Cestal for cats

Cestal is a combination medication used in cats to prevent internal parasites and treat helminthic infestations. Containing two active ingredients, it is effective against roundworms and tapeworms. Ceva, the company that manufactures the medication, carefully developed its formula to ensure it is safe for animals of all breeds and ages.

Release form and differences

Cestal is produced in tablet form. The tablets are round, flat, and grayish-yellow. They have a dividing line in the middle, allowing for precise measurement of the required amount of antiparasitic medication for small pets.

A cardboard package typically contains 5 blisters of 2 tablets each. Many pharmacies sell tablets individually, so you can easily purchase the required quantity depending on your pet's weight.

A key advantage of this medication is that it requires no special storage conditions. A temperature no higher than 25˚C, a dry storage area away from direct sunlight, and a safe storage area are sufficient.

Please note: Children and pets (not only cats but also dogs) should not have access to this medicine.

Composition and principle of action

The complex antiparasitic effect is due to the active components included in the composition:

• Praziquantel. The substance is active against tapeworms. It works by increasing the permeability of cell membranes. This results in contraction of the parasites' muscles and complete paralysis, which inevitably leads to their death. Furthermore, the active ingredient promotes the destruction of helminths, which simplifies their removal from the body.
• Pyrantela embonata. The component has a negative effect on roundworms. It increases the permeability of cell membranes and disrupts nerve impulse transmission. As a result, the parasites die within a short period of time.

Both components are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. For example, pyrantel blood concentrations reach their maximum within 2-4 hours. The active ingredients are primarily excreted in the urine, and some in the feces.

The medication contains auxiliary components such as palm oil, maltodextrin, starch, and others, which impart a liver-like flavor to the medication. This allows many cats to ingest the medication on their own without being forced.

Price

Compared to others anthelmintic meansCestal is inexpensive. One tablet costs about 90-100 rubles in online pharmacies, while the price may be slightly higher in regular pharmacies. The medication can be purchased at any pet store, veterinary pharmacy, or online. A doctor's prescription is not required.

Indications for use

The instructions for use state that Cestal is prescribed for cats and male cats to treat the following helminthic infestations:

• toxocariasis;
• dipylidiosis;
• toxascariasis;
• hookworm;
• Uncinaria blight;
• diphyllobothriasis;
• trichuriasis.

The drug can also be used to prevent internal parasites. Prevention should be performed quarterly, as well as before mating and vaccination.

Features of use and dosage

The medication is administered once. According to the instructions, the dosage of Cestal for cats is calculated based on the animal's weight:

1. For kittens weighing up to 1 kg, a single dose is a quarter of a tablet.
2. If the animal's weight is between 1 and 2 kg, half a tablet will be required.
3. For pets weighing 2-4 kg, take 1 tablet.
4. If the animal weighs 4-8 kg, give 2 tablets.
5. Cats weighing over 8 kg should be fed 3 tablets at a time.

Since the medication tastes like liver, you can simply offer it to your pet to eat. If your pet refuses, you can administer the medication in the following ways:

1. Forcefully place it on the root of the tongue, lift the pet's head and stroke the neck to induce the swallowing reflex.
2. Crush the tablets into powder and then add them to dry food or canned food.
3. Dissolve the crushed medication in a small amount of water. Give the animal the resulting solution to drink. It's best to force-feed the animal using a syringe without a needle.

Before deworming, there is no need to specifically adhere to a starvation diet or give the animal laxatives the day before.

Please note! Cestal is available in two versions: for cats and for dogs. Purchase only the version intended for cats, as it contains a lower concentration of active ingredients.

Contraindications and side effects

Overall, this antiparasitic medication is considered safe and has virtually no contraindications. Contraindications should be avoided if there is a known intolerance to any of the ingredients, including a history of allergies, as there is a high risk of developing an allergic reaction. Cestal should never be given to kittens under three weeks of age. The medication can be used on weakened or pregnant animals, but only after consulting a veterinarian.

The medicine should not be given together with piperazine, as this can cause toxic poisoning of the body and serious consequences.

The instructions state that Cestal does not cause side effects and is always well tolerated by cats, even when the dosage is exceeded. In some cases, allergic reactions may occur, which may manifest as rashes, redness, and other dermatological pathologies. If an allergy to the drug is detected in an animal, it should be discontinued and an antiparasitic agent with different active ingredients should be selected.

It should be noted that the medication contains components that can cause the following side effects:

• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• nausea;
• refusal to eat or poor appetite;
• lethargy;
• apathy, etc.

If you notice one or more of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian to prescribe symptomatic treatment.

Precautionary measures

Since Cestal contains toxic components, safety precautions must be observed when handling it. People with hypersensitivity should wear rubber gloves to prevent adverse reactions. If an allergic reaction occurs, consult a doctor and bring the original packaging with you.

If the tablets accidentally enter the human body, you need to flush the stomach and seek medical help.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the antiparasitic drug include:

• convenient release form;
• good taste (as claimed by the manufacturer);
• Suitable for use on adult pets and kittens (from 3 weeks);
• ease of dosage and administration;
• high efficiency;
• availability in pharmacies;
• failure to comply with special storage conditions;
• broad spectrum action.

The drug also has its disadvantages:

• if used incorrectly, it may cause allergic reactions and gastrointestinal problems;
• risk of overdose when used in combination with other antiparasitic agents.

Owner reviews

Margarita, owner of a British cat:

"We bought Cestal at the pet store on the advice of the saleswomen. They assured us they were buying it for their pets. At first, I mixed the medication with Lada's favorite food, but she absolutely refused it. Apparently, she smelled liver. We had to force it onto the back of her tongue. It's an unpleasant procedure for us, but it's bearable once every 3-4 months. The medication works, and that's the main thing!"

Anastasia, owner of a 4-year-old cat:

"I usually use Melbamax for deworming, but this time it was out of stock. We chose Cestal as an alternative, which we later deeply regretted. Our cat was hospitalized with poisoning. He was on IVs, and we were barely able to recover, even though I administered the medication according to the instructions. I cannot recommend this medication to other cat owners."

Maria, mistress of Cymric:

"When my cat was diagnosed with worms, the doctor prescribed Cestal. He refused to eat the tablets, even when mixed with his food. We decided to crush them into a powder and dissolve them in water, but after doing so, I was left with a severe chemical burn on my hands. We got rid of the parasites, but I don't give this strong medication to my cat as a preventative measure."

Veterinarian Reviews

Dmitry, veterinarian:

"Cestal is a good antiparasitic medication. And although the manufacturer claims it doesn't cause side effects, this can be denied. We once had a kitten with severe medication poisoning. We couldn't save it. The owners miscalculated the dosage, and the animal's body couldn't cope."

Olga, a veterinarian with 5 years of experience:

"I believe pets should be dewormed regularly, and Cestal is well suited for this purpose. Its main advantage is that it kills both roundworms and tapeworms. Unfortunately, side effects sometimes occur, as with other anthelmintics. Remember that you are giving your pet poison, even if it's in small quantities. Follow the recommended dosage!"

Read also:

• Praziquantel for cats
• Prazitel suspension for cats and kittens
• Stop-Cystitis for Cats: A Product Review