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I know your quest for the best over the counter cat dewormer brought you to this page. Not to worry, we have the best selection for you.
A good cat wormer should be tailored to particularly target the type of worms your cat is dealing with. In many cases, a single active ingredient is enough to tackle two or more worm types.
The best cat dewormer is Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer for its fast acting, reliable ingredients.
There are plenty of ways for cats to contract parasites variety of intestinal parasites throughout their life. These parasites are known as worms, and your cat can catch them anywhere. Thankfully there are plenty of ways to treat them.
We looked over dozens of cat dewormers to be able to present you with the very best of these products. We took into account the worms, the ingredients, scope of treatment, customer reviews, Amazon ratings, personal ratings and many other features that you may find useful when trying to find the best cat dewormer. After conducting our research, we’ve identified 5 of the top-rated cat dewormers you can buy for your feline friend.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the other best cat dewormer for all worms and the worms they’re most effective against.
Here’s our big winner Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer, a safe and efficient way of combating tapeworms that you and your cat is going to love.
We soon realized that Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer stands out from the rest when it comes to accuracy, taste and efficiency in fighting parasites. This cat dewormer really combats tapeworms in a short time (ridding your feline of them) span while causing no side effects. It takes the form of pills which can be easily given by mouth or mixed with food.
Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer
Fleas are the primary cause of tapeworms in cats, so it’s not a strange thing for cats to become tape worm infestations after experience with fleas.
If your cute cat is suffering from the same problems, Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer will help you resolve them. This dewormer effectively fights against tapeworm infections and it can be used on cats over 6 weeks of age. It comes in the form of pills which can be mixed with food, crumbled or taken directly by mouth.
Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer is available without a prescription. According to reviews, it easily dissolves in water, works fast, and has or causes any side effects.
Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer Key Features:
- Very effective against common tapeworms removal
- Works fast
- No side effects
- Can be used on cats over 6 weeks of age
- Pills can be mixed with food or taken by mouth
- Available without a prescription
Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer
A multi-functional dewormer that safely eradicates different intestinal infections within a short period of time and without causing side effects. This is another good one we recommend on our list of best cat dewormer for all worms.
Although slightly priced, this product provides multiple treatments supported by great results reported by the users. Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer comes at a price of more than $100 and it provides treatment for hookworms, roundworms and tapeworm. It’s suitable for kittens and cats over 1 month of age and 1.5 pounds. The recommended dosage is one tablet per 4-8 lbs.
Bayer tapeworm dewormer one pack contains 50 tablets which can be easily crumbled. Each tablet contains 18.2 mg praziquantel and 72.6 mg pyrantel base as pyrantel pamoate, which are known to effectively combat worm infections.
According to experience and review shared, the results can be gotten shortly after the consummation, and there are no side effects.
Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer Key Features:
- Immediate Effect
- Provides treatment for roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms
- Each pack contains 50 tablets
- Suitable for cats and kittens over 1 month of age and 1.5 pounds
- The recommended dosage is one tablet per 4-8 lbs
- No side effects
Who Should Buy a Cat Dewormer?
Because infectious worm larvae can be found everywhere, cats are normally exposed to these cermins. If your cat likes to stay outdoor and loves to hunt and eat rodents, it’s most likely they will catch some sort of intestinal infection at some point in their life.
Generally, cats are prone to worm infections through grooming sessions.
At all times, keep their litter boxes clean and take them to the vet on a regular basis for a physical and fecal exam to prevent any possible infections.
If you notice your cat is suffering from loss of appetite, diarrhea, or is vomiting, it’s really important to consult the vet.
They will run checks, and if your cat is infected, they will provide the purfect treatment based on the types of worms and degree of infestation.
There are lots of dewormers for cats that are effective when kt comes to comabting various kinds of worms and safe for your cat’s health, so the vet will be able to recommend you with the best one, depending on your diagnosis.
Here’s our most loved OTC Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer, a safe and efficient way of combating tapeworms that your cat is going to love.
