Sick cat

It’s not uncommon for cats to get infected with a variety of intestinal parasites throughout their life. These parasites are known as worms, and your cat can catch them anywhere. Most often, this happens through contact with infected eggs or feces. Cats can step in the feces and ingest them while grooming themselves, or, if they spend a lot of time outside, they can hunt and eat a rodent with a worm larvae living in their tissue, thus becoming infected. Fleas can also be the carriers of worm larvae, so if your cat has fleas, it’s possible for them to get infected with parasites as well.

If your cat has worms, the important thing to bear in mind is not to panic, as this is a common health issue that is treated quickly and effectively with an appropriate dewormer. We looked over dozens of cat dewormers to be able to present you with the very best of these products. We took into account the scope of treatment, the ingredients, Amazon ratings, and many other features that you may find useful when trying to find the best cat dewormer. After conducting our research, we’ve identified 5 of the top-rated cat dewormers you can buy for your feline friend.

Top pick
Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer
Here’s our big winner Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer, a safe and efficient way of combating tapeworms that your cat is going to love

We soon realized that Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer stands out from the rest when it comes to efficiency in fighting parasites. This cat dewormer effectively combats tapeworms in a short time span while causing no side effects. It takes the form of pills which can be easily mixed with food or given by mouth.

The 5 Top-Rated Cat Dewormers

Editor's PicksBrandRating
Best OverallBayer Tapeworm Dewormer4.6
Runner UpExcel Roundworm Liquid Cat De-Wormer3.9
Best Budget BuyProSense Liquid Dewormer Solutions For Cats4.1
Best Natural Cat DewormerHomeoPet Wrm Clear3.4
Best Broad-Spectrum Cat DewormerBayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer4.8

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

Our Top Pick: Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer

Fleas are the main source of tapeworms in cats, so it’s not uncommon for cats to get infected with tapeworms after they’ve been infested with fleas. If your pet is suffering from the same problems, Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer will help you resolve them. This dewormer effectively combats tapeworm infections and it can be used on cats over 6 weeks of age. It comes in the form of pills which can be either crumbled and mixed with food or taken directly by mouth.

Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer is available without a prescription. According to reviews, it easily dissolves in water, works fast, and produces no side effects.

Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer Key Features:

  • Efficiently removes common tapeworms
  • Can be used on cats over 6 weeks of age
  • Pills can be mixed with food or taken by mouth
  • Works fast
  • No side effects
  • Available without a prescription

Our Runner-Up Pick: Excel Roundworm Liquid Cat Dewormer

Runner-Up
Excel Roundworm Liquid Cat Dewormer
Specially formulated to remove roundworms, this dewormer works fast and it can be poured into cat’s food

Excel Roundworm Liquid Cat Dewormer is specially formulated for cats to help them get rid of large roundworms. It has a pleasant taste and it can be poured into cat’s food. It gives results immediately and it doesn’t cause any side effects, the reviewers say. It’s available in 4-ounce pack at the price of $7, and you can get 2 packs for about $20.

It’s important to note that this product doesn’t kill worms, but rather helps cats get rid of them through feces. This makes it a safer and less invasive option for your pet, but it also requires paying closer attention to keeping the litter box well-cleaned to prevent re-infection.

Excel Roundworm Liquid Cat Dewormer Key Features:

  • Specially formulated for cats with large roundworms
  • Doesn’t kill roundworms, but removes them through passing of feces
  • Can be poured into cat’s food
  • Works fast and doesn’t cause side effects
  • Available in 4-ounce

Best Budget Pick: ProSense Liquid Dewormer Solutions For Cats

Best for Budget
ProSense Liquid Dewormer
A budget-friendly option for treatment and control of roundworms that gives great results

ProSense Liquid Dewormer effectively relieves your feline friend of roundworms at a fairly affordable price of $5. It’s used for treatment and control of large roundworms Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine. It’s suitable for use on cats over 6 weeks of age.

The recommended dosage is 1/4 teaspoon per 2.5 lbs of body weight. After the initial dose on the first day, you should wait until day 14 to give the dose again. After that you can give the dose every 30 days to prevent re-infestation. You can either pour the medication into cat’s food or give it to them shortly after their meal. Your pet can take the dose either directly or mixed with food.

