How to remove worms from a cat at home: drugs and folk remedies

• May 24, 2019
• Cats
• Michael Michaelis

Many pet owners are wondering how to remove worms from cats. Especially for such people, we have collected in one place several popular folk recipes that will help cope with this ailment. In addition, here you will find a list of medications recommended by experienced veterinarians. Well, at the very end you can get acquainted with preventive tips.

How to recognize the presence of worms?

Before you start giving your pet medications or traditional medicine against parasites, you must first make sure that there are helminths. The easiest way to do this is to see a veterinarian or pay attention to the following symptoms:

• sudden change in body weight (rapidly increasing or decreasing);
• the pet's belly becomes inflated and very dense to the touch;
• The cat tries to lick the anal ring area all the time.

Also, special attention should be paid to changes in appetite. The presence of parasites in the body can lead to the fact that the pet ceases to be satisfied with regular portions or, conversely, begins to malnourish food. In some cases, the cat may even experience hair loss.

Main symptoms

Depending on where in the body the parasites live, the signs of the disease vary. But in any case, there are general signals that indicate the presence of helminths:

• refusal to eat;
• weight loss;
• slow pace of development;
• dulling or hair loss;
• vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, bloating;
• purulent discharge around the eyes;
• apathetic behavior;
• presence of blood in stool or vomit;
• itching;
• restless meowing;
• in advanced stages - the presence of helminths in the feces or blood.

If you detect at least one of these symptoms, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic to receive qualified help.

What drugs can be used?

Treatment of worms in cats with pharmaceutical products is the best option. The manufacturer of a particular product is responsible for its effectiveness, and also mentions contraindications and side effects in the instructions for the tablets. But such products are quite expensive, and consultation with a specialist before use is strictly mandatory. Otherwise, the owner risks provoking the development of complications.

The most popular drugs:

1. "Kaniquantel plus" Deworming tablets for cats contain two active ingredients: praziquantel and fenbendazole. Both of these elements are designed to eliminate almost any type of parasite from the body within three days. In addition, the drug stimulates the digestive process, due to which harmful substances are eliminated from the body faster.
2. Enwire. This anthelmintic is most often used against annelids and roundworms, but it can also fight other types of parasites. The drug is available in the form of tablets, each of which contains 0.5 milligrams of the active substance. The main advantage is that just one pill is enough to kill all parasites in the body.
3. "Drontal." Have you thought about how to remove worms from a pregnant cat? Then you should pay attention to this effective drug, because its main feature is that it can be used even on those animals that are expecting offspring. The active substance is absorbed by the body quite quickly, as a result of which the parasites are eliminated within a few hours.
4. "Milbemax". The main purpose of the drug is to fight roundworms, which can deplete an animal’s body in just a few days of its life. The owner will not have to spend much time persuading the cat to eat the tablet, since it has the taste and smell of beef, as well as its red color. The medicine is available in two forms: for adults and young ones. The optimal dosage is indicated in the instructions.
5. "Pratel." The drug is capable of affecting all types of parasites that destroy muscle mass. The active substance is absorbed by the body within 12 hours, and the parasites are excreted along with feces after about two days. Before use, it is recommended to put your pet on a starvation diet. In addition, the drug should not be used on pregnant cats.

We hope you now know how to remove worms from a cat. Of course, such medications are available in pharmacies without a prescription, but this does not mean that you should neglect consultation with a specialist. Do not forget that some animals may be individually intolerant to a particular substance. If you are a follower of alternative medicine, then the recipes in the following sections will be very interesting for you.

Treatment of helminthiasis

If the doctor has diagnosed a worm infection, then medications are prescribed to deworm the cat. Moreover, they can have a wide spectrum of action, that is, they can affect all types of worms - but in this case they can be dangerous for the cat, especially for a kitten and an elderly or weakened animal. Or the drug can only affect a certain type of parasite - then it is less toxic. But to do this, you need to identify the type of worms that your cat is infected with. For example, drugs for removing tapeworms will not be effective against roundworms. Volunteers and specialists at Murkoshi can recommend excellent foreign and Russian remedies for treating different types of helminths:

— Drontal; — Profender (used once); - Milbemx; — Stronghold; — Dirofen; — Panacur; — Polyverkan; — Febtal; — Pyrantel (can be used even for kittens, guaranteed not to provoke poisoning); — Kanikquantel; — Prosit; — Prazicide; - Prazitel.

Never buy anti-worming medications at markets or street stalls; they should only be purchased at veterinary institutions or specialized pharmacies if you do not want to harm your pet. An important point: before deworming a kitten, it is necessary to treat it for fleas, even if it does not go outside and does not communicate with its relatives. This procedure must not be neglected, otherwise helminth eggs will reappear in the pet along with insects - since even a domestic cat has a chance, albeit a small one, of becoming infected with fleas.

