Best Cat Dewormers In 2024, Vet-Approved

Best Tablet Dewormers

Using tablet dewormers with cats has some advantages. Tablets are pre-measured, and some cats can easily swallow them. However, crushing and mixing the tablets with food can sometimes release a bitter taste, which may make it difficult for the cat to eat. To make it palatable, warm up the food and add something extra tasty, like fish or chicken, to encourage your cat to eat it all.

Vet Recommends: We recommend using a Lixit Pill Popper as it makes administering tablets a much easier task.

Best topical broad-acting cat dewormers

The creation of topical dewormer is a boon for cat owners who have trouble administering pills to their furry friends. Some cats are impossible to pill, leaving topical dewormer the only viable option.

Note: To prevent the cat from ingesting the medicine when licking, apply a dewormer high on the back. If ingested, your feline friend may experience mild, short-lived symptoms like drooling, nausea, and vomiting.

Best Oral Dewormer for Roundworms

We only need to focus on preventing or treating cat roundworms in certain situations. These cases may include roundworm infestations or when the cat is already receiving regular treatment for other common parasites. 

Usually, roundworms are an issue with young kittens. For that reason, it’s absolutely essential to have a product that can be accurately measured and administered orally.

Does Your Cat Need a Dewormer?

Certain signs may indicate that your cat is infected with worms and requires treatment. While these signs may not always be present, looking out for them is important. 

Common indicators include vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stool, weight loss, abdominal bloating, flatulence, bad breath, visible worms in the stool or vomit, a scruffy coat, and lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to take your cat to the vet for a check-up and appropriate treatment.

Common Feline Worms

Tapeworms. Tapeworms often accompany flea infestations and are more commonly found in those who consume raw meat. They can cause tapeworm segments to appear around the anus, which resembles grains of rice that are stuck to the fur.

Roundworms. Many kittens carry a significant load of roundworms inherited from their mother. The common signs of roundworm infestation include diarrhea and an enlarged, bloated abdomen.

Hookworms. Hookworms aren't very common. They are frequently associated with bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which can be extremely severe in some cases. As a result, our feline friends may exhibit symptoms of anemia, weakness, and general malaise.

Whipworms. Identifying whipworms can be challenging as some infected pets may test negative in their stool samples. This is because the eggs aren't consistently shed. Symptoms vary but include loose and watery bowel movements, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue.

FAQ

Are Natural Dewormers for Cats an Option?

More often than not, natural products aren't compelling enough to eliminate parasite infestation completely. That’s why it’s essential to consult your vet and use deworming medication that has a proven track record, has been thoroughly researched, and is safe to use.

Can Indoor Cats Contract Worms?

It’s important to know that even if your cat is an indoor pet and doesn't come into contact with other cats, you should still look into routinely worming them. This is because they can quickly become infected with parasites from the soil and dirt we bring into our homes on our shoes and from raw food. 

How Often Should I Deworm My Cat?

It’s recommended that adult cats who venture outside be treated for worms every 3 to 6 months. On the other hand, indoor cats should be dewormed yearly. As for kittens, it’s best to deworm them every 3 weeks until they reach 12 weeks of age and then monthly until they get 6 months. 

What if I See No Evidence of Worms?

It’s not uncommon for some cat owners to assume their pet is worm-free if they don't see any worms in their cat’s stool. However, this isn't a safe assumption to make. Many types of worms are microscopic and can't be spotted by the naked eye. 

Furthermore, worms may not be shed in every stool your cat passes and could still dwell inside their intestine. Therefore, regularly treating your cat for worms is always a good idea, even if you don't see evidence of them in their stool.

Is Year-Round Parasite Prevention Medicine Necessary for Cats?

Your feline friend can catch worms at any time of the year, although they are more common during the Spring and Summer months for those who enjoy hunting. Thanks to central heating, fleas are a year-round annoyance and a frequent source of tapeworms. If your cat is fed a raw diet, the worms can appear at any point throughout the year.