Deworming Schedule for Cats
A proper deworming schedule for cats is essential for maintaining their health and preventing worm infestations. It start at age of 2-3 weeks and continued for lifetime.
Deworming is done for removal and prevention of intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
Deworming Schedule for Cats
Kittens should begin their deworming regimen at 2-3 weeks of age with Pyrantel Pamoate to eliminate any worms acquired from the mother.
From 2 weeks until 3 months of age, deworming should be done every two weeks using Pyrantel Pamoate and Fenbendazole.
Once kittens reach 4 months of age, monthly deworming should continue until they are 6 months old. A broad-spectrum dewormer, including Fenbendazole, Praziquantel, and Pyrantel Pamoate, is recommended during this stage to cover a wider range of parasites, including tapeworms.
For adult cats, deworming should be performed every three months for whole life.
Drug of Choice for Deworming in Cats
The choice of dewormer depends on the type of parasite, the age of the cat, and the overall risk factors.
Pyrantel Pamoate
Pyrantel Pamoate is one of the most commonly used dewormers for kittens and adult cats, primarily targeting roundworms (Toxocara spp.) and hookworms (Ancylostoma spp.). It is highly effective in young kittens and is recommended to be given starting at 2-3 weeks of age, with doses repeated every two weeks until 12 weeks old. The standard dose is 5-10 mg/kg orally.
Praziquantel
Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treating tapeworm infections (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp.), which are often transmitted through fleas. It can be administered orally or via injection, with a single 5 mg/kg dose usually being sufficient.
Fenbendazole
Fenbendazole is a broad-spectrum dewormer effective against whipworms, roundworms, hookworms, and even Giardia infections. It is usually administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg orally for 3-5 consecutive days, depending on the severity of the infection.
Ivermectin
Ivermectin is primarily used for the prevention and treatment of heartworms and lungworms in cats. Given at a dose of 0.2-0.4 mg/kg orally or subcutaneously.
Selamectin
Selamectin is a topical, broad-spectrum dewormer that not only eliminates roundworms and hookworms but also provides protection against fleas, ear mites, and heartworms.
