Over-the-Counter Worm Treatment for Cats

The onset of worm infestations in cats occurs for a variety of reasons, but is commonly associated with the cat coming into contact or eating flea eggs or larvae. When you notice that your cat has worms, it is important to find out what type of worm is causing the infestation, since different over-the-counter medications are intended for treating a particular type of worm.

  1. Warning

    • It is always best to consult your veterinarian before giving your cat over-the-counter deworming medication. Your vet can test your cat's stool or vomit to see what kind of worm is responsible for the infestation, and can give you the correct medication to treat the worms. Your vet may also be able to recommend a safe over-the-counter product to use that will be effective for what your cat has.

    Types

    • The three main types of cat worms are tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms. According to Vet Info, the only FDA-approved cat deworming medication for tapeworms that is available over-the-counter is Praziquantel, which is also known as tapeworm tabs. Other over-the-counter medications are recommended for other types of worm infestations, such as Piperazine paste for roundworms and heartworm medications for hookworms.

    General OTC Treatment

    • If you are unsure about the type of worms that your cat has, but want to get your feline started on treatment right away, you can look for a general over-the-counter medication that treats a variety of worms. Some of the medications contain the ingredient Praziquantel, which might make you feel more comfortable about giving your pet something over-the-counter.

    Use

    • Always use over-the-counter medication exactly as directed.Carefully read the instructions that come with the medication. Examples of directions include knowing how large a dose to give to your cat. Your cat's age or body weight may determine whether to give a whole dose or a half dose. The package also provides owners with information on symptoms to look for in case of adverse reactions to the medication.

    Function

    • Over-the-counter deworming medication for cats works by killing the worms and forcing them out of the cat's body through elimination. The process takes one to two days, but deworming treatment can also be used preventatively throughout the year.