ProSense Liquid Dewormer Solutions For Cats Key Features:

  • Used for treatment and control of large roundworms – Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina
  • Safe to use on cats over 6 weeks of age
  • Recommended to give 1/4 teaspoon per 2.5 lbs of body weight
  • After the initial dose on day one, do not repeat until day 14; after that give every 30 days for prevention
  • Can be mixed with food or given directly
  • Can be given during meal or shortly after

Best Natural Cat Dewormer: HomeoPet Wrm Clear

Best Natural Cat Dewormer
HomeoPet Wrm Clear
A natural, non-toxic formula that removes various types of worms and is safe for cats of all ages and pregnant and nursing animals

If your looking for the best natural dewormer for your cat, HomeoPet Wrm Clear will not disappoint you. It has a liquid homeopathic formula with non-toxic ingredients that ensure premium care and wellbeing of your pet. It’s effective against different types of worms, including tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. It’s FDA registered and safe to be used on kittens, puppies, pregnant, and nursing animals. One bottle provides up to 90 doses, depending on weight.

HomeoPet Wrm Clear does not kill worms, rather it creates an inhospitable environment, causing them to be flushed out through the body, without any harmful effects on your cat. The product takes 2 weeks to achieve maximum potential in the body. The worms may continue to come out up to 4 weeks after the last dose, due to the time it takes worm eggs to hatch. The product is effective for up to 2 months after the last dose, thus preventing re-infestation during that time.

HomeoPet Wrm Clear Key Features:

  • Contains a liquid homeopathic formula with non-toxic ingredients
  • Treats tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms
  • Safe to use on kittens, puppies, pregnant, and nursing animals
  • Doesn’t kill worms, but enables them to be flushed out harmlessly through the body
  • The product remains effective up to 2 months after the last dose
  • Non-sedating

Best Broad-Spectrum Dewormer: Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer

Best Broad-Spectrum Dewormer
Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer
A multi-functional dewormer that safely eliminates various intestinal infections in a short time and without causing side effects

This is a slightly pricier product, but it provides multiple treatments supported by great results reported by the users. Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer comes at a price of around $215 and it provides treatment for tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms. It’s suitable for cats and kittens over 1 month of age and 1.5 pounds. The recommended dosage is one tablet per 4-8 lbs.

One pack contains 50 tablets which can be easily crumbled. Each tablet contains 18.2 mg praziquantel and 72.6 mg pyrantel base as pyrantel pamoate, which are known to effectively combat worm infections. According to the reviews, the results can be seen shortly after the consummation, and there are no side effects.

Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer Key Features:

  • Provides treatment for tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms
  • Each pack contains 50 tablets
  • Suitable for cats and kittens over 1 month of age and 1.5 pounds
  • The recommended dosage is one tablet per 4-8 lbs
  • Effective immediately
  • No side effects

Who Should Buy a Cat Dewormer?

Cats are often exposed to parasitic infections as worm larvae can be found anywhere. If you have an outdoor cat that likes to hunt and eat rodents, it’s highly likely that they will catch some sort of intestinal infection at some point in their life. It’s also common for cats to get infected with worms through their grooming sessions.

You should always keep their litter boxes clean and take them to the vet regularly for a physical and fecal exam to prevent any possible infections. If you notice that your cat is vomiting or suffering from diarrhea or loss of appetite, it’s necessary to consult the vet. They will perform checks, and if your cat is infected, they will provide the appropriate treatment based on the type of worms and degree of infestation. There are many dewormers for cats that are efficient in combating different types of worms and safe for your cat’s health, so the vet will be able to recommend you with the best one, depending on the diagnosis.

Top pick
Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer
Here’s our big winner Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer, a safe and efficient way of combating tapeworms that your cat is going to love

Important Features to Consider

A cat dewormer should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when deciding on the best cat dewormer for your feline friend:

  • Type of worms. Cats can get infected with various types of worms, and the common ones include roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Roundworms are mostly passed on through ingesting infected feces or eating rodents with infected tissue. Tapeworms are common after flea infestations, while hookworms can reach your cat’s body either through ingestion or skin contact. It’s necessary to determine which type of infection your cat has, so that you can apply the appropriate medication. There are dewormers that are specially formulated to remove a specific type of worms, while there are also broad-spectrum medications that are suitable for various types of infections.
  • Age. When choosing the right dewormer, it’s important to be sure that the medication is suitable for a specific age range. For instance, there are dewormers which aren’t safe to be used on kittens, as they are younger and more sensitive than adult cats, so the medication’s formula can cause more damage than help. Make sure that the dewormer is appropriate for your cat’s age before you buy it.
  • Natural ingredients. There are dewormers that are formulated with all-natural ingredients and without toxic substances that can endanger your pet’s health. These products are often broad-spectrum medications that can treat various infections and can also be used as means of prevention. These dewormers have a mild structure that allows frequent use and is not meant to cause any negative side effects. However, it’s always best to consult the vet before making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cat dewormer and how does it work?

