De-Worming Schedule for Kittens
Kittens aged 6 to 16 weeks should be de-wormed every three weeks. From 4 months onward, both cats and kittens should be de-wormed every 3 months.
Signs Your Cat or Kitten Might Have Worms
- Loss of appetite
- Poor coat condition
- Pot belly appearance, especially in kittens
- Weight loss
- Stunted growth (in kittens)
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Vomiting or vomiting up a worm
- Anemia with pale gums
- Worm segments around the anal area, looking like small grains of rice or sesame seeds
- Constant licking of the anal area
Types of Intestinal Worms in Cats
Tapeworm
Learn more about
Tapeworm in cats.
Hookworms
Hookworms are tiny worms with hook-like mouths. They burrow into your cat’s intestines and suck blood, causing anemia, diarrhea, or worse. They're common in humid climates.
Roundworms
Cats ingest roundworms by eating infected lizards, mice, birds, or bugs. They can also catch them from contaminated soil.
Other Worms
- Heartworm
- Ringworm: Actually a fungus affecting the skin. Learn more.
Choosing De-Worming Medication
Here are some medications available:
Revolution for Cats
This spot-on treatment prevents fleas and heartworms. It also controls ear mites, hookworms, and roundworms.
Advocate & Advantage Multi
These products treat fleas and gastrointestinal worms.
Drontal
A tablet for cats and kittens aged 4 weeks and older. Effective against hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. Also comes as a spot-on.
Felex Plus Allwormer Paste
This paste controls roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm.
Consult your vet for the best option. De-worming medications are available as tablets, paste, and spot-ons. Usually, you can purchase them at the vet without a consultation fee. Sometimes, a microscopic examination of your cat’s stool is needed.
