Over-the-counter (OTC) dewormers for cats have become increasingly popular among cat owners as an easy and affordable way to keep their feline friends free of intestinal parasites. But do these dewormers actually work? Here’s a comprehensive look at OTC cat dewormers, including their effectiveness, safety, and proper usage.
What are the common intestinal parasites in cats?
Cats can become infected with several types of intestinal worms. The most common are:
- Roundworms – Roundworms are long, spaghetti-shaped worms that live in a cat’s small intestine. Kittens are often born infected with roundworms since they can pass from mother to kitten before birth. Roundworms can cause a pot-bellied appearance, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Tapeworms – Tapeworms are long, segmented flatworms that attach themselves to a cat’s small intestine. Cats become infected by ingesting fleas or small mammals infected with tapeworm larvae. Tapeworms can cause weight loss, vomiting, and irritation around a cat’s anus.
- Hookworms – Hookworms are small worms that attach themselves to the lining of a cat’s small intestine. Larvae burrow into a cat’s skin and migrate to the intestine after ingestion or penetration through the skin. Hookworms can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and anemia.
- Whipworms – Whipworms live in the cecum and colon. Eggs are ingested from contaminated soil. Whipworms can cause chronic watery diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia.
A cat may have a single type of worm or be infected with multiple types. Kittens, outdoor cats, and cats with weakened immune systems are most at risk for worms.
Are OTC cat dewormers effective?
OTC cat dewormers can be effective at controlling mild-to-moderate cases of worms. However, they have some limitations:
- Limited ingredients – Many OTC dewormers contain only one active ingredient, either pyrantel pamoate or piperazine. This means they only treat roundworms and hookworms, but not tapeworms.
- Proper dosage – OTC dewormers come in broad dosing instructions meant to cover cats of all sizes. Without an accurate weight, it’s hard to properly dose a cat.
- Repeat dosing often needed – Most OTC treatments are single doses. Since they don’t kill all life stages of worms, repeat dosing is often needed to fully eliminate an infection.
- Don’t address underlying causes – OTC treatments only kill worms already present. They don’t prevent reinfection or address things like fleas which transmit worms.
For mild cases of common worms like roundworms, OTC wormers may be sufficient. However, for heavy worm burdens, owners should have their vet accurately diagnose and treat the issue.
Are OTC cat dewormers safe?
When used correctly, OTC cat dewormers are generally safe. However, some precautions need to be taken:
- Use proper dosing – Giving too much dewormer can cause vomiting, neurological issues, and even death in extreme overdoses.
- Don’t use in pregnant/nursing cats – These dewormers have not been evaluated as safe for pregnancy/lactation and may harm unborn or nursing kittens.
- Don’t use in sick cats – Only use dewormers in healthy cats, especially not those with intestinal blockages. Killling large worm loads at once can result in GI obstruction.
- Use cat-only medication – Don’t use dog or human dewormers as the dosing can be toxic.
Owners should also be aware that there is a small risk of the worms dying off too quickly and causing intestinal upset. To minimize issues, owners should follow all label instructions carefully.
Are OTC treatments better than prescription?
There are pros and cons to both OTC and prescription cat dewormers:
| OTC Dewormers | Prescription Dewormers |
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For routine deworming or mild cases, OTC treatments may be suitable. However, prescription dewormers sold through veterinarians have key advantages:
- Broader spectrum ingredients kill more worm types
- Higher quality ingredients more thoroughly eliminate infections
- Proper dosing based on cat’s weight
- Vet monitoring for follow up and retesting
For cats at high risk or showing signs of a worm problem, prescription dewormers are a better choice.
Using OTC cat dewormers safely
To use over-the-counter cat dewormers safely and effectively:
- Choose products labeled specifically for cats and kittens over 6 weeks old
- Check active ingredients – most contain pyrantel pamoate and/or piperazine
- Estimate your cat’s weight as closely as possible
- Follow label dosing directions carefully
- Talk to your vet before using in sick, pregnant, or nursing cats
- Mix the medication thoroughly into your cat’s food
- Monitor your cat for any vomiting or lethargy after dosing
- Retreat in 2-3 weeks if needed to eliminate re-emerging worms
- Also treat household to prevent reinfection
When to see your veterinarian
You should bring your cat to the vet if you notice any of the following:
- Visible worms in vomit or stool
- Worm segments around rectum
- Bloated or pot-bellied appearance
- Vomiting or diarrhea, especially if bloody
- Dull hair coat, weight loss
- Coughing or breathing issues
- Itchy rear end or tail
Kittens should be dewormed starting at 2 weeks old, repeating every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old under veterinary guidance. Pregnant and nursing mother cats and cats with weakened immune systems are also best managed by a vet.
Conclusion
Over-the-counter cat dewormers provide an affordable and convenient option for controlling mild intestinal worm infections. However, they may not fully eliminate infections or tackle underlying causes. For best protection, cat owners should have regular veterinary wellness checks to diagnose and treat any parasites present. With vet guidance, prescription dewormers are often a better choice to fully rid a cat of worms and prevent reinfection.