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9 Best Cat Dewormers in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian)

Last Updated on September 20, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

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Dr. Samantha Devine Photo

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Samantha Devine

Veterinarian, DVM

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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owner giving tablet medicine to cat You’ve seen worms in your cat’s stool. Parasites come in all shapes and sizes. Some are microscopic but wreak havoc on our cat’s body, triggering vomiting and diarrhea. Other parasites, like roundworms and tapeworms, can be visible to the naked eye.

They’re gross, and you want to get rid of them now! You’re not the only one whose cat has been diagnosed with parasites. Below, we have reviews of some of the top feline dewormers on the market so that you can make the best choice for your cat.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
NexGard COMBO Topical for Cats NexGard COMBO Topical for Cats
  • Broad coverage, including heartworms and tapeworms
  • Topical application
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Revolt Topical Solution for Cats Revolt Topical Solution for Cats
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to apply
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Revolution PLUS Topical Solution for Cats Revolution PLUS Topical Solution for Cats
  • Will-tolerated
  • Fast-drying topical formula
  • Broad coverage for other parasites
  • Best for Kittens
    Revolution Revolution
  • It is a great option for tiny kittens
  • It has been on the market for years, so it's been extensively studied
  • Bravecto PLUS Topical Solution Bravecto PLUS Topical Solution
  • Longer duration of activity
  • Well-tolerated formula with easy topical dosing
  • The 9 Best Cat Dewormers

    1. NexGard COMBO Topical for Cats– Best Overall

    NexGard COMBO Topical for Cats

    Medication Form: Topical
    Cat Weight: 1.8 to 5.5 lbs; 5.6 to 16.5 lbs
    Count: 1 dose, 3 doses, or 6 doses

    NexGard COMBO (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel) is the best overall choice as a dewormer for your cat because it does much more than deworm your cat. It provides unparalleled protection; it kills fleas, helps prevent heartworm disease, and treats three types of intestinal parasites (tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms).

    You don’t have to give your cat a pill for this medication; it’s a topical product applied monthly. This medication is suitable for small and medium breeds. Cats over 16.5 pounds will not meet the weight requirements for NexGard Combo.

    Pros
    • Broad coverage, including heartworms and tapeworms
    • Topical application
    Cons
    • Can be toxic if the cat licks it off before it dries
    • Only available with a prescription

    2. Revolt Topical Solution for Cats – Best Value

    Revolt Topical Solution for Cats

    Medication Form: Topical
    Cat Weight: 5.1 to 15 lbs; 15.1 to 22 lbs
    Count: 3 doses or 6 doses

    Revolt is a budget-friendly option for parasite protection in cats. The active ingredient selamectin is found in other products like Revolution, but Revolt is much less expensive. It offers protection against heartworms, fleas, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms.

    This medication is suitable for medium to extra-large cat breeds. However, Revolt Topical Solution is not suitable for cats under 5 pounds. Like several cat heartworm prevention products, Revolt is a spot-on formula you apply to the back of your cat’s neck.

    Pros
    • Inexpensive
    • Easy to apply
    Cons
    • Requires a prescription
    • Not labeled for protection against ticks or tapeworms

    3. Revolution PLUS Topical Solution for Cats – Premium Choice

    Revolution PLUS Topical Solution for Cats

    Medication Form: Topical
    Cat Weight: 2.8 to 5.5 lbs; 5.6 to 11 lbs; 11.1 to 22 lbs
    Count: 3 doses, 6 doses, or 12 doses

    The only thing Revolution PLUS doesn’t protect against is tapeworms, so it comes in as a premium option just a step below Nexgard COMBO. This combination of selamectin and sarolaner protects against heartworms, fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms.

    Revolution PLUS is available in many veterinary hospitals, or you can order it online with a veterinary prescription. It is a fast-drying topical product applied to the back of your cat’s neck.

    Pros
    • Will-tolerated
    • Fast-drying topical formula
    • Broad coverage for other parasites
    Cons
    • Some cats lose hair at the application site
    • Need a veterinary prescription to purchase

    4. Revolution – Best for Kittens

    Revolution

    Medication Form: Topical
    Cat Weight: Under 5 pounds
    Count: 3 doses, 6 doses, or 12 doses

    Some kittens are too small when you get them to use Revolution PLUS, which requires the kitten to be at least 2.8 pounds. Traditional Revolution (selamectin) in the puppy and kitten formula works for Kittens from zero to five pounds.

    It doesn’t provide tick protection, but it still protects your kitty from heartworms, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms.

    Pros
    • It is a great option for tiny kittens
    • It has been on the market for years, so it’s been extensively studied
    Cons
    • No tick protection
    • No tapeworm protection
    • Requires kittens to be at least eight weeks old
    • Need a prescription

    5. Bravecto PLUS Topical Solution

    Bravecto PLUS Topical Solution

    Medication Form: Topical
    Cat Weight: 2.6 to 6.2 lbs; >6.2 to 13.8 lbs; >13.8 to 27.5 lbs
    Count: 1 dose or 2 dose

    Do you need help remembering to apply your cat’s flea or heartworm prevention every month? Bravecto PLUS is an excellent option for those who need something that lasts longer than a month.

    The application of this product (fluralaner and moxidectin) lasts for 2 months and protects against heartworms, fleas, ticks, roundworms, and hookworms. This is a good choice if you have a massive cat!

