The Best Dewormers For Cats in 2022

Specific symptoms depend on the type of worm infestation your cat is experiencing. Roundworm is the most common type to affect cats, accounting for up to 75% of feline infestations. Other common worms to affect your kit are tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms and the main symptoms of any worm infestation in your cat include:

• Weight loss: You may notice despite them clearing their food bowl, your cat is starting to lose some weight. Weight loss for no apparent reason should always be checked out by your vet.
• Changes in their bowel habits: A worm infestation can upset the delicate balance of your kit’s intestines, leading to diarrhea or dark, tarry stools. Constipation can also be present.
• A bloated belly: A distended stomach that makes your cat’s tummy look and feel bloated can also be a sign of worms.
• Lethargy: Worms can also have an impact on your feline’s energy levels and so, if they appear less active than usual and are not interested in their food or what’s going on around them, worms could be the cause.
• Anus irritation: Cat worms can cause itching and discomfort in their anus area so look out for signs of irritation, including licking, scratching and dragging their butt across the floor.
• Visible traces: You may well see traces of a worm infestation in your cat’s poop as well as around their anus and even in their bedding. Worms are usually white in color and typically look like small grains.

You may also like our articles on Probiotics for Cats and Vitamins For Cats.

If you suspect your cat has worms or want to prevent worms taking hold, then you need to get the best cat dewormer for the job. Here are the main features to look out for:

• The type of worm infestation

You'll need to match your cat wormer to the type of worms affecting your kit - the most common types of worms are roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Roundworms are mostly found through your cat eating infected rodents or feces while tapeworms are passed on through fleas, so it's important to choose the appropriate medication.  Or opt for a broad spectrum dewormer that can tackle the main types of worm infestations.

• Formulated for your cat

The age or weight of your kit also needs to be taken into account when choosing the right dewormer. Some worm medicine for cats isn't suitable for kittens as their systems are more sensitive, while senior cats may have underlying medical conditions which could dictate which wormers are safe to use. Body weight of your cat, especially if they're small and young should also be taken into consideration. And dewormers shouldn’t be given to pregnant or nursing cats unless prescribed by your vet. Always seek advice if you are unsure.

• Ease of use

Cats are notoriously fussy and so you need a dewormer that's quick and easy to administer. Worming products for cats usually come in liquid or tablet form and you should match the type of medicine to your cat’s preferences.

• Natural ingredients

Some dewormers are made from all-natural ingredients. However, these dewormers tend to be more broad-spectrum dewormers rather than a specific worm formulation. Your veterinary professional can advise as to what are the best products if you prefer to go down the natural dewormer for cats route.

Whether you choose an oral or topical dewormer, it is essential you get the right medication that will eradicate and prevent the type of worm affecting your cat. Here’s the lowdown on the main types of dewormers available:

• For tapeworms

Praziquantel (available over the counter) and epsiprantel (on prescription) are the two most common types of tapeworm treatment for cats. These dewormers effectively starve the tapeworm by inhibiting its ability to digest essential nutrients. There are few side effects associated with Praziquantel, although your kit may experience short-term salivation or diarrhea.

• For roundworms and hookworms

The main cat wormer for these two types of worms is pyrantel pamoate which works by paralyzing the little critters, causing them to drop off your kit’s intestinal wall so that they can be eliminated from your pet’s system via their poop. Piperazine is another medication that can be used for roundworms although you need to ensure the correct dose, otherwise, it can cause nausea.

• Broad spectrum dewormers

These types of worm meds for cats are a good option if you're not sure what type of worm is affecting your pet and contain a mix of both praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate to kill the most common worm infestations.

Getting ahead of the game as well as understanding how your kit can pick up the various types of worm infestations will go a long way in keeping your puss worm-free. Here are the main steps you can take to prevent worms from getting hold of your cat:

• Be rigorous about hygiene – disinfect their water and food bowls regularly with pet-safe cleaners, and regularly change their bedding and litterbox
• Check your outside space for signs of other animal feces – especially rodents - and remove
• Ensure your cat is regularly de-flea'd to reduce the risk of tapeworm
• Know the signs of worms in your cat and seek veterinary advice and appropriate worming treatment
• Maintain a regular worming program for your cat, alongside their regular flea treatment. For more options, check out our detailed review of flea treatments for cats.

Our review’s top pick is the fast-acting three-tablet pack Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer for Cats. One of the best cat dewormers, each tablet contains 23mg of praziquantel which quickly gets to work clearing your pet of the most common forms of tapeworm. Simply crush one of these Bayer tapeworm tablets into their food or administer whole and keep those unwanted parasites at bay. As our best dewormer for cats, they can also be used on younger kits from the age of six weeks.