A cat dewormer is a type of medication that is used for treating intestinal infections in cats, which are also known as worms. There are different types of worms and, accordingly, there are different dewormers that are designed to treat them. Dewormers can be specially formulated to combat one type of worms, such as tapeworms, for example, or they can be broad-spectrum products that can treat multiple infections. There are also all-natural dewormers that contain only natural substances that are suitable for fighting various types of worms and can also work as a prevention of infections.

Dewormers are most often given by mouth and are either in the form of pills or liquid that can be mixed with food. The dosage depends on the type of worm, degree of infestation, and the cat’s age and weight, and it will be prescribed by your vet. The medications are formulated to attack worms at different points in their life and they most often remove the worms by flushing them out of your cat’s body through passing of feces.

How do you know if your cat has a parasite?

The most common symptoms of intestinal infections involve diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and loss of weight. Tapeworms usually cause mild symptoms, while roundworms and hookworms if not treated on time can make your cat seriously ill or even cause anemia. A cat that’s infected with some type of worm may display no symptoms at all, that’s why regular physical and fecal exams are necessary. If the tests come back positive, the vet will treat the cat even if they don’t have symptoms.

What does it look like when a cat has worms?

Intestinal infections in cats often manifest through the loss of appetite and the loss of weight because the worms take away all the nutrients from the food your cat eats. Hookworms can even cause anemia as they feed on the cat’s blood by attaching to the lining of the intestines. Other symptoms that worms may cause are vomiting and diarrhea.

The most common type of worms are roundworms, which can grow to be 5 inches long and which produce eggs that the cat eliminates through feces. Tapeworms look like grains of rice and can often be seen on the fur around the cat’s rear end. Also, infestation of fleas is a good indicator that your cat may be suffering from tapeworms as well. Hookworms are half-inch long threads that can be spotted in your cat’s feces. When the worms produce eggs that are eliminated through feces, it may take several weeks for them to become infective, so if you are meticulous when it comes to cleaning the litter box, you may prevent re-infestation.

How many times does a cat need to be dewormed?

Regardless of whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat, it’s a good idea to bring a fecal sample to the vet once or twice a year to be checked for parasites. Also, if there are fleas present, they are likely to pass on tapeworms, and if the fleas are untreated, they could constantly cause re-infestation of these parasites. You can use monthly applications of a quality and safe flea product to help prevent fleas and some intestinal infections. If you’re in doubt, you can always consult the vet.

Other Cat Dewormers We Reviewed

Top pick
Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer
Here’s our big winner Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer, a safe and efficient way of combating tapeworms that your cat is going to love

We looked at 20 other cat dewormers. Even though they weren’t listed in our top 5 cat dewormers, they’re still among the best products we reviewed, and each of them is still a great option for your cat. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.

Natural Cat Dewormers

Alternative Animal Worm Free Naturally-Natural Cat Wormer

alternative animal cat dewormer

Alternative Animal cat wormer eliminates parasites without the use of toxic chemicals. It contains trace minerals and probiotics to help maintain a healthy digestive tract. As the ingredients are natural, parasites can’t build immunity. It’s safe for plants and soil as well.

Key Features:

  • Eliminates parasites without the use of toxic chemicals
  • Natural ingredients prevent parasites from building immunity
  • Contains trace minerals and probiotics
  • Should be mixed well with food
  • Eco-friendly

Cost: Est. $22

Homeopet Remedies Warm Clear

homeopet remedies worm clear

Homeopet dewormer contains only naturally-derived ingredients and it prevents and removes hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. It can be added to food and water. It’s safe for kittens, puppies, pregnant, and nursing animals.

Key Features:

  • Contains naturally-derived ingredients
  • Prevents and removes hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms
  • Can be added to food and water
  • Safe for kittens, puppies, pregnant and nursing animals

Cost: Est. $10

Naturpet D Wormer | 100% Natural, Safe, & Effective Dewormer for Dogs and Cats

naturpet d wormer

Naturpet wormer contains a vet-approved formula that treats various intestinal infections, including pinworms, roundworms, giardia, tapeworms, whipworms, and ringworms. It supports digestion and soothes digestive track.

Naturpet D Wormer Key Features:

  • All-natural, vet-recommended formula for treating pinworms, roundworms, giardia, tapeworms, whipworms, and ringworms
  • Supports digestion and soothes digestive tract
  • Suitable for cats and dogs
  • Available in 3.3-ounce

Cost: Est. $28

NHV Dewormer for Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens

NHV dewormer

NHV dewormer is a dietary supplement that is made of natural ingredients and is used for treating roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, and threadworms in dogs, puppies, cats and kittens. Its formula contains herbs that help control bleeding and repair damage caused by worms. It also boosts immune system.