Read more about fleas: How to remove fleas from a cat

Give preference to flea control products, guided by the following nuances:

— lack of toxicity; — presence of the necessary labeling if the product is chosen for kittens; - you should not choose external medications for a nursing or pregnant cat or a kitten - they can be poisoned.

Chamomile decoction

To remove worms from a cat using home remedies, you can use one of the most famous medicinal plants, which is actively used by many healers and traditional healers. In addition, chamomile will be very effective for treating animals. The most important thing is to prepare the decoction, following the instructions described below:

1. Take 50 grams of dried chamomile (pharmacy or your own collection).
2. Place the dry ingredient in a saucepan and pour boiling water (0.5 liters).
3. Close the container and leave the product for half an hour.

As soon as the product is ready, it must be strained with gauze, and then use the liquid to give it to the cat instead of water. In most cases, the animal will refuse such a “pleasure,” so it is most effective to pour the tincture into the pet’s mouth using a syringe without a needle. However, do this carefully so that the cat does not experience stress.

Contraindications and side effects

Veterinarians recommend avoiding anthelmintic drugs if a cat is diagnosed with:

• severe exhaustion;
• pregnancy;
• intolerance to one of the components present in the product;
• pathologies of the genitourinary system;
• kidney diseases;
• acute stage of viral pathology.

For preventive purposes, it is enough to give anthelmintic for cats to your pet once every 90 days . More frequent use of medications may cause:

• bowel disorders;
• attacks of nausea and vomiting;
• allergic reaction;
• foam from the mouth;
• passivity and lethargy;
• seizures;
• loss of appetite.

If these symptoms appear, it is important to seek help from a veterinary specialist as soon as possible.

Onion water

Have you thought about how to remove worms from a cat using traditional medicine? Then we recommend that you pay attention to another interesting recipe that will allow you to get rid of parasites in a matter of days. Unlike medications, onion water has no contraindications. It is also quite simple to prepare:

1. Peel one medium onion and cut it into 4 parts.
2. Pour the resulting slices with a glass of boiled water.
3. Let the product sit for 2 hours.

Onion water should be used to feed a sick cat. This will have to be done with a syringe every day on an empty stomach. The maximum course of therapy is one week, but in most cases, parasites begin to be eliminated from the body on the third day along with feces. The infusion can also be used for preventive purposes.

Tansy tincture

Many traditional healers are well aware that this herb has an anthelmintic effect. Therefore, if you decide to remove worms from a cat, we recommend that you consider preparing a decoction based on this healing ingredient. Just be sure to follow the instructions described below to achieve maximum results from therapy:

1. Take one tablespoon of dried tansy flowers.
2. Fill the medicinal plant with one liter of water.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.

As soon as the folk remedy is ready, it must be thoroughly strained with gauze and cooled in the refrigerator. The decoction is used twice a day: on an empty stomach and before bedtime. It is also not recommended to feed the cat within an hour after drinking the liquid, so that the folk remedy is properly absorbed by the animal’s body. The maximum course of therapy is one week.

How to improve your oral health

Good hygiene helps get rid of bad breath. If the cause is dense tartar, you need to visit the dentist and remove it mechanically. The toothbrush is powerless in this case.

Any dental defects must be treated. Carious cavities are cleaned and filled, and rotting tooth roots are removed. If necessary, prostheses are installed.

To get rid of the smell, you need to change your toothbrush and choose the right toothpaste. The brush should have medium hardness in order to clean the teeth well and not injure the gums. For better oral hygiene, you can buy a special tongue brush. Toothpaste is chosen based on gum sensitivity and related problems. The dentist will help you choose the product.

To thoroughly clean the spaces between teeth, it is not recommended to use wooden toothpicks. A special thread or brush will do the job better. Some threads contain mint fibers that add a pleasant aroma to your breath. And silver ions will stop the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.

Teeth should be brushed morning and evening. Before going to bed, after hygiene procedures, you do not need to eat. Leftover food at night will become a breeding ground for the proliferation of microorganisms that damage tooth enamel.

Wormwood tincture

What other folk remedies exist for worms in cats? An alcoholic tincture of wormwood is very popular, which will get rid of parasites in just 2-3 applications. You just need to prepare the folk remedy as correctly as possible, following the instructions, otherwise you won’t be able to achieve the desired effect:

1. We take 20 grams of picked wormwood and chop it thoroughly.
2. Add 100 milliliters of diluted alcohol or vodka to the mixture.
3. Infuse the product for two weeks in a dark and cool place.

