If there's one thing we don't like, it's when our cats get worms; for this, we need to seek out the best cat wormer treatments. With symptoms of weight loss, sickness and a dull coat, worms are not a nice time for both you and your pet. Luckily, there are solutions out there to both get rid of and prevent worms - which don't just involve a cat brush and a prayer. These insects aren't always a complete danger, but they can lead to more serious infections.
How often you worm your cats can vary depending on their lifestyle, age, and individual health status. In general, it is recommended to follow a deworming schedule recommended by a veterinarian. Kittens may need to be dewormed more frequently, typically starting at two weeks of age and then every two weeks until they are three months old. Whereas, with flea treatments for cats, the frequency of treatment depends on how many fleas are buzzing around.
Best cat wormer treatments at a glance:
Afterwards, a regular deworming schedule can be maintained, usually every three to six months, depending on the cat's risk of exposure to parasites. Outdoor cats or those with a history of hunting may require frequent deworming. However, contact your veterinarian first to get advice on a suitable, safe deworming schedule. Besides regular deworming, maintaining a clean living environment, flea control, and regular check-ups are all preventive measures. Even trimming their claws with cat nail clippers can help limit the exposure to eggs or larvae.
De-worming your kitty isn't easy, but we've found the best cat wormer to make the task a little easier and to put your mind at rest. With this in mind, we've found the best deworming treatments for cats that you can buy from the comfort of your own home. Check out our top picks below. We love our cats with our whole hearts, especially when they're healthy and happy - by investing in a flea collar, keeping their claws trimmed, and their bellies full of protein-rich chow.
Best cat wormer UK
Best overall cat wormer treatment
FrontlineFrontline Wormer is a hugely popular cat worming treatment from a well-known brand. It's an Amazon Choice recommended product with over 57,000 reviews rating it 4.3 out of 5.
This vet-strength worming treatment from FRONTLINE effectively kills both roundworms and tapeworms commonly found in UK cats. The meat-flavoured tablets make dosing easier and can be given with or without food. Suitable for kittens from six weeks old (weighing at least 1 kg) and nursing cats, it helps protect your pet when given every three months.
Frontline Wormer for Cats is widely available online and in supermarkets. Customer reviews indicate that the tablets are effective, albeit it can be tricky to get picky cats to swallow them.
Pros
- Highly rated and popular brand – Amazon Choice product with over 57,000 reviews
- Vet-strength treatment – effectively kills both roundworms and tapeworms
- Meat-flavoured tablets – can be given with or without food
- Suitable for kittens (6+ weeks, 1kg+) and nursing cats
- Only needs to be given every three months
- Widely available online and in supermarkets
Cons
- Can be tricky to administer to fussy or stubborn cats
Best one-dose cat wormer treatment
Johnson'sWe all love simple things that make our lives easier, so this Johnson's One Dose Wormer for Cats and Kittens is a perfect choice if you don't want to faff with spot-on options or treatment cycles. It's suitable for kittens, too. All you need to do is feed it to your cat once every three months, and it should keep the worms at bay.
One Dose Wormer for Cats & Kittens is a veterinary-strength treatment that effectively kills both roundworms and tapeworms in a single dose. The film-coated tablets make dosing easier and can be given directly or hidden in food. Available over the counter, this is a convenient and reliable worming tablet. Give to your cat 3–4 times a year as recommended by vets.
If your cat is very resistant to taking tablets, it can be ground into a powder and mixed into food. Customer reviews confirm they are an effective treatment, but most use it as a preventative. Reviews comment that the pills are quite large for a cat and recommend breaking them into pieces. Also, following the dosage guide is essential, as smaller cats will only need one pill.
Pros
- Simple and convenient – only needed every three months
- Veterinary strength – kills both roundworms and tapeworms
- Film-coated tablets – easier to administer
- Can be hidden in food or ground into a powder
- Available over the counter – no prescription required
- Effective as a treatment and preventative
Cons
- Large pill size – may need to be broken into pieces and mixed into food
- Dosage guidelines must be followed carefully
| Type: | Tablet |
| Directions: | 1 tablet per 4kg bodyweight to be consumed orally, either with or without food |
3.
itch. wormer
Best cat wormer subscription service
itch.www.itchpet.com
Keeping your cat protected from worms requires continuous treatment, and an Itch Cat Wormer Treatment subscription makes it effortless. Starting from just £3.99, Itch delivers wormer tablets straight to your door, with the option for monthly or quarterly deliveries, so you never have to worry about missing a dose.
