Cats get worms more often than you might think. These nasty parasites live inside your cat‘s body and steal nutrients. They can make your furry friend very sick if left untreated. As a cat owner, you need to know about the different types of worms and how to treat them.
Worms are not just gross – they’re dangerous. Some can even spread to humans. That’s why regular worm treatment is so important for every cat. In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about anti-worm medications for cats.
Common Types of Worms in Cats
Roundworms
Roundworms look like spaghetti noodles. They’re the most common worm in cats. Kittens often get them from their mother’s milk. Adult cats get them by eating infected rodents or soil.
These worms live in the intestines. They can grow up to 5 inches long! A bad roundworm infection makes cats look pot-bellied. You might see worms in their poop or vomit.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are flat and segmented. They attach to the intestinal wall. Cats get tapeworms by swallowing infected fleas while grooming. You might see rice-like segments near your cat’s rear end.
These segments contain eggs. They break off and pass in the stool. Tapeworms can grow very long – up to 28 inches! But they rarely cause serious illness.
Hookworms
Hookworms are small but dangerous. They have sharp teeth that latch onto the intestinal wall. They feed on blood, which can cause anemia.
Cats get hookworms through the skin or by eating infected animals. The worms can also pass to kittens through milk. Hookworm infections are serious and need quick treatment.
Heartworms
Heartworms live in the heart and lungs. Mosquitoes spread them through bites. Unlike dogs, cats aren’t natural hosts for heartworms. But infection can still be deadly.
There’s no approved treatment for heartworms in cats. Prevention is the only option. Monthly preventatives stop the worms before they grow.
Signs Your Cat Has Worms
How can you tell if your cat has worms? Look for these signs:
- Visible worms in poop or vomit (they may look like rice or spaghetti)
- Diarrhea or bloody stool
- Weight loss despite eating normally
- A pot-bellied appearance (especially in kittens)
- Dull, rough coat
- Scooting or licking their rear end
- Coughing (with roundworm or heartworm)
- Lethargy or weakness
Some cats show no signs at all. That’s why regular deworming is important, even for indoor cats.
How Anti-Worm Medications Work
Anti-worm medications, called anthelmintics, kill parasites in different ways:
Paralyzing the worms – Some drugs cause paralysis so worms detach and pass in stool
Disrupting metabolism – Others interfere with worm energy production
Preventing nutrient absorption – Some stop worms from getting glucose
Destroying the protective cuticle – Certain meds damage the worm’s outer layer
Most treatments don’t kill worm eggs. That’s why repeat doses are often needed. The second dose gets any new worms that hatched after the first treatment.
Types of Anti-Worm Medications for Cats
Oral Medications
Pills and liquids given by mouth are common. They work well but can be hard to give some cats. Popular oral dewormers include:
Drontal – Treats roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms
Panacur – Good for roundworms and some tapeworms
Milbemax – Covers multiple worm types including heartworm
Topical Treatments
These are applied to the skin between the shoulder blades. They’re easier to give than pills. Examples include:
Profender – Treats roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms
Revolution – Also prevents fleas and ear mites
Injectable Dewormers
Vets use these for severe cases. They’re not common for routine deworming. An example is ivermectin for certain worm types.
Broad-Spectrum Preventatives
Many monthly flea/tick treatments also prevent worms:
Advantage Multi – Stops heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms
Interceptor Plus – Prevents heartworms and treats intestinal worms
Heartgard Plus – Heartworm prevention with intestinal parasite control
Choosing the Right Dewormer
Not all dewormers work on all worms. Your vet will recommend based on:
Your cat’s age – Kittens need special formulas
Weight – Dosage depends on size
Worm type – Seen in stool or suspected
Health status – Some meds aren’t safe for sick cats
Lifestyle – Outdoor cats need broader protection
Never use dog dewormers on cats! Some contain ingredients toxic to felines.