Once the tincture is ready, it must be filtered and used for oral administration. The optimal dosage for one time is 10 drops for every 4 kilograms of live weight. Feeding should be done half an hour after taking the tincture. The maximum course of such therapy is 10 days. Although, in fairness, it is worth noting that the worms should be eliminated within 3 days.

The best anti-worm drops for cats

The most significant advantage of an anthelmintic drug in the form of drops on the withers is its ease of use. Often, due to the pet's temperament, it is difficult to use tablets or suspensions. When using drops, they are absorbed through the skin and, entering the bloodstream, have a targeted effect on helminths throughout the body.

Helmintal K

In first place is Helmintal K , which is produced by the German company Neoterica GmbH. The drug contains praziquantel (40 mg) and moxidectin (10 mg). Release form: transparent plastic ampoules of 1 ml. Inside there is a liquid of an oily consistency, transparent or with a yellow tint.

Application is made by drop method on clean, dry skin. The least accessible area for the animal is chosen as the injection site - the base of the neck at the junction with the skull (withers). It should be applied to 1 point, but if the animal is large, then it can be applied to 2-3 points. The drug should be used at the rate of 0.1 ml per kilogram of weight.

Scheme of application - for medicinal purposes in the treatment of nematodes or cestodes, it is used once. For preventative purposes, apply strictly once a month, observing frequency. If the frequency is violated, the product loses its effectiveness. Minor side effects may occur - redness and itching at the injection site. In this case, you should wash the affected area with warm water and soap.

Advantage of Helmintal K:

• An effective remedy;
• Convenient release form;
• Also helps against fleas and skin ticks;
• Low cost.

Profender®

In second place is Profender® , which is produced by the German company BAYER. A combination drug that combines 2 components – praziquantel (85.75 mg) and emodepside (21.43 mg). Available in the form of 0.35 ml polymer tubes with a reusable cap. Inside is a colorless liquid with a characteristic oily consistency. The dosage is calculated based on 0.14 ml per 1 kg of pet weight.

Application is standard - the cat needs to be cleaned of dirt and the skin between the shoulder blades is dried. Absorption time is 2 hours, it is recommended not to wash your pet during this time. After use, the drug is absorbed into the blood, effectively destroying helminths. Works for both treatment and prevention.

Recommended for use in animals over 8 weeks of age (or weighing 500 g). For preventive treatment, it is recommended to use Profender once every 3 months. After use, the area where the drop was applied may slightly redden. There is no need to do anything with this drug; this phenomenon will go away on its own.

Advantages of Profender:

• High dosage of active ingredients, safe and effective against helminths;
• Convenient packaging form for repeated use;
• Fast acting;
• Does not cause side effects.

DANA® SPOT-ON

DANA® SPOT-ON from the Russian company Apicenna closes the rating This is a single drug containing the only active ingredient fipronil in a dosage of 50 mg. The release form is an oily liquid with an opalescent effect, dark yellow in color. Packaging - in plastic bottles with a built-in dispenser of 0.5 - 1.5 ml. There is a large package of 15 ml.

The drug has a predominantly insectoacaricidal effect (aimed at combating skin parasites and fleas). It is practically not absorbed into the blood, but accumulates in the hair and sebaceous glands. For large pets (over 3 kg) use a dosage of 1 ml. Apply to the withers area on clean, dry skin.

For therapy and prevention, the product is applied to the skin in a calculated dosage, reaching its peak effect after 12-24 hours. Repeated (preventive) treatment should be carried out no later than 6 weeks later. In case of overdose, it can cause increased salivation and trembling - in this case, the drug should be washed off the body immediately.

Advantages of DANA® SPOT-ON:

• Maximum effectiveness against skin parasites;
• Convenient packaging for multiple administrations;
• Low cost.

Scheme for using drops on the withers for the treatment of helminthic infestation

Carrot enema

If you don’t like giving your pet various decoctions and tinctures that he doesn’t like, then you can use this effective folk remedy. Its beauty lies in the fact that just one procedure will be enough to completely get rid of annoying parasites. Although this is only possible if you have prepared the enema composition correctly:

1. Take a few fresh carrots and wash them thoroughly.
2. Chop the product on a fine grater and squeeze out the juice thoroughly.
3. Dilute 15 milliliters of carrot juice with 10 milliliters of water.

This composition is suitable for use on individuals whose weight ranges from 3 to 5 kilograms. For larger individuals, you will have to add another 5 milliliters of juice for each extra kilogram. The course of therapy should not exceed seven days, but if the owner of the animal does everything correctly, he will see parasites after the first bowel movement of his cat.