This vet-strength, double-action worming treatment is scientifically proven to kill all common intestinal worms quickly and effectively. Containing Praziquantel and Pyrantel Embonate, these tablets work by paralysing worms in your cat’s gut, allowing them to be naturally expelled. As one satisfied customer puts it: "A quarter the price of the vet’s products and the same ingredients."
The subscription is tailored to your pet's size and breed, ensuring the right dose every time. Suitable for kittens from six weeks old, Itch also sends reminders so your cat never misses a treatment. Plus, with a flexible subscription, you can pause or cancel anytime, and their vet team is always available for advice.
Remember that this worming treatment is in tablet form, so it may need grinding and adding to food. If you do this, ensure your pet eats all their food for the full dose.
Pros
- Affordable starting at £3.99
- Flexible subscription with monthly or quarterly deliveries
- Vet-strength treatment proven to kill all common intestinal worms
- Tailored dose based on your pet's size and breed
- Reminders for the next dose to ensure consistent treatment
- Free delivery and the option to pause or cancel anytime
- Vet support is available for advice
Cons
- Tablet form may need to be ground and added to food
| Type: | Tablet / Subscription Service |
| Directions: | Double-check the dosage, administer orally and repeat monthly or every three months |
Best spot-on cat wormer
Droncitwww.viovet.co.uk
Droncit Spot-On Tapewormer for Cats is a fast-acting and easy-to-use treatment for tapeworms. The vet-strength formula effectively kills all common tapeworm species in the UK. With a simple spot-on application, there’s no need for tablets, making it fuss-free. It targets both immature and mature tapeworms, providing quick relief and preventing serious health complications.
Spot-on treatments are the most popular worming treatment because they're so easy. If your kitties don't like tablets, this Droncit Spot On Tubes For Cats may be a better choice so that you don't have to get so intrusive. Just pop on the back of their neck and go. Customer reviews comment that they find this spot-on treatment the easiest to use, having tried alternatives, albeit it is slightly more expensive than other spot-on treatments.
Pros
- Fast-acting and effective against all common UK tapeworms
- Easy spot-on application – no need for tablets
- Vet-strength formula for reliable treatment
- Highly rated by customers for ease of use
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than other spot-on treatments
| Type: | Spot-On |
| Directions: | Part the fur on the cat's neck at the base of the skull, place the tip of the tube and squeeze firmly several times |
Best cat wormer treatment to administer
Bob MartinThis Bob Martin Clear Spot On Wormer for Cats & Kittens is the overall top-rated choice on Amazon. With over 9,000 positive reviews, there's no doubt that pet owners agree it's a successful option. Simply putting two pipettes on the back of your kitty's neck prevents newly hatched worms from growing or multiplying.
This wormer treatment is the best because it provides fast and 100% effective relief from common tapeworm infestations. It’s easy to use, requiring a simple application on the back of your cat’s neck. Suitable for cats and kittens over 1kg, it protects against all common tapeworm species with praziquantel, a proven ingredient that stops worms from growing. Plus, with monthly use, it offers continuous protection, keeping your cat tapeworm-free all year round!
Customers say this treatment is much easier to administer to their cats than tablets. It's also a very reasonable price and effective. However, there are online reviews that comment on cats having adverse reactions after being treated, so we recommend you get guidance from your vet. Also, if you are using a treatment, be sure to thoroughly read the instructions on the packet before applying it to your pet.
Pros
- Easy to apply – no tablets
- Effective against common tapeworms
- Fast and effective
- Suitable for cats and kittens over 1kg
- Affordable compared to other treatments
- Provides continuous protection with monthly use
Cons
- Potential for adverse reactions – reviews suggest that some cats may have sensitivities
- Must carefully follow instructions to ensure safe use
| Type: | Spot-on |
| Directions: | Simply part your cat's fur at the back of the neck, and slowly apply all the solution directly onto your cat's skin |
Best cat wormer syrup
Panacurwww.viovet.co.uk
Another option for effective cat wormer treatment is the non-prescription Panacur Worming Syrup 10% for Cats and Dogs. It controls both roundworms and tapeworms as well and is used two to four times a year – less than regular treatments. Once opened, it stays stable for up to six months but should be discarded after 28 days for safety. As such, if you only have one pet to treat, this is not the most economical option. In contrast, it's ideal for treating multiple pets.