Key Features:

  • Dietary supplement made of natural ingredients
  • Treats tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, and threadworms in cats and dogs of all ages
  • Contains herbs that repair parasitic damage
  • Boosts immune system

Cost: Est. $40

Only Natural Pet HW Protect Herbal Formula

only natural pet HW protect herbal formula

Only Natural Pet HW Protect Herbal Formula contains a mixture of herbs with anti-parasitic properties. It’s made of natural ingredients and it’s appropriate for dogs and cats of all ages and breeds.

Key Features:

  • Mixture of herbs with anti-parasitic properties
  • Helps prevent heartworm and repels mosquitoes
  • Suitable for cats and dogs of all ages and breeds
  • Available in 2-ounce

Cost: Est. $27

Parasite Support AP-MAG 90 capsules

parasite support AP MAG

AP-MAG is designed to support cleansing of the colon from parasites and to maintain healthy intestinal flora. It contains a blend of eight herbs that performs a mild detoxification and prompts gastrointestinal tract’s health.

Key Features:

  • Natural Himalayan herb formula
  • Supports parasite cleansing in the colon
  • Maintains healthy intestinal flora
  • Free of wheat, soy, milk, and eggs
  • Pack of 90 tablets

Cost: Est. $34

Wholistic Pet Organics Diatomaceous Earth Supplement

wholistic pet organics

Wholistic Pet Organics Diatomaceous Earth Supplement is a natural dewormer without chemicals. It comes from fresh water deposits and contains raw, natural, whole food ingredients. It also provides flea and tick relief and is safe for cats of all ages.

Key Features:

  • Natural dewormer without chemicals
  • Comes from fresh water deposits
  • Provides flea and tick relief
  • Safe for cats of all ages
  • Made in the USA and regulated by the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council)

Cost: Est. $17

Broad-Spectrum Cat Dewormers

Chlorhexidine Wipes for Dogs + Cats

chlorhexidine wipes for dogs and cats

Although Chlorhexidine wipes are primarily designed to heal bacterial skin infections, soothe skin irritation and hot spots, and treat urinary tract infections, they are also efficient in treating ringworms in cats and dogs. These are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal wipes without alcohol and with aloe and Vitamin E that are suitable for sensitive skin and places that are hard to reach.

Key Features:

  • Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial wipes
  • Treat ringworms in cats and dogs
  • No alcohol

Cost: Est. $14

Proviable DC for Cats and Dogs

Proviable DC for Cats and Dogs

Proviable DC is a health supplement that helps restore healthy intestinal balance in cats and dogs. It contains multiple species and billions of beneficial microorganisms. It’s suitable for short-term use during intestinal imbalance or long-term use as health support.

Proviable DC Key Features:

  • Helps restore healthy intestinal balance in cats and dogs
  • Contains multiple species and billions of beneficial microorganisms
  • Suitable for short-term use during intestinal imbalance or long-term use as health support
  • Pack of 80 capsules

Cost: Est. $38

Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Purina Fortiflora Nutritional Supplement for Cats

fortiflora nutritional supplement

Pro Plan Veterinary Diets is a nutritional supplement designed to help maintain a healthy intestinal flora in cats. You can use it as a means of prevention of intestinal infections. It’s an effective probiotic with a pleasant taste that can be easily sprinkled on food.

Key Features:

  • Nutritional supplement and probiotic designed to help maintain a healthy intestinal flora
  • Pleasant taste
  • Can be sprinkled on food
  • Pack of 30 sachets

Cost: Est. $28

Pyrantel Pamoate Suspension

Pyrantel Pamoate Suspension

Generic dewormer contains pyrantel pamoate, a medication that safely eliminates worm infections by paralyzing worms so that the body can remove them naturally in the stool. It treats mature infections of strongyles, pinworms and roundworms in dogs, cats and horses. It’s available in 16-ounce.

Key Features:

  • Contains pyrantel pamoate that safely removes worms
  • Treats mature infections of strongyles, pinworms and roundworms in dogs, cats and horses
  • Available in 16-ounce

Cost: Est. $23

Pyrintal Roundworm and Tapeworm Dewormer for Cats 

Pyrintal Roundworm and Tapeworm Dewormer for Cats 

Pyrintal Roundworm and Tapeworm Dewormer for Cats is a broad spectrum dewormer for roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. The tablets can be crumbled and mixed with your cat’s food or administered directly by mouth, if your cat is cooperative (unlike most).

