Top 4 Liquid Dewormer for Cats & Kittens - The Ultimate Cat Wormer
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Curious about cat deworming? Wondering when or how to use liquid dewormers at home? Seeking the best, non-prescription option for your cat's worms? These questions are common when your feline pal faces worms. A reliable dewormer clears them out and keeps them away. Affordable, safe, and effective options exist - but what's the best cat dewormer? Let's uncover that!
"It's important to see your veterinarian so they can identify what parasites are present and then prescribe the appropriate deworming medication," says Dr. Colleen Sawyer
For a quick recommendation, check out the product list or scroll down for in-depth reviews.
Best Overall: Durvet Wormeze Feline Liquid Wormer for Cats & Kittens
Best for Roundworms: Hartz UltraGuard Rid Worm Dewormer For Roundworms For Cats
Best for Tapeworms: Centragard Topical Solution for Cats
Best Natural Dewormer: HomeoPet Feline WRM Clear Cat Supplement
Durvet Wormeze Feline Liquid Wormer for Cats & Kittens
Durvet Wormeze stands out as a versatile dewormer, tackling tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms with its active ingredients: piperazine citrate, praziquantel, and anthelmintics.
While it comes with a higher price tag, many cat owners swear by its effectiveness, especially for treating multiple worm types in one go, sparing their cats from numerous medications. However, if unsure about your cat's specific worms, a vet test is crucial.
This liquid dewormer earns praise for its ease of use - simply mix it with your cat's favorite treat or administer directly. Known for minimal side effects, it's safe for kittens aged six weeks and above.
Pros:
Multipurpose Dewormer: Durvet Wormeze targets tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms, offering a broad spectrum of treatment against common cat parasites.
Versatile Use: Designed for both cats and kittens, providing a convenient solution for households with varying ages of felines.
Ease of Administration: Comes in liquid form, which can be easier to administer compared to pills for cats that resist oral medications.
Age Suitability: Suitable for cats and kittens, offering a treatment option for a wide age range.
Affordability: Generally more affordable compared to some prescription dewormers, providing accessible treatment for many cat owners.
Cons:
Limited Parasite Coverage: While effective against tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms, it might not cover other types of worms or parasites that could infect cats, requiring additional deworming products for comprehensive treatment.
Limited Flea Protection: Does not prevent or treat flea infestations, which might be a source of reinfestation for worms transmitted through fleas.
Safety and Efficacy: Over-the-counter dewormers like Durvet Wormeze may lack the extensive safety and efficacy studies seen in prescription medications.
Varied Individual Response: Cats may react differently to the product, with rare instances of adverse reactions or side effects reported.
Hartz UltraGuard Rid Worm Dewormer
Hartz UltraGuard Rid Worm Liquid, offered in a 4-fluid ounce bottle, specifically targets roundworms like Toxocara canis and Toxacaris leonia in cats and kittens aged at least 8 weeks, unless directed otherwise by a vet.
The liquid boasts a thicker consistency compared to other liquid forms, resembling syrup, allowing precise application directly into your cat's mouth. Alternatively, for finicky eaters, it easily blends into their food. Dosage stands at 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of body weight. Post initial treatment, a follow-up dose after 14 days completes the process.
Containing piperazine citrate as the active ingredient, it effectively treats roundworms but lacks efficacy against tapeworms or other types. It's essential to note that it isn't a broad-spectrum medication.
Pros:
Effective Against Specific Worms: Hartz UltraGuard Rid Worm Dewormer targets roundworms such as Toxocara canis and Toxacaris leonia, offering a specific treatment option.
Suitable for Cats and Kittens: Designed for use in both cats and kittens, making it a versatile option for households with multiple felines.
Ease of Administration: Comes in a liquid form, making it potentially easier to administer to cats who might resist traditional pill forms.
Age Suitability: Suitable for cats and kittens aged at least 8 weeks old, offering a wide range of applicability.
Availability and Affordability: Widely available and typically more affordable compared to some prescription dewormers, making it accessible to many cat owners.
Cons:
Limited Worm Coverage: Specifically formulated for roundworms, which means it might not be effective against other types of worms such as tapeworms or hookworms, necessitating the use of additional dewormers for comprehensive treatment.
Limited Flea Protection: Does not provide protection against fleas or prevent reinfestation via fleas, which might be a concern in cases where fleas are the source of worm transmission.
Safety and Efficacy: While generally considered safe, over-the-counter dewormers might lack the extensive safety and efficacy studies seen in prescription medications.
Individual Sensitivity: Cats may react differently to the product, with rare instances of adverse reactions or side effects reported.
Centragard Topical Solution for Cats
Centragard provides swift and safe relief for tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms in cats and kittens aged 7 weeks and above. It's a hassle-free option for cats averse to pills. Administer by applying the liquid to the back of your cat's neck, letting it dry. Use Centragard once for immediate treatment or monthly for ongoing protection against intestinal parasites and heartworms.
