Deworming tablets for cats

A loving and attentive cat owner understands the need to care for their pet's health, as the list of diseases to which they are susceptible is quite long. One of the most common ailments in cats is helminthiasis, or simply worm infestation. In this article, we'll discuss anthelmintic We'll discuss the different deworming pills for cats, list the most popular ones, and share reviews.

Symptoms of this disease don't appear immediately, especially in adult animals. However, the parasites have a devastating effect on the animal, undermining its health, damaging the immune system, and poisoning it with toxins. Furthermore, there's a risk of infecting the owner themselves. When a cat lives with children, it's impossible to protect them from contact with it, as children love to cuddle the furry creature. Humans can also transmit helminths (worms) from cats, as many species are common to both humans and animals.

Many owners are seriously mistaken in thinking that their pets don't need deworming tablets for cats. They say that because their pets are indoors and don't go outside, they can't become infected with these parasites. Unfortunately, this isn't true.

Worm eggs can be found in grass, soil, raw fish, or meat; even fleas carry helminths. Therefore, owners can bring them home on shoes or clothing, and even a flea, fly, or mouse caught and eaten by a cat can become a source of infection.

Is there a difference between the drugs?

The selection of deworming tablets available at veterinary pharmacies and pet stores is so wide these days that choosing the right deworming medication can be a daunting task. Let's try to determine the differences between deworming tablets for cats, other than just the name.

First of all, it's important to understand that helminthiasis is a group of diseases caused by different types of worms. Three types of helminths are most common in cats: cestodes (tapeworms), trematodes (flatworms), and nematodes (roundworms). Different anthelmintics contain different active ingredients (praziquantel, piperazine, milbemycin oxime, pyrantel). Each of these is effective only against specific types of worms, and therefore, they are divided into:

• anticestodes;
• antitrematodal;
• antinematodes.

Also, all these substances have different effects on helminths. Based on their mode of action, they can be divided into the following types:

• depress the nervous system of the worm, exhibiting a narcotic effect;
• destroy the parasite's shell, thereby leading to its paralysis and death;
• have only a paralytic effect on tissues and muscle fibers;
• disrupt the metabolism of the parasitic organism;

Effective and popular remedies for worms

A detailed review of the instructions for various anthelmintic medications reveals two categories of deworming tablets for cats: the former contain only one active ingredient and can only treat one type of parasite. The latter contain two components that effectively combat multiple types of worms. These are called complex or broad-spectrum medications.

The second group of medications is quite extensive and generally produces the same results after use. Among them, we highlight deworming tablets for cats, which have received the most positive reviews:

• Drontal;
• Pratel;
• Milbemax;
• Caniquantel;
• Febtal;
• Dirofen;
• Polyvercan (sugar cubes);

In addition, for ease of use and dosage, anthelmintic drugs are produced in the form of a suspension (prazitel, dirofen, prazicide), as well as in the form of drops on the withers (profender, inspector, advocate) and paste.

So, here is a list of deworming tablets with names and reviews of each.

Drontal

It's no coincidence that Drontal topped the list—it's a deworming tablet for cats, and the one with the most reviews. According to reviews, the quality and effectiveness of this German-made product are beyond doubt. Its main ingredients are pyrantel and praziquantel, which are lethal against roundworms and tapeworms. One tablet is suitable for an adult cat weighing 4 kg.

It's best to give the tablet to your pet in the morning, before meals. Feeding can be done after 1-1.5 hours. If your pet absolutely refuses the tablet, you can crush it, mix it with a small amount of water, and administer it to your cat using a syringe (no needle required!). You can also crush the tablet and mix it with a small amount of your cat's favorite food.

Contraindicated for kittens under three weeks of age and pregnant cats. Otherwise, if the instructions are followed, it does not cause side effects or adverse reactions. The exception is situations where the pet has an individual intolerance to any of the ingredients.

Milbemax

Milbemax, a complex anthelmintic, is worth considering. This medication has a unique composition: in addition to praziquantel, it contains milbemycin oxime. This chemical is destructive to intestinal roundworms, as well as heartworms (which parasitize the heart and blood vessels). It is equally effective against both adult parasites and their larvae.

It is available in two forms: for kittens and adult cats. Contraindications include: cats under 6 weeks of age, pregnant cats, and cats weighing less than 0.5 kg. Reviews of these deworming tablets for cats are generally positive. Positive results are achieved even after a single use.

Dirofen

Available in tablet, suspension, and paste form. The suspension is especially convenient for determining the correct dosage for kittens—it comes with a dosing syringe. The paste and suspension also contain pumpkin seed oil, which promotes intestinal recovery after parasite damage.

Dirofen is a combination medication for the treatment and prevention of cestode and nematode infections in adult cats and kittens. The active ingredients are praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate, and in tablets, fenbendazole and pyrantel pamoate.

The drug has proven itself as a fast-acting and effective remedy for deworming of animals.

Prices for deworming medications for cats

Based on the current market for veterinary drugs for animals, we can derive the following average prices for the most popular anthelmintic drugs:

• Drontal – cost of 1 tablet is 60-75 rubles;
• Pratel – from 30 to 40 rubles per tablet;
• Milbemax – blister (2 tablets) about 400 rubles;
• Caniquantel – one tablet from 55 to 70 rubles;
• Febtal – 18-25 rubles per tablet;
• Dirofen - the price of 1 tablet is 20-30 rubles, paste - about 120 rubles, suspension - 135 rubles;
• Poliverkan (sugar cubes) – price of 1 cube is 35-45 rubles;

Preventative deworming of cats should be performed regularly, at three-month intervals. Also, be sure to administer a deworming medication 10-14 days before vaccinations and before mating. To avoid any side effects, consult your veterinarian first and strictly follow the instructions on the medication.

How to give a cat a deworming pill?

For those who have never given a cat a pill, here's a very helpful video on how to give a cat a deworming pill.

Read also:

• Anthelmintics for cats