Key Features: 

  • For cats 6 weeks of age and older
  • Tablets may be crumbled and mixed with food
  • 4 tablets

Cost: Est. $25

Vectra for Cats & Kittens Under 9 Lbs

vectra under 9 lbs

Vectra is a topical treatment that kills fleas that may cause dermatitis or transmit diseases including bartonellosis, tapeworms, and tularemia. It kills fleas in 6 hours and it prevents re-infestation. It’s a good choice for preventing tapeworms, as they are mostly transmitted through flea infestation.

Key Features:

  • Topical treatment that kills fleas in 6 hours
  • Eliminates fleas that can transmit diseases, including tapeworms
  • Prevents re-infestation
  • Suitable for cats over 8 weeks of age and under 9 lbs

Cost: Est. $33

Vectra Green For Large Cats Over 9 Pounds

vectra over 9 lbs

Vectra Green is a topical treatment that eliminates fleas and prevents them from transmitting diseases such as tapeworms. It’s suitable for cats over 8 weeks of age and over 9 lbs.

Key Features:

  • Topical treatment that kills fleas in 6 hours
  • Eliminates fleas that can transmit diseases, including tapeworms
  • Prevents re-infestation
  • Suitable for cats over 8 weeks of age and over 9 lbs

Cost: Est. $61

Cat Dewormers for Roundworms

Durvet WormEze Liquid Canine & Feline Antihelmintic

wormeze liquid

Durvet dewormer controls and eliminates roundworms in cats and dogs. It’s safe to be used on kittens and puppies over 6 weeks of age. It has a pleasant taste and it can be added to pet’s food or water. It’s available in 8-ounce.

Key Features:

  • Controls and eliminates roundworms in cats and dogs
  • Safe for kittens and puppies over 6 weeks of age
  • Pleasant taste
  • Can be added to pet’s food or water
  • Available in 8-ounce

Cost: Est. $6

HARTZ UltraGuard Rid Worm Liquid for Cats

hartz ultraguard liquid dewormer

Hartz liquid dewormer has a mild formula that effectively removes roundworms from cats and kittens. It shouldn’t be used on kittens under 8 weeks of age. It should be stored in dry, cool places with temperatures under 86°F.

Key Features:

  • Mild formula that eliminates roundworms in cats and kittens
  • Not to be used on kittens under 8 weeks of age
  • Store in dry, cool places
  • Avoid temperatures above 86°F

Cost: Est. $9

Peak Marketing Pet Wormer Gel

wormeze gel

Peak gel dewormer efficiently removes roundworms in cats and dogs. It’s safe for kittens and puppies over 6 weeks of age. It can be applied directly into the pet’s mouth or mixed with food. It’s available in 4-ounce.

Key Features:

  • Efficiently removes roundworms in cats and dogs
  • Safe for kittens and puppies over 6 weeks of age
  • Can be applied directly into pet’s mouth or mixed with food
  • Available in 4-ounce

Cost: Est. $9

PetArmor 12 Count Worm-Away Caps

petarmor worm away caps

PetArmor capsules contain a vet-recommended formula that eliminates large roundworms. It’s safe for cats of all ages and it can be easily mixed with food.

Key Features:

  • Pack of 12 capsules
  • Vet-recommended formula that eliminates large roundworms
  • Easily mixed with food
  • Safe for cats of all ages

Cost: Est. $25

Pro-Sense Liquid De-Wormer for Cats

pro-sense roundworm liquid dewormer 4 oz

Pro-Sense dewormer removes large roundworms in cats. It’s safe for kittens over 6 weeks of age and 2.5 lbs of body weight. It has caramel color and flavor. It’s available in 4-ounce.

Key Features:

  • Treats large roundworms
  • Suitable for cats over 6 weeks of age and over 2.5 lbs of body weight
  • Caramel color and flavor
  • Available in 4-ounce

Cost: Est. $15

Pro-Sense Roundworm Dewormer

pro-sense roundworm liquid dewormer 4 oz

Pro-Sense dewormer protects your cat from abdominal swelling, diarrhea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal issues caused by roundworms. It’s safe for cats and kittens over 6 weeks of age. It contains a liquid formula that can be given directly by mouth or mixed with food.

Key Features:

  • Protects your cat from abdominal swelling, diarrhea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal issues caused by roundworms
  • Safe for cats and kittens over 6 weeks of age
  • Can be given directly by mouth or mixed with food
  • Available in 4-ounce

Cost: Est. $11