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.
The best cat wormer UK
Best overall cat wormer treatment
This Bob Martin Clear Spot On Wormer for Cats & Kittens is the overall top-rated choice on Amazon. With almost 5,000 positive reviews, there's no doubt that pet owners agree it's a successful option. With simply two pipettes to pop on the back of your kitty's neck, it prevents newly hatched worms from growing or multiplying.
Customer review: "Very easy to apply, it really didn't bother our cat at all, although some cats aren't fond of having the fluid dripped onto the area between their shoulder blades. It seems to work fairly quickly and you should see results within a few days. I would recommend this product."
Pros
- Easy to use - no fuss
- Kills worms even if they're growing
- Fast and effective
Cons
- Only treats for up to 4 weeks
| 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 one-dose cat wormer treatment
We 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. 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.
Customer review: "Cut one in half for my kitten, crushed it and sprinkled it on the top of his wet food. He ate the lot, so it must be a good flavour. Easy to use and now I have peace of mind."
Pros
- Also suitable for kittens
- Easy to administer
- Two in a pack
Cons
- Can be difficult if your cat doesn't like tablets
| Type: | Tablet |
| Directions: | 1 tablet per 4kg bodyweight to be consumed orally, either with or without food |
Best cat wormer subscription service
www.itchpet.com
Whatever cat wormer treatment you're investing in, you'll need to get it continuously to really keep those worms at bay. What better way to protect your cat than with an itch Cat Wormer Treatment subscription service so you don't have to think about it. Starting from just £3.50, itch will send wormer tablets straight into your postbox and you can have them sent monthly or quarterly, whatever you need.
Customer review: "This is, without a doubt, the best product I have had. I was using vet products before with all sorts of side effects. No problems and now I have a very good once-monthly treatment."
Pros
- Sent straight to your door automatically
- Easy to administer
- Kills roundworms and tapeworms
Cons
- You may not need them so frequently
| Type: | Tablet / Subscription Service |
| Directions: | Double-check the dosage, administer orally and repeat monthly or every three months |
Best spot-on cat wormer
www.petsathome.com
Spot-on treatments are probably the most popular option for insect repellent 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 review: "I tried this for my cat in August/September 2019, he hates taking the tablets, it was really it's to use BUT I found it left a strange smell on his fur, which is still quite strong 5 months on (Jan 2020) So, I would not use this again for that reason, I just can't stand the smell. There no mention in any other reviews of smell afterwards, so maybe I just got an odd batch or something?"
Pros
- Multiple tubes included for use
- Easy to apply
- Quick and efficient
Cons
- Need to be treated consistently
| 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 granules
If your cat doesn't like spot-on or tablets, you should give Beaphar Worming Granules for Cats a go. They're easier to mix in and hide in food and help with the control of common roundworms and their eggs. This will make multiple treatments for a regular-sized cat or just one treatment for a cat over 15 lbs.
Customer review: "Got rid of the nasty little worms he was suffering from his previous life as an outdoor cat. Milo, luckily for me, doesn't mind this stuff in wet food. My cat does this and he is worm free. This stuff DOES change the appearance of your cat's food, so fussy felines will probably not touch the stuff."
Pros
- Easier to hide than tablets
- Can make multiple treatments
- Works fast
Cons
- Fussy cats may not like this
| Type; | Granules |
| Directions: | Mix the required amount of sachets into your cat's food and feed immediately. To ensure your cat receives the full dose, we recommend feeding less food than normal when mixing in the wormer. |
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Best cat wormer syrup
www.viovet.co.uk
Another option for effective cat wormer treatment is a Panacur Worming Syrup 10% for Cats. It controls both roundworms and tapeworms as well and is used two to four times a year - less than regular treatments.
Customer review: "We had kittens and mummies to deworm as they were sick. Easy to use. Plenty in the bottle for lots of doses. Bit hard to hold a cat with a syringe in but that's cats for you."
Pros
- Effective for three to six months
- Easy to hide in food
- Lots in the bottle
Cons
- A more expensive option, you'll need a separate syringe
| Type: | Syrup |
| Directions: | Administered orally and should be mixed with feed or administered orally directly after feeding. |
Best affordable cat wormer
www.viovet.co.uk
These TermaWorm tablets are super popular with cat owners - and it may be because of their affordability. For under £2, you don't have to worry about spending too much on treatments again because it's one of the cheapest choices.
Customer review: "All four cats took them without any fuss either broken up in a little wet food or hidden in a treat. No side effects that I noticed and did the job as hoped."
Pros
- Super cheap
- Easy to order
- Can be divided into multiple doses
Cons
- Hard to feed if your cat's fussy
| 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. |
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.