot be chewed.
Topical dewormers are applied at the base of the neck, so there’s no need to worry about the cat refusing to eat a tablet or take a liquid.
- Paste dewormers work similarly to liquids but usually must be administered directly into the mouth.
Natural ingredients
Some dewormers use all-natural ingredients. If you try to avoid giving your cats any chemicals and give them all-natural food, consider dewormers that avoid chemicals or synthetic ingredients. These may be more expensive and their effectiveness can vary, so you should carefully research natural dewormers.
Did you know?
Some dewormers may not kill worms in the larval stage, which can render them less effective.
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Cat dewormer prices
Inexpensive: The least expensive dewormers start around $5 to $10 per bottle. These are typically designed to treat a variety of worms and may come in different forms. The low quantity in this price range means you may need to restock frequently.
Mid-range: Most dewormers for cats fall in the $10 to $20 range and may treat specific types of worms or a variety of worms. These can be administered in a variety of ways, but they are rarely all-natural.
Expensive: Dewormers for $20 to $40 likely either come with several doses or use all-natural ingredients. Many products in this range are the same ones recommended by veterinarians, as they are usually extremely effective.
How to prevent your cats from contracting worms
Worms can be harmful not only to your cats but also to your other pets and your children, as it is possible for worms to pass from a cat to a human through contact.
To reduce the chance of a worm infection, consider taking these precautionary steps:
Follow all your veterinarian’s recommendations for deworming treatments.
Ask your vet about preventative medications.
Inspect cat stools for any signs of worms regularly, especially if your cats go outdoors.
Keep your yard free of any animal feces.
Consider keeping your cats indoors if they frequently contract worms.
Treat your cat with a tick and flea preventative.
FAQ
Q. How often should adult cats be treated for worms?
A. Cats should be dewormed at least once per year. With outdoor cats, you should treat them with a dewormer two to three times per year, or more frequently if cats regularly eat rodents.
Q. How long is the shelf life of dewormers?
A. In most cases, it ranges from one to two years. The bottle or packaging should list the expiration date. After this date, the dewormer should be discarded.
Q. Do all cats require the same dosage of dewormers?
A. No. The dosage varies based on your cat’s weight and age, and it can be harmful or ineffective to administer the incorrect dosage.
