Anthelmintics for cats

Deworming cats should be done not only when parasites are detected but also to prevent them from occurring. Some owners mistakenly believe that deworming should only be done on pets that go outside, but parasites can enter the animal's body through household members' clothing or shoes, food, water, and other sources. Regular deworming is essential for a pet's health, but only if the right product is chosen.

Pharmacies offer a huge selection of medications, varying in dosage forms, composition, and other features. This can sometimes make choosing the right one challenging for pet owners. Let's look at the most popular medications, approved by veterinarians and pet owners.

Pills

Among the anthelmintics in tablet form, the following medications are popular:

• Milbemax. A combination product containing praziquantel and milbemycin oxime is considered one of the best deworming medications for cats. It is available in two versions: for large cats, kittens, and small cats. It is suitable for both treatment and prevention. It can be used for animals weighing over 0.5 kg. The price of a two-tablet package ranges from 300 to 480 rubles, depending on the intended use.
  Read more: Melbimax for cats
• Drontal. The German company Bayer has developed an antihelminthic medication based on two active ingredients: praziquantel and pyrenthal embonate. Their combined action ensures high efficacy. This medication can be used to kill roundworms and tapeworms, as well as prevent their recurrence. The medication's main advantage is that it promotes the elimination of parasites from the animal's body. There is no need to administer a laxative. The dosage is simple: 1 tablet per 4 kg of body weight. A pack of two Drontal tablets costs approximately 300 rubles.
  Read more: Drontal for cats

• Caniquantel. This supplements the list of highly effective and safe imported anthelmintics. The combination of praziquantel and fenbendazole is effective against nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes. A single tablet is enough to eliminate internal parasites. It is also suitable for prevention. A pack of 12 or 24 tablets is quite expensive. Many pharmacies sell the tablets individually, for 60-70 rubles each. One tablet is usually sufficient for a single anthelmintic, as it covers 10 kg of body weight.
  Read more: Caniquantel for cats
• Febtal. Febtal is the most popular domestic anthelmintic. It was developed by the Russian company Agrovetzashchita. This fenbendazole-based medication has a pleasant aroma for cats, so they often eat it without being forced. Compared to imported products, Febtal is inexpensive—a pack of 6 tablets costs 125-140 rubles.

Some manufacturers add various flavorings to the tablets to encourage pets to eat them without coercion. Sometimes owners manage to hide the medication in their pet's food, but in most cases, they have to place it on the back of their tongue.

Please note! Anthelmintics should be administered in the morning, preferably half an hour before feeding.

Pastes and suspensions

Anthelmintic medications in paste and suspension form are often used for kittens. They initially contain a lower concentration of active ingredients, making them safer for young, immature animals. Some medications are approved for use from 2-3 weeks of age. These anthelmintic medications can also be used for cats before vaccinations.

The most popular pastes and suspensions include:

• Prazicide. Api-San, a well-known Russian company, produces this suspension in two versions—for kittens and cats. It has a pleasant taste for animals. It kills various types of worms at all stages of development, as it contains praziquantel, pyrantel, and febantel. The dosage is calculated based on the weight and concentration of the active ingredients. Bottles of various capacities are available, from 5 to 10 ml. Prices start at 130 rubles.
  Read more: Praziquantel for cats
• Prazitel. This supplements the list of broad-spectrum anthelmintics used for cats. Suitable for animals aged 3 weeks and older. It is versatile and can be used for both treatment and prevention. Its action is due to a combination of praziquantel and pyrantel. A 15-milliliter bottle starts at 110 rubles.
  Read more: Prazitel for cats

• Dironet. Two suspensions with different compositions have been developed for adult animals and kittens. This product has a broad spectrum of action, making it suitable for the prevention and treatment of helminthic infestations of any complexity at all stages of development. A 15 ml bottle of salmon-flavored suspension starts at 160 rubles.
  Read more: Dironet for cats
• Dirofen. Available in several different variations, it's easy to choose the best option for your pet based on their age, weight, and specific needs. The paste is packaged in polymer syringes of varying capacities, making it easy to dispense. The suspension is packaged in bottles and comes with a dosing syringe. What makes this paste special is its pumpkin seed oil, which has a deworming effect while being gentle on the animal. It's designed for cats and kittens. Price: from 145 rubles.
  Read more: Dirofen for cats

External drops

Topical anthelmintics in the form of drops are very convenient to use. These deworming medications are applied to the withers of cats. There's no need to force tablets into the animal or squeeze a suspension out of a syringe, yet they are just as effective. The active ingredients easily penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, where they are then distributed throughout the body.

The most commonly used drops for cats are:

• Stronghold. This selamectin-based medication kills external parasites and roundworms. It's available in pipettes of varying sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit. Each pipette costs 220-340 rubles, depending on the size.
  Read more: Stronghold for cats
• Inspector Total. Neck drops containing fipronil and moxidectin effectively combat ticks, fleas, lice, and hookworms. Suitable for both preventative and therapeutic use. Each dropper costs 350-390 rubles, depending on the weight.
  Read more: Inspector Total for cats
• Profender. The best anthelmintic in drop form, as it targets both roundworms and tapeworms, unlike previous medications. It's easy to use and dose, as it comes in pipettes of various sizes. Price: 320-450 rubles per pipette.
  Read more: Profender for cats

Please note! Inspector and Stronghold drops are not suitable for preventing helminthic infestations, as they only affect roundworms. In this case, you will need to administer tablets or a suspension in addition.

In addition to the above-mentioned dosage forms, Poliverkan sugar cubes can be used for deworming. Dogs eat them directly from the hand, but for cats, a medicinal solution is prepared. The cubes are dissolved in water, and then the animal is given the resulting mixture using a needle-less syringe.

Owner reviews

Maria, owner of a British cat:

"I noticed my cat had become lethargic and her appetite had decreased. After testing, they found Toxocara. The doctor prescribed Profender. I was surprised that the drops were supposed to be applied topically, not internally, but I followed the instructions. The next day, I saw worms in her stool, even though I'd been regularly giving her antiparasitic tablets. Within a few days, Muska began to return to her normal routine. A month later, we repeated the procedure and tested her again—no worms were found. It's a good and easy-to-use product."

Andrey, Persian cat breeder:

"We regularly use Milbemax for adult animals and kittens. We've never noticed any side effects, although I've seen negative reviews online. I think in such cases, people are buying counterfeits. The medication isn't cheap. I usually buy from the same pharmacy, so I'm confident in the quality and safety of the product."

Veterinarian Reviews

Diana, a veterinarian with 7 years of experience:

"In most cases, I recommend owners use Milbemax, Drontal, or Caniquantel. Experience shows that imported medications are less likely to cause side effects. Yes, they are more expensive, but it's not worth skimping on your pet's health. Dirofen paste, a domestic brand, is a good choice for kittens."