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a comprehensive guide to wormers for cats

A Comprehensive Guide to Wormers for Cats

Written by Ryan Gliozzo

Index:

Worming your cat is an essential aspect of pet care that should never be overlooked.
A cat being fed a worming tablet

Introduction

Not only can worms cause discomfort and health issues in your cat, but some types of worms can also be transmitted to humans, making regular deworming a priority for both your cat's health and your family's well-being. 

Ensuring your cat is free from worms is part of a broader approach to maintaining their health, which also includes managing potential cat ear infections, urinary infections and miliary dermatitis.

Types of cat wormers

Oral worming treatments

Oral wormers are one of the most common and effective methods for deworming cats. They come in the form of tablets, liquids or powders which can be added to your cat's food.

Spot-on wormers

These are applied directly to the skin and are especially useful for cats that are difficult to give oral medications to.

Natural deworming options

Products such as BUDDY'S BEST Natural Dewormer For Dogs & Cats are a natural, safe and effective solution for pet owners looking to manage intestinal worms without resorting to harsh chemicals. This dewormer stands out for its use of natural ingredients, making it a gentle option for your furry friend's digestive system.

It's designed to be easy to administer, requiring no special equipment or effort—simply mix it into your pet's food according to the recommended dosage. This convenience is highly appreciated by pet owners who seek a hassle-free way to ensure their pets remain worm-free.

BUDDY'S BEST Natural Dewormer is effective against a broad spectrum of worms, including roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms, catering to a wide range of pet owners' needs.

It's suitable for all life stages, from puppies and kittens to adult and senior pets, ensuring that every pet in the household can be protected using the same product.

The formulation is made with high-quality ingredients, emphasising the brand's commitment to safety and efficacy.

The product has received positive feedback for its scent, ease of dispensing, and value for money, although some customers have reported mixed results regarding its effectiveness. Overall, it represents a holistic approach to pet health, offering a natural alternative to traditional chemical dewormers. For more details, visit the product page on Amazon.co.uk.

a cat refusing to eat a worming tablet

Popular cat wormer brands and products

Drontal

Drontal Cat Wormer Tablets are a highly effective and vet-recommended solution for treating intestinal worms in cats.

Designed for convenience and efficacy, these tablets can eliminate all types of intestinal worms commonly found in UK cats, including roundworms and tapeworms. 

The tablets are formulated to be easy to swallow and can be administered with or without food, making the deworming process as stress-free as possible for both pet and owner. 

The vet strength formula ensures a fast and effective treatment, available without the need for a prescription.

The importance of regular deworming cannot be overstated, as cats with worms often show no visible signs of infection.

Left untreated, worms can lead to serious health complications for pets and potentially pose risks to human family members, especially vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women, babies, toddlers and those with compromised immune systems.

Drontal tablets are suitable for cats and kittens over 6 weeks of age, with dosing based on the cat's weight to ensure optimal effectiveness. Regular use of Drontal, as recommended by veterinary guidelines, can help keep your cat healthy and reduce the risk of worm transmission to humans, providing peace of mind to cat owners about their pet's health and their family's well-being.

For more detailed information, visit the Drontal website

Bob Martin Clear Spot-On Wormer

Bob Martin Clear Spot-On Wormer offers a convenient and effective solution for treating tapeworm infestations in cats. This product stands out for its ease of application, designed to be applied directly to the base of your cat's neck, ensuring that the treatment cannot be licked off by the cat. 

Suitable for kittens and cats over 1kg, each pipette contains 20 mg of praziquantel, a proven active ingredient effective against tapeworms. The pack includes 4 pipettes, providing a practical approach to keeping your cat worm-free.

The application process is straightforward, emphasising the product's design for external use only. 

The minimum dose rate is tailored to the cat's body weight, ensuring effective treatment with minimal stress for both the pet and the owner. The spot-on solution is absorbed into the cat's skin, offering a mess-free alternative to oral medications.

Bob Martin Clear Wormer is recommended for monthly use or as signs of tapeworm infestation reappear, highlighting the importance of regular treatment to maintain your cat's health. 

Special precautions are advised to avoid contact with your cat's eyes or mouth and to prevent recently treated animals from grooming each other.

This product is a testament to Bob Martin's commitment to providing vet-quality healthcare solutions that are accessible to pet owners, ensuring that cats remain healthy and happy. For more information, visit the Bob Martin website.