How to Give Deworming Medication
Giving Pills
- Hold your cat securely
- Open the mouth gently
- Place pill at back of tongue
- Close mouth and stroke throat until swallowed
- Offer a treat after
Using Liquid Dewormers
- Measure the exact dose
- Hold your cat’s head steady
- Insert syringe in the side of the mouth
- Squirt slowly so they can swallow
- Reward with praise and treats
Applying Topical Treatments
- Part the fur between shoulder blades
- Apply entire contents of tube directly to skin
- Don’t rub in
- Prevent grooming until dry (about 30 minutes)
Deworming Schedule for Cats
Kittens
Kittens should be dewormed every 2 weeks until 3 months old, then monthly until 6 months. A typical schedule:
- First dose at 2 weeks old
- Repeat at 4, 6, and 8 weeks
- Monthly until 6 months
Adult Cats
Adult cats need regular deworming even if indoors:
Indoor cats: Every 3-6 months
Outdoor cats: Every 1-3 months
Hunting cats: Monthly
Pregnant/Nursing Cats
Moms should be dewormed:
- Before breeding
- Late in pregnancy (with vet approval)
- After giving birth (to protect kittens)
Side Effects of Dewormers
Most cats handle dewormers well. Possible side effects include:
- Mild vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite for a day
- Lethargy
- Drooling (especially with bitter pills)
Serious reactions are rare but need vet attention:
- Severe vomiting/diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Extreme weakness
Always watch your cat after deworming. Call your vet if concerned.
Natural Deworming Options
Some owners prefer natural remedies. While not as effective as medications, these may help:
Pumpkin seeds – Contain cucurbitacin which may paralyze worms
Carrots – Fiber may help sweep out worms
Coconut – Lauric acid might have anti-parasitic effects
Diatomaceous earth – Food grade only, may damage worm exteriors
Never rely only on natural methods for serious infections. They’re best used alongside conventional treatments.
Preventing Worm Infections
Prevention is easier than treatment. Follow these tips:
Use monthly preventatives – Many control worms and fleas
Clean the litter box daily – Removes worm eggs quickly
Wash bedding weekly – Kills any eggs in fabric
Control fleas – They carry tapeworm eggs
Keep cats indoors – Reduces exposure to infected animals
Regular vet checks – Stool tests catch worms early
Don’t feed raw meat – May contain worm larvae
Shoes off indoors – Prevents bringing in eggs
When to See the Vet
Most deworming can be done at home. See the vet if:
- You see worms in stool or vomit
- Your cat seems very sick
- Symptoms don’t improve after treatment
- You’re unsure what medication to use
- Your cat is very young, old, or has health issues
- You suspect heartworms (coughing, breathing trouble)
The vet can identify the worm type and prescribe the best treatment. They may also run tests to check for complications like anemia.
Cost of Deworming Medications
Prices vary based on type and brand:
Basic oral dewormers:5−20 per dose
Topical treatments:15−40 per application
Monthly preventatives:10−25 per month
Vet-prescribed medications:20−100 depending on needs
While over-the-counter options exist, vet-recommended products are often more effective and safer.
Common Questions About Cat Deworming
How quickly do dewormers work?
Most start working within 24 hours. You may see dead worms in stool for a few days after treatment.
Can I get worms from my cat?
Some cat worms can infect humans, especially children. Good hygiene prevents this. Always wash hands after cleaning litter boxes.
Why does my cat still have worms after treatment?
Possible reasons:
- Not all worms were killed (wrong medication)
- Eggs remained and hatched (needs repeat dose)
- Reinfection occurred (environment has eggs)
Are home stool tests accurate?
Store-bought test kits can miss worms. Vet lab tests are more reliable for detecting eggs.
Can I deworm a pregnant cat?
Some medications are safe during pregnancy, but only under vet guidance. Never self-treat pregnant cats.
Conclusion
Worm infections are common but manageable. Regular deworming keeps your cat healthy and prevents serious problems. Work with your vet to choose the right products for your cat’s needs.
With proper care, you can protect your cat from these harmful parasites. A worm-free cat is a happier, healthier companion!
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