Important Features to Consider Before Selecting a Cat Dewormer
A cat dewormer should do a couple of things well. Here’s what to consider when shopping for the best over the counter cat dewormer for your feline friend:
Type of worms
Cats can get infected with one or almost all types of worms, and the common ones include tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms. Tapeworms are mostly passed via flea infestations. Roundworms are common after ingesting infected fleas or eating rodent tissue, while hookworms can reach your cat’s body either through skin contact or ingestion. There are dewormers that are specially formulated to remove a specific type of worms, while there are also broad-spectrum medications that are suitable for various types of infections.
Age
When choosing the right dewormer, it’s important to be sure that the medication is suitable for your cat age range. For example, there are dewormers which aren’t safe to be used on kittens, as they are younger and more sensitive than adult cats, so the medication’s formula can and will cause more damage than relief. Make sure that the dewormer is appropriate for your cat’s age before you pay for it.
Natural ingredients
There are dewormers that are formulated with all-natural ingredients and without toxic substances that can put your pet’s health in danger. These products are often broad-spectrum medications that can treat different infections and can also be used as means of prevention. These dewormers have a mild structure that allows frequent use and is not meant to cause any negative side effects. However, it’s always best to consult the vet before making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cat dewormer and how does it work?
A cat dewormer is a type of medication that is used for treating intestinal infections in cats, which are also known as worms.
More than one worm type exists, and there are different dewormers that are designed to treat them. Dewormers can be specially formulated to fight off one or all type fo worms, such as tape, round worms etc.
There are also all-natural dewormers that contain only natural substances that are suitable for combating many types of worms and can also prevent current or future infections.
Dewormers are often administered by mouth and are either in the form of liquid or pills that can be mixed with food. The dosage depends on the type of worm, cat’s age, weight, and the degree of infestation, and it will be prescribed by your vet. The medications are formulated to attack worms at different points in their life and they most often remove the worms by flushing them out of your cat’s body through passing of feces.
How do you know if your cat has a parasite?
Generally, the most common symptoms of intestinal infections involve vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and loss of weight.
Tapeworms usually cause mild symptoms, while roundworms and hookworms if not treated on time can make your cat seriously ill or even cause anemia.
At times, infected cats may not display any symptoms at all, that’s why frequent physical and fecal exams are necessary. If the tests come back positive, the vet will treat the cat even if they don’t have symptoms.
What does it look like when a cat has worms?
Worm intestinal infections in cats can become evident when your cat losses weight and food appetite because the worms take away all nutrients derived from the food your cat eats.
Hookworms can cause anemia as they feed on your cat’s blood by latching themselves to the lining of the intestines. Other symptoms that worms may cause are diarrhea and vomiting.
The most common type of worms are roundworms, which can grow to be 5 inches long and which produce eggs that the cat eliminates through feces. Hookworms are half-inch long threads that can be seen in your cat’s feces. When the worms produce eggs that are eliminated through feces, it may take several weeks before they become infective, so if you are meticulous when it comes to cleaning the litter box, you may prevent re-infestation.
Tapeworms look like grains of rice and can often be seen on the fur around the cat’s rear end. Also, infestation of fleas is a clear sign that your cat may be suffering from tapeworms as well.
How many times does a cat need to be dewormed?
Regardless of whether your cat is indoor or outdoor, it’s a good idea to bring a fecal sample to the vet once or twice a year to be checked for parasites. Also, if there are fleas present, they are likely to pass on tapeworms, and if the fleas are untreated, they could constantly cause re-infestation of these parasites.
A deadly infestation of these things can lead to death. You can use monthly applications of a quality and safe flea product to help prevent fleas and some intestinal infections. If you’re in doubt, you can always consult the vet.
Other Best OTC Cat Dewormers We Reviewed
Aside the top selection we recommended above, we also looked at other cat dewormers. Even though they weren’t listed in our top cat dewormers, they’re still among the best products we reviewed, and each of them is still a great option for your cat. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Chlorhexidine Wipes for Dogs + Cats
Although Chlorhexidine wipes are mainly designed to heal bacterial skin infections, soothe hot spots and skin irritation, and treat urinary tract infections, they are also effective when it comes to treating ringworms in dogs and cats.