Beaphar WORMclear Spot-On

Beaphar WORMclear Spot-On for Cats, available on Amazon.co.uk, is a top-rated, vet-strength treatment aimed at eradicating tapeworms in cats within the UK. 

This product is particularly beneficial for cats that are averse to swallowing tablets, as it offers a straightforward, stress-free application process.

By simply parting the fur on the back of the cat's neck and applying the solution directly to the skin, pet owners can ensure their cats receive an effective treatment against tapeworms. 

Suitable for cats and kittens over 1kg, including those that are pregnant and nursing, Beaphar WORMclear Spot-On is celebrated for its versatility and ease of use.

Garnering a commendable 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 6,000 ratings on Amazon.co.uk, this product is distinguished by its convenience and efficacy, making it a preferred choice for pet owners seeking a reliable deworming solution.

Beaphar Worming Granules for Cats and Kittens

Another product from Beaphar that has received positive reviews on Amazon.co.uk is the Beaphar Worming Granules for Cats & Kittens. This product offers an innovative solution to the routine challenge of deworming, providing an easy-to-administer option for pet owners. 

The granules are odourless, tasteless and designed to be sprinkled over food, making the process of deworming as unobtrusive as possible.

Intended for use in cats over 6 months of age, these granules simplify the deworming process, ensuring that your pet receives their necessary treatment without stress or hassle. 

With a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars from customer reviews, Beaphar Worming Granules stand out for their effectiveness and user-friendly approach to pet healthcare.

This product exemplifies Beaphar's commitment to offering practical and accessible health solutions for pets, further cementing the brand's reputation among cat owners.

A cat eating a brown wormer pill

How often should you worm your cat?

To ensure optimal worm control and protect your cat from intestinal parasites, it's essential to implement a routine measure of worming. The frequency of treatment depends on factors such as age, lifestyle, and exposure to parasites. 

For adult cats (6 months and older), it's recommended to administer frequent treatment for worms every 1-3 months. This helps to prevent infestations and safeguard your cat's well-being.

Signs of worms in cats may not always be obvious, but common symptoms of worms include the presence of tapeworm segments in your cat's faeces, around their bottom, or in their bedding, resembling grains of rice. Weight loss can also indicate a worm infestation. For a more comprehensive guide, check out our other content so you can learn how to diagnose worms in cats.

For indoor cats, worming once or twice a year against roundworms may suffice, while outdoor cats should ideally receive treatment at least 4 times a year against roundworms, or more frequently if they have a high exposure to parasites due to hunting. Cats with fleas should also undergo treatment for tapeworms, as fleas can transmit tapeworm larvae.

When selecting an effective worming treatment, consider various options such as oral deworming tablets or spot-on treatments. Always follow the advice of your veterinarian regarding the appropriate worming frequency for your cat, as they can provide tailored recommendations based on your cat's individual needs and health status.

A ginger and white cat standing by its litter tray

Conclusion

Regular worming is crucial for maintaining your cat's health and preventing the transmission of parasites to humans. With a variety of worming options available, from oral treatments to spot-on solutions and natural alternatives, there's a suitable choice for every cat.

Always consider your cat's specific needs and lifestyle when choosing a wormer, and consult with a vet for personalised advice. Don't forget, managing your cat's overall health also involves addressing other common issues, which you can learn more about through resources on cat food allergies, cat insurance, and managing cat diarrhoea.

FAQs

Can I use dog wormers on my cat? 

No, it's important to use products specifically designed for cats to avoid potential toxicity.

Are there any side effects of cat wormers? 

While most are safe, some cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset.

How do I choose the right wormer for my cat's weight? 

Always follow the dosage instructions based on your cat's weight.

Is it safe to deworm pregnant or nursing cats? 

Consult with your vet, as some products may not be safe.

Can indoor cats get worms? 

Yes, indoor cats can still be at risk through contact with infected soil, fleas, or other pets.

Waggel Pet Insurance

Need more help? You're in luck if you're a Waggel Pet Insurance member. Along with our excellent coverage, we offer access to a 24/7 online vet to answer all your sticky questions, especially if you need grooming assistance.

Not a member? Why not get a quote now and cover your furry friend for a range of illnesses, all while enjoying our amazing perks and rewards.

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