Cat Wormer Side Effects

A worm infestation in your cat can lead to serious health problems, so it is important to take care of this condition as soon as possible. Wormers are available to kill he worms, but they may cause side effects. Work with your veterinarian to keep your cat healthy and free of parasites.

  1. Parasites

    • Cats can develop a wide variety of internal parasites, such as roundworms and tapeworms. Cats that hunt or have fleas or ticks are more likely to get worms. Your veterinarian can perform a fecal exam to check for the presence of worms.

    Wormers

    • A wormer is a product that, in most cases, is given orally and kills internal parasites. There are different types that target different types of worms and focus on different stages of worm development. Many are available over the counter.

    Side Effects

    • Your cat may experience diarrhea or vomiting and may become drowsy; it may salivate excessively or lose its appetite. If an injectable wormer is administered by your veterinarian, the injection site may show side effects, such as hair loss.

    Dangers

    • Not all cats are good candidates for worming, especially without veterinary supervision. Do not worm your cat if it is weak or in poor health, and talk to your veterinarian before worming a cat with any kidney problems or if your cat is pregnant.

    Veterinary Supervision

    • It is a good idea to involve your veterinarian in your worming regimen. Not all wormers kill all worms, so your cat may not be getting the necessary treatment. Talk to your vet to determine the best type of wormer for your cat and how often it should be wormed.