Deworming cats is an important part of keeping them healthy. Parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms can cause serious health problems in cats if left untreated. Knowing how often to administer deworming medication can help prevent infestations and keep your cat happy and healthy.
What are the most common intestinal worms in cats?
There are three main types of intestinal worms that infect cats:
- Roundworms – Large, spaghetti-like worms that live in the cat’s intestine. Roundworm eggs are shed in the feces and can infect other animals and humans.
- Hookworms – Tiny worms that bury their heads into the lining of the small intestine to feed on blood. They can cause anemia and diarrhea.
- Tapeworms – Long, flat worms composed of multiple segments. Tapeworm eggs are ingested by fleas and transmitted to cats if they swallow an infected flea.
Kittens are especially prone to roundworms and hookworms through their mother’s milk. All three types of worms can cause malnutrition, diarrhea, vomiting, and overall poor health if not treated.
When should kittens be dewormed?
All kittens should be dewormed starting at 2-3 weeks of age, then every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age. After that, monthly deworming is ideal until 6 months of age. This frequent deworming schedule is important because kittens are very vulnerable to worms contracted from their mother or environment.
Some tips for deworming kittens include:
- Use a broad-spectrum dewormer safe for young kittens.
- Repeat doses are needed to fully eliminate worms.
- Weigh kittens accurately to ensure proper dosing.
- Monitor for vomiting or diarrhea after treatment.
- Bring a fecal sample to confirm the kittens are worm-free.
When should adult cats be dewormed?
For adult cats, most veterinarians recommend deworming 1-4 times per year. Here are some general guidelines:
- Indoor only cats – Deworm 1-2 times per year.
- Outdoor cats or indoor/outdoor cats – Deworm 2-4 times per year.
- Multi-cat households – Deworm 2-4 times per year.
- Hunting cats – Deworm 4 times per year.
- Adopted adult cats with unknown history – Deworm upon adoption and 2 weeks later.
deworming medication tablets
| Deworming Frequency | Cat Lifestyle |
|---|---|
| 1-2 times per year | Indoor only |
| 2-4 times per year | Outdoor or indoor/outdoor |
| 2-4 times per year | Multi-cat household |
| 4 times per year | Hunting cats |
Certain circumstances may warrant more frequent deworming, such as:
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Visible worms in vomit or feces
- Flea infestation
- Rodents in home or yard
- Prior worm infection
- Weakened immune system
- Nursing female cats
Routine deworming provides a foundation of protection, while additional doses target potential infestations before they escalate.
What is the best dewormer for cats?
There are several effective prescription and over-the-counter dewormers for cats. Common active ingredients include:
- Pyrantel pamoate – Treats roundworms and hookworms.
- Fenbendazole – Broad-spectrum dewormer that treats roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
- Praziquantel – Primary drug used to treat tapeworms.
- Selamectin – Topical medication that prevents heartworms and treats some worms.
- Milbemycin oxime – Used to treat and control hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.
Combination dewormers containing multiple active ingredients are ideal to treat a wide range of parasites with one dose. Some popular combination dewormers for cats include:
- Pyrantel pamoate/praziquantel
- Milbemycin oxime/praziquantel
- Milbemycin oxime/lufenuron – Controls fleas and worms
- Selamectin – Heartworm, flea, and some worm control
Always consult your veterinarian about the safest, most effective dewormer for your cat.
What are signs of worms in cats?
Look for these common signs of an intestinal worm infestation in cats:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Pot belly appearance
- Dull coat
- Increased appetite
- Coughing
- Colic
- Visible worms in vomit or stool
Tapeworms may also cause the cat to drag its rear along the ground or lick the area excessively. Any symptoms should prompt an earlier vet visit for deworming.
Are there risks to deworming cats?
When given according to label instructions, dewormers are very safe for cats. Possible side effects include:
- Mild gastrointestinal upset
- Lethargy
- Inappetence
- Hyperactivity in some cats after treatment
- Excessive salivation in rare cases
Contact your veterinarian if vomiting, diarrhea, or neurological side effects occur after deworming. Very rare complications include liver damage and paralysis. Overall, the benefits of routine deworming far outweigh any potential risks.
Are there alternatives to chemical dewormers?
Some owners wish to avoid chemical-based dewormers in favor of natural options. Some alternatives include:
- Pumpkin seed – Powdered pumpkin seeds can help expel worms.
- Diatomaceous earth – The sharp edges of this powder can damage worms.
- Black walnut hulls – Contains compounds that paralyze worms.
- Papaya – Enzymes may disrupt the adult worms.
- Garlic – Stimulates immunity against worms.
- Carrots – Reduces inflammation from worms.
However, there is limited evidence that these options fully eliminate an existing worm infestation. They may be helpful for mild cases or in conjunction with chemical dewormers. Consult your vet before giving any natural dewormer to your cat.
Can worms be prevented?
While completely preventing worms is difficult, you can take these proactive steps to reduce your cat’s risk:
- Routine deworming
- Prompt feces removal from litter box
- Clean up poop from yard
- Control fleas and rodents
- Don’t allow hunting of small prey
- Feed cats indoors
- Clean bowls and toys
- Bathe and groom cats regularly
Parasites need a host to survive, so proper sanitation breaks the life cycle. Keep cats indoors as much as possible and restrict their ability to roam and hunt prey. Follow your veterinarian’s deworming schedule to catch any infestations before they spread.
Conclusion
Deworming is an essential preventive care measure for cats. Kittens should be dewormed every 2 weeks up to 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months old. Adult cats typically need deworming 1-4 times per year based on risk factors like hunting and exposure to other animals. Combination prescription dewormers are ideal to treat roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with one product. While home remedies may have some effect, they don’t replace the thorough elimination of worms provided by veterinarian-prescribed dewormers. Consult your vet about establishing an appropriate deworming routine for your cat.