These are anti-fungal and anti-bacterial wipes without alcohol and with aloe and Vitamin E that are suitable for sensitive skin and places that are hard to reach.
Key Features:
- Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal wipes
- Treat ringworms in dogs and cats
- No alcohol
Proviable DC for Cats and Dogs
Proviable DC is a health supplement that helps restore healthy intestinal balance in dogs and cats. It comes with multiple species and billions of beneficial microorganisms. It’s suitable for long-term use as health support or short-term use during intestinal imbalance.
Proviable DC Key Features:
- Contains various species and billions of beneficial microrganisms
- Helps restore healthy intestinal balance in cats and dogs
- A pack of 80 capsules
- Suitable for short-term use during intestinal imbalance or long-term use as health support
Pro Plan Veterinary Diets is a nutritional supplement designed to help your cat maintain a healthy intestinal flora. You can use it as a tool for the prevention of intestinal infections. It’s an effective probiotic with a pleasant taste that can be easily sprinkled on food.
Key Features:
- Can be sprinkled on food
- Nutritional probiotic and supplement designed to help maintain a healthy intestinal flora
- Pleasant taste
- Pack of 30 sachets
Pyrantel Pamoate Suspension
Generic dewormer contains pyrantel pamoate, a medication that safely gets rid of worm infections by paralyzing worms so that their body can eliminate them naturally in the stool. It treats mature infections of roundowrms, strongyles, and pinworms in cats, dogs, and horses. It’s available in 16-ounce.
Key Features:
- Available in 16-ounce
- Contains pyrantel pamoate that safely removes worms
- Treats mature infections of strongyles, pinworms and roundworms in dogs, cats and horses
Vectra for Cats & Kittens Under 9 Lbs
Vectra is a topical treatment that eliminates fleas that may transmit diseases including bartonellosis, tapeworms, and tularemia or cause dermatitis. It kills fleas in 6 hours and it prevents re-infestation. It’s a good choice for the prevention of tapeworms, as they are mostly transmitted through flea infestation.
Key Features:
- Eradicates fleas that can transmit diseases, including tapeworms
- Kills fleas in 6 hours and is a topical treatment
- Prevents fleas/worms re-infestation
- Suitable for cats over 8 weeks of age and under 9 lbs
Cat Dewormers for Roundworms
Durvet WormEze Liquid Canine & Feline Antihelmintic
Durvet dewormer controls and eliminates roundworms in cats and dogs. It’s safe to be used on kittens and puppies over 6 weeks of age. It has a pleasant taste and it can be added to pet’s food or water. It’s available in 8-ounce.
Key Features:
- Controls and eliminates roundworms in cats and dogs
- Safe for kittens and puppies over 6 weeks of age
- Pleasant taste
- Can be added to pet’s food or water
- Available in 8-ounce
HARTZ UltraGuard Rid Worm Liquid for Cats
Hartz liquid dewormer has a mild formula that eradicates roundworms from kittens and cats.
Note: It should not be used on kittens under 8 weeks of age. It should be stored in dry, cool places with temperatures under 86°F.
Key Features:
- Avoid temperatures above 86°F
- Not to be used for young cats under 8 weeks of age
- Mild formula that eliminates roundworms in cats and kittens
- Store in dry, cool places
Peak Marketing Pet Wormer Gel
Like any dewormer for cats home remedy, the Peak gel dewormer efficiently removes roundworms in dogs and cats.
It’s safe for kittens and puppies over 6 weeks of age. It can be mixed with food or applied directly into the pet’s mouth. It’s available in 4-ounce.
Key Features:
- Available in 4-ounce
- Removes efficiently roundworms in dogs and cats
- Safe for puppies and kittens over 6 weeks of age
- Can be either mixed with food or applied directly into pet’s mouth
PetArmor 12 Count Worm-Away Caps
PetArmor capsules contain a vet-recommended formula that kicks out large roundworms. It’s safe for cats of all ages and it can be easily mixed with food.
This is another loved best over the counter cat dewormer you’d love!