Containing eprinomectin and praziquantel, Centragard actively eliminates worms and prevents future infections. Effective against common tapeworm species (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia taeniaeformis), two hookworm species (Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Ancylostoma braziliense), one roundworm species (Toxocara cati), and heartworms.
To fully rid your cat of tapeworms, treating fleas is essential since reinfestation can occur through flea ingestion.
Pros:
Broad-Spectrum Protection: Centragard offers comprehensive protection, effectively targeting tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and heartworms in cats.
Easy Application: Administered topically by applying a liquid solution to the back of the cat's neck, making it simple and less stressful compared to oral medications.
Convenient Dosing: Can be used as a one-time treatment for current infestations or monthly for ongoing prevention against intestinal parasites and heartworms.
Active Ingredients: Contains eprinomectin and praziquantel, known for their efficacy in eliminating various types of worms and preventing future infections.
Suitable for Kittens: Safe for use in kittens aged 7 weeks and older, providing protection from an early age against a range of parasites.
Cons:
Prescription Required: Centragard is a prescription medication, requiring a veterinarian's approval, which might add to the overall cost and process.
Potential Side Effects: While generally safe, some cats might experience mild skin irritation or sensitivity at the application site, although this is uncommon.
Limited Flea Protection: While effective against worms, Centragard doesn't offer comprehensive flea protection. Additional flea control might be necessary for complete parasite prevention.
Individual Sensitivity: Cats might react differently to the solution, and while most tolerate it well, there can be rare instances of adverse reactions.
HomeoPet Feline WRM Clear Cat Supplement
This natural dewormer boasts a homeopathic recipe, featuring chemical-free, all-natural ingredients. These rapid-acting drops are FDA registered and proudly made in the USA, widely recognized as one of the top non-prescription cat dewormers available today.
Promising effectiveness against hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms, this formulation targets worm infestations while curbing egg production to minimize reinfestation risks.
HomeoPet WRM Clear comes in liquid form, offering approximately 450 drops per bottle. With an easy-to-use dropper, administration can be directly into the mouth or mixed into food or liquid.
It's important to note that this product lacks pharmaceutical active ingredients. While appealing, it lacks the established safety and efficacy of traditional dewormers. When considering natural dewormers, it's crucial to exercise caution and consult your veterinarian beforehand.
Pros:
Natural Ingredients: Formulated with all-natural ingredients, making it appealing to pet owners seeking chemical-free options.
Ease of Use: Liquid form and dropper make administration relatively straightforward, whether directly into the mouth or mixed into food or liquid.
Wide Range of Worms: Claims effectiveness against various worms like hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms, providing a broad spectrum of coverage.
FDA Registration: Being registered with the FDA adds a layer of credibility to its manufacturing standards and quality.
Cons:
Lack of Pharmaceutical Ingredients: While its natural composition appeals to many, it lacks the established efficacy and safety track record found in traditional pharmaceutical dewormers.
Limited Scientific Evidence: There might be a lack of extensive scientific evidence or studies supporting its effectiveness compared to pharmaceutical alternatives.
Vet Consultation Advised: Due to its non-traditional formulation, it's recommended to consult a veterinarian before use, especially for severe infestations or as the sole treatment method.
Varied Individual Response: Responses can differ among cats, and while some may find it effective, others might not experience the same results.
FAQs
At what age can I use liquid dewormer for cats?
Liquid dewormers can typically be used in kittens over 6 weeks old.
How effective is it in removal of large roundworms?
Liquid dewormers can effectively remove large roundworms in cats.
How often should I administer liquid dewormer to cats?
For most liquid dewormers, the usual recommendation is to administer it to cats over 6 weeks of age.
Should I get my cat checked periodically for other intestinal parasites?
Yes, it's advisable to periodically check with a veterinarian for the presence of other intestinal parasites besides worms.
How is the liquid dewormer administered to cats?
Liquid dewormer is often given orally, usually based on weight, around 1 teaspoon per 5 lbs.
Does liquid dewormer remove all stages of worms in the intestine?
Liquid dewormer usually addresses worms found in the intestine but might not remove migrating larval stages.
When should I repeat treatment with liquid dewormer for cats?
Repeat treatment with some dewormers is recommended after 10 days to ensure effective elimination of worms.
What specific worms does Wormeze™ Liquid for Cats target?
Wormeze™ Liquid for Cats is formulated to target roundworms commonly found in cats of all ages.
Can liquid dewormer be used for both cats and dogs?
Some liquid dewormers are suitable for use in both cats and dogs, but always check the specific product instructions.
What's the best tapeworm dewormer for cats?
Drontal and Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer are considered effective options for treating tapeworms in cats.
Does liquid dewormer also provide tick prevention for cats?
Liquid dewormers generally focus on eliminating worms and might not offer tick prevention for cats.
How can I keep my cat healthy?
Besides deworming, regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper tick prevention can help keep your cat healthy.