Possible complications

A late visit to the doctor or incorrectly selected self-medication threatens the kitten with serious complications that can lead to death or severely weaken the pet’s immunity for life.

Parasitism of helminths on any organs also causes mechanical damage. As a result, internal bleeding or ulcers may occur.

Dead worms, decomposing, contribute to intoxication of the body and its internal poisoning.

Also, helminths often cause intestinal blockage and, in advanced cases, rupture.

Garlic clove

Perhaps almost every adult knows about the beneficial properties of this plant. Garlic allows you not only to fight parasites, but also strengthens the body’s immune system, which is often disrupted after getting rid of helminths. This folk remedy can also be used on animals. However, a cat is unlikely to eat garlic if it is offered to it.

To get your pet to eat a clove of garlic (that’s exactly how much it will take to get rid of parasites), you must first thoroughly chop it and then mix it with cat food. You can also cook some meat dish by adding garlic. However, keep in mind the fact that the product will lose some of its beneficial properties during heat treatment.

Methods of anthelmintic treatment

While drops are easy to use, giving a fluffy purr a pill to an inexperienced owner is not easy. Below are ways that can make this process easier.

• With a tasty treat. After crumbling the tablet, mix it with a small amount of liquid food or animal pate. The cat will not feel the aroma of the tablet and will calmly enjoy the delicacy.
• In liquid form . The pre-crushed tablet is combined with sour cream or kefir. The pet will not be able to refuse its favorite product and will not notice the tablets.
• The whole tablet. The method is not for the faint of heart. Having swaddled the cat well, we place him on his back, which will reduce resistance on his part. By pressing on the lower jaw, we force the pet to open its mouth and place the tablet under the tongue. Having closed the jaw, we move our finger along the pet’s throat, choosing the direction from bottom to top. This provokes the cat to swallow the medicine.
• With a syringe. The crushed drug is combined with water. Having collected the solution into a syringe (without a needle!), pour it into the animal’s oral cavity. We clamp the purr's jaw until it swallows the medicine.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds can also be a very effective remedy against worms. You will be surprised, but some pets are quite willing to eat them even in their pure form. However, if your cat does not show such a desire, you can crush them using a mortar and pestle, and then mix them into food.

It is best to use something meaty as food so that the animal does not suspect a dirty trick when it smells the seeds. However, if you don’t have such treats at home, then mix the powder with regular milk. The liquid perfectly masks the smell and taste of the folk remedy.

Diagnostics in a veterinary clinic

To speed up your kitten’s treatment and avoid possible complications, it is recommended to immediately come to the doctor for a stool test. If an animal has been constipated for a long time, then a sample of its vomit will be suitable to identify worms. Also at the clinic, the doctor must take blood for analysis. These measures determine whether the animal has worms and determine their type.

Next, based on the research, the doctor prescribes special medications, a diet and sets the date for the next examination.

Preventive actions

Now you know how to remove worms from a cat at home. So that you do not have to give your pet decoctions and infusions that may not be to his taste, you need to follow certain preventive measures that will avoid infecting the animal’s body with parasites:

• regularly give your pet medications or folk remedies for worms;
• carry out anthelmintic treatment of the premises more often;
• do not feed your pet raw fish or meat products;
• Protect your cat from contact with other street animals.

These rules sound quite simple, but it is they, as a rule, that most owners prefer to ignore. Remember that you are responsible for the one you tamed. And under no circumstances should you delay treatment if symptoms of worms do appear.

Sugar cubes for worms in cats

The most common problem with using deworming medications is getting your cat to take it. Despite the pleasant taste of many forms, it is quite difficult. The problem is solved by sugar cubes soaked in the active substance. The pet will eat this medicine on its own.

Poliverkan

Polyvercan - sugar cubes from the French manufacturer Ceva Sante Animale. The drug is a combination of two active substances - oxybendazole (40 mg) and niclosamide (200 mg). Release form: blister of 8 light yellow sugar cubes.

Due to the two-component combination, the drug provides an effective effect on tape and round helminths. The course provides complete deworming and does not cause side effects. For a pet weighing 1-5 kg, half a cube is used. Can be dissolved in liquid and mixed into food.

For the treatment of mild forms of helminthiasis, it is used once; in case of severe helminthiasis, it is used twice with an interval of 10 days. Preventive appointment - once a quarter.

Advantages of Polyvercan:

• Convenient release form, the animal will take the medicine itself;
• Effective against 90% of helminths;
• Harmless.

Unfortunately, this is the only drug against helminths in cats presented on the domestic market. Most cat owners characterize him exclusively on the positive side.