Key Features:
- Safe for cats of all age range
- Can be mixed with food
- Pack of 12 capsules
- Vet-recommended formula that eliminates large roundworms
Other FAQ Related to the best OTC cat Dewormer
What are the Symptoms of Worms in Cats?
The clinical manifestations of an intestinal worm infestation in cats depend the type of the intestinal parasite causing the infection and the location of the infection. However, they do share many common manifestations which can include the following:
- Coughing
- Constipation
- Difficulty or trouble breathing
- Loose, watery, or soft stools
- Potbellied appearance or bloated abdomen
- Stools that are colored red or with streaks of blood
- Stools with clearly visible worms or even segments of worms
- Segments of intestinal parasites seen near and around the cat’s anal area
- Vomiting or retching
- Weight loss
How to Prevent Worms in the First Place
To understand how you can protect your cat from getting infected with worms, it is important that you understand how the each worm type is transmitted in the first place. This way you know exactly what to do and what things to avoid.
Roundworms
These worms look like spaghetti noodles (My fav!). They are called Roundoworms because of their cylindrical bodies. The 2 common species known to affect cats are Toxascaris leonine and Toxocara cati.
These cat parasites can be transmitted in various ways, although the most popular is through the ingestion of the stool of feces of another cat that has roundworm infection.
Commonly, cats eat the intermediate host where the roundworms larvae temporarily reside. Examples of intermediate hosts of roundworms are rodents, birds, earthworms, and even cockroaches.
Roundworms can also be passed on to kittens by an infected mommy cat. These parasites are known to migrate to the mammary glands where they get transmitted into the breast milk and ingested by the young kitten.
Hookworms
These look just like roundworms, but are much smaller and no longer than an eighth of an inch long. The eggs of these parasites are commonly found in trees.
When another cat gets in contact with the hookworm-infested stool or steps on them, the parasite can burrow into your cat’s skin and find its way into its intestines (gross right).
Another means of contact is during grooming where your cat can accidentally ingest the eggs where it travels into the intestines where it will mature and produce eggs and more larvae. Young kittens can also be infected with hookworms if the mother cat they are nursing from is infected with Ancylostoma braziliense or any other member of the hookworm family.
Tapeworms
These worms are really easy to spot since they are easily passed in the stools more as segments than as whole worms.
Like your measuring tape that has centimeters or inches as segments of measurement, the same is true with Dipylidium caninum and other tapeworm species affecting cats. Many of these segments can break-off so you can easily find them in your cat’s feces or congregating in an area around your pet’s anus.
Cat tapeworms are transmitted by fleas which serve as both a secondary and an intermediate host for the tapeworm. If your cat ingests a tapeworm-infected flea, this will be released from the flea as soon as your cat’s digestive enzymes break down the flea. The freed parasite then latches onto the intestinal wall where it feeds, grows and grows (and then mate and reproduce).
Whipworms
The most common whipworm that can affect cats is the Trichuris serrata. They are named as such because of their whip-like appearance.
They are long and slender front and a thick and stubby back, resembling the whip and whip handle, respectively. Whipworm can be transmitted when cats ingest either water or food that has been contaminated with the parasite’s eggs. They find their way into the intestines where they grow, mature, produce eggs, and hatch them to begin another cycle.
Based on the foregoing, worm prevention in cats can include the following.
- Keep your yard and house clean. Make sure the environment your Garfield ventures in is relatively safe.
- Keep your cat indoors so that it will not come into contact with parasite-contaminated objects or feces as well as intermediate hosts of these parasites.
- If you need to handle dead intermediate hosts or cat feces, make sure to wear the appropriate safety gear such as gloves. This is important especially when cleaning your cat’s litter box.
- Regular visits to your vet office should help you keep tabs with your pet’s health. This way you can be alerted to a potential problem associated with intestinal parasitism.
The best over the counter cat dewormer will rid your pet of all worms.
Choosing the best over the counter cat dewormer is important if you do not want to suffer needlessly because of the complications of parasitic infections. More importantly, you can actually prevent these infections from ever happening.
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