    Pros
    • Longer duration of activity
    • Well-tolerated formula with easy topical dosing
    Cons
    • Doesn’t protect against tapeworms
    • Roundworm and hookworm protection doesn’t last for two months
    • Requires a prescription

    6. MilbeHART Flavored Tablets

    MilbeHART Flavored Tablets

    Medication Form: Tablets
    Cat Weight: 6.1 to 12 lbs
    Count: 6 tablets

    If you need an oral heartworm prevention product that also deworms against roundworms and hookworms, MilbeHART is the solution. Some cats are very sensitive to topical prevention products, so you might want to consider an oral medication.

    This tablet deworms against roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms; however, it does not protect your cat against tapeworms. This is a prescription-only product. It also does not protect against fleas and ticks. Also, the suitable weight range for this medication is specific. Ensure your cat fits the weight requirement before administering it.

    Pros
    • Avoids topical application if your cat is sensitive
    • Flavored tablets many pets like
    Cons
    • Doesn’t protect against fleas or tapeworms
    • Prescription-only product

    7. Profender

    Profender

    Medication Form: Topical
    Cat Weight: 2.2 to 5.5 lbs; 5.5 to 11 lbs; 11.1 to 17.6 lbs
    Count: 1 dose or 2 doses

    If you’re looking for a standard dewormer and already use something else for flea and heartworm prevention, Profender is a great choice as a dewormer. It is a topical product you put on the back of your kitty’s neck, and it treats against tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms.

    Something important to note is that a few cat owners reported their cats foamed at the mouth after administering. However, most cats had no issues.

    Pros
    • Easy topical application
    • Protects against common intestinal parasites
    Cons
    • No flea, tick, or heartworm protection
    • Will need a prescription
    • Some cats have hair loss at the application site
    • Some owners report cats foam at the mouth after administration

    8. Drontal

    Drontal

    Medication Form: Tablets
    Cat Weight: 2 to 16 lbs
    Count: 50 tablets

    If your cat is sensitive to topical applications and you’ve seen evidence of intestinal parasites, your vet might prescribe Drontal. The tablets are scored so that you can break them in half if your dog doesn’t need a full dose.

    Drontal is suitable for cats 4 months and older who weigh 2–16 pounds. It is a combination of pyrantel and praziquantel, which treats tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms.

    Pros
    • Tablet can be split in half or crumbled to mix in food
    • Suitable for a wide weight range
    Cons
    • Only deworms for intestinal parasites
    • Doesn’t prevent parasites

    9. Praziquantel Injectable

    Praziquantel Injectable

    Medication Form: Injectable
    Cat Weight: Dose adjusted based on weight
    Count: 10 ml or 50 ml

    If you’re usually using a heartworm and flea preventative product on your cat but have seen tapeworms, your veterinarian might suggest an injection of praziquantel.

    It’s convenient because your veterinarian can administer the injection in the office, and you don’t have to worry about anything. The downside is it only deworms for tapeworms.

    Pros
    • Convenient injection
    • Well-tolerated
    Cons
    • Usually, it needs to be given in the hospital, which requires a vet visit
    • Only deworms for tapeworms, so if your cat has other intestinal parasites, it won’t deworm for those

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    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Dewormer

    If you’re unsure which product is ideal for your cat, we’ll discuss dewormers in more detail to help you decide.

    Medication Type

    Dewormers are available in tablets, topical formulas, and injections. Some cats don’t like taking pills, but chewable tablets can be broken up and added to food. However, you won’t know how much of a dosage they receive if they don’t eat all the food.

    Topical formulas are the most common dewormers because they are simple to apply. You apply the medication to the back of your cat’s neck. They’re ideal for cats that don’t like pills but should not be used if your cat has sensitive skin or suffers from allergies. Your veterinarian can determine if they are appropriate for your cat.

    Injectable dewormers aren’t as common and are usually administered by your veterinarian. Some injections, like Praziquantel, only treat tapeworms and must be used with other drugs if your cat has other internal parasites.

    Consulting a veterinarian is recommended for the best course of action.

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    Prescription Dewormers

    Most dewormers require a prescription because cats can suffer from several parasites, and a veterinarian’s evaluation is vital to the diagnosis and treatment. If you do not get your cat examined by your vet and try an over-the-counter treatment, you may not target the right parasite, which can harm your cat.

    vet checking bengal cat
    Image Credit: Pressmaster, Shutterstock

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    How Can I Tell if My Cat Has Worms?

    Intestinal parasites are typically diagnosed via a fecal screening test using a small amount of feces. Your veterinarian will likely recommend this testing as part of your cat’s routine preventative care.

    You might also see worms in your cat’s stool.

    These parasites are usually tapeworms (the proglottids look like grains of rice) and roundworms (often compared to spaghetti noodles).

    Other signs of parasites include:
    • Vomiting and diarrhea
    • Weight loss
    • Distended abdomen
    • Dull hair coat
    • Increased appetite

    Can indoor cats get worms?

    Indoor cats can get intestinal parasites and are at risk of contracting heartworms, which aren’t intestinal parasites. They usually get tapeworms by eating one or more fleas infected with tapeworm larvae, so your cat should always be on flea prevention.

    Cats often try to eat bugs and rodents if they get the chance, increasing their risk of developing intestinal parasites.

    How We Selected Our List of Cat Dewormers

    Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat dewormers. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

    Why Trust Catster?

    A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat dewormers. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!

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    Conclusion

    Unfortunