About Wormers for Cats

Wormers for Roundworms

• Roundworms are long worms that look like spaghetti and live in your cat's intestine. Usually, you can't see them, but if your cat has a severe infestation, you may notice them in her vomit or stool--and you will never look at a pasta plate the same way again. The following medications are given orally to treat roundworms: Milbemycin oxime (brand name Interceptor), piperazine (sold under a variety of brand names including D-Worm Liquid and Hartz), pyrantel pamoate with praziquantel (sold as Drontal) and emodepside with praziquantel (sold as Profender). Additionally, Revolution (Selamectin) and Advantage Multi (Imidacloprid and Moxidectin) can be applied topically to treat roundworms.

Wormers for Hookworms

• Hookworms are not visible to the naked eye, but their eggs can be detected via a microscopic examination of your cat's feces. Hookworms can be treated with many of the same products used to treat roundworm, but not all products that work for roundworm will kill hookworms. Should your cat have hookworms, your vet will probably recommend one of the following wormers: Ivermectin (sold as Heartguard), Interceptor, Revolution or Advantage Multi.

Wormers for Heartworms

• Heartworms are more common in dogs, but they can also infect cats. It only takes one infected mosquito to introduce heartworms into your cat's bloodstream. Heartworm infection is not something you want to have treated--it's something you want to prevent. With a clean heartworm test, your vet can prescribe a wormer to prevent heartworms. The most commonly used heartworm preventatives are Heartguard, Interceptor, Revolution and Advantage Multi.

Wormers for Tapeworms

• Tapeworms are spread by fleas. If your dog has tapeworms, you may notice what appear to be grains of rice in his stool or in his fur. These "grains" are the bottom, egg-containing segments of the tapeworm. You may notice them squirming for a short period of time after they exit your dog, but most of the worm is still in your dog's intestine. Tapeworms require different medications. Praziquantel (sold as Tradewinds Tape Worm Tabs and Droncit) and epsiprantel (Cestex) are the only medications available that kill tapeworms in cats. Since Drontal and Profender both contain praziquantel, they can also be used for tapeworms.

Preventing Worms in Cats

• To keep your cat healthy, preventative worming is sometimes recommended, especially if your cat goes outside or may be exposed to fleas and mosquitoes. For preventative monthly worming, it's a good idea to use a wormer that protects against as many parasites as possible. Interceptor is a good choice for an oral monthly wormer because it protects against roundworms, hookworms and heartworms. Revolution and Advantage Multi also protect against these parasites and are more convenient because they can be applied topically. However, each brand of wormer has different potential side effects and contraindications. Your vet can help you find the wormer that is best for your cat.

Treating Worms in Cats

• If your cat has a problem with worms, your vet will prescribe the appropriate wormer for the situation and provide you with a treatment plan. You should follow the plan, which may involve giving one or more doses of wormer to your cat and bringing her back for a follow-up checkup to make sure the worms are gone. Take steps to avoid reinfestation, such as removing all the litter from her litter box, washing it out with a disinfectant solution and filling it up with fresh litter. If your cat has tapeworms, treating your cat, your house and your yard for fleas can help reduce the chance of re-infestation.

Precautions

• All medications, even over-the-counter wormers, can have side effects. Harmful side effects are more likely if your cat has certain conditions, such as kidney disease. If you have any questions about an over-the-counter wormer, check with your vet before giving it to your cat. If your cat appears sick or exhibits unusual behavior after you give her a wormer, contact your vet for recommendations.