Panacur Liquid Wormer is a gentle yet effective treatment for roundworms and other intestinal parasites. It contains fenbendazole, making it safe for puppies and kittens from two weeks old, as well as adult pets. The liquid can be given directly or mixed with food and comes with a measuring cup for easy dosing.
Customers highly praise this worming syrup, and it's evident from the reviews that they are using it to treat litters of kittens and puppies as well as adult pets who refuse to swallow tablets.
Pros
- Effective against both roundworms and tapeworms
- Safe for kittens and puppies from two weeks old and suitable for all ages
- Can be given directly or mixed with food for easy administration
- Ideal for treating multiple pets
Cons
- Must be discarded after 28 days once opened, making it less economical for single-pet households
| Type: | Syrup |
| Directions: | Administered orally and should be mixed with feed or administered orally directly after feeding. |
Best affordable cat wormer
TermaWorm™www.viovet.co.uk
TermaWorm tablets are a popular and affordable choice for cat owners looking for an effective tapeworm treatment. Priced at under £2 per treatment, they offer one of the cheapest worming solutions available without compromising on effectiveness.
These tablets are specifically designed to kill tapeworms and come in a grilled meat flavour, making them easier for cats to accept. They can be given with or without food and are safe for kittens from six weeks old and lactating cats. Each film-coated tablet contains Pyrantel Embonate (230 mg) and Praziquantel (20 mg).
Customers consistently praise TermaWorm for its affordability and reliability. There is clear dosage guidance based on a cat’s weight, making it easy to administer the correct amount and good customer support. However, some owners note that the tablets are quite large, so they may need to be broken into smaller pieces or disguised in food for fussier cats.
Overall, TermaWorm tablets provide an effective and budget-friendly solution for tapeworm treatment. If your cat is comfortable taking tablets, this is a great option that delivers results at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Affordable – priced under £2 per treatment
- Well-reviewed for being effective against tapeworms
- Can be divided into multiple doses for smaller cats and kittens
- Grilled meat flavour to make it more appealing
- Can be given with or without food
- Clear dosage guidance based on weight and good customer support
Cons
- Tablets can be large for some cats and need breaking into smaller pieces
| Type | Tablet |
| Directions | Single oral administration. The tablet should be given directly to the cat, but if necessary can be disguised in food. Wash hands after use. |
How we chose the best cat wormer treatments
All of these cat wormer treatments have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered effectiveness, price and vet-recommendations in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching the best cat wormer treatments in the UK to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.
Best cat wormer treatment FAQs
What are the symptoms of worms?
If you're regularly taking your kitty to the vet, then they should be getting consistent check-ups on their health - including whether they have worms or not. However, these things do happen and are a common problem that many cats face. So, don't worry if you're finding your cat is suffering from worms because you can look out for these signs:
Dull coat
Weight loss
Sickness and diarrhoea
Scratching of the anus
Bloating
Weakness/fatigue
Before you panic, make sure to double-check anything with a vet if you are seriously concerned with your cat's wellbeing. If your cat looks dehydrated and has pale lips, take them straight to the vet.
What are the different types of worms?
Cats can be affected by several types of worms, each with its own characteristics and potential health implications. We've rounded up some of the most common types that can infect your poor puss, but in most cases, these worms can be contracted via infected water, soil, or prey animals:
Roundworms: One of the most common intestinal parasites found in cats, these long, white, spaghetti-like worms can grow up to several inches.
Tapeworms: Tapeworms are long, flat worms made up of many segments that contain eggs, which can pass in your cat's faeces.
Hookworms: These small, thread-like worms attach to the lining of your cat's intestines and can cause anaemia and other health problems, especially in kittens. As well as potentially ingesting them, your cat can become infected via larval skin penetration when walking on contaminated soil, sand or litter.
Lungworms: Lungworms are parasites that inhabit the respiratory tract of cats, particularly the lungs and airways. Cats can become infected by eating slugs or snails or other animals that have eaten a slug or snail.
Whipworms: While more commonly found in dogs, these small, thin worms can also infect cats by residing in the large intestine.
Heartworms: Another worm that primarily affects dogs, this worm can still infect cats and may cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues. The only way this can be caught is through a mosquito bite.
What kinds of wormers are available?
As you can see from our list, you can buy dewormers in the form of tablets, granules, syrups and spot-on treatments, among others. This should make finding a treatment for your particular pussy cat a whole lot easier! Simply apply topically or sneak into their favourite cat food.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Take a Break, specialising in pet health. When she’s not barking about dog supplements, she’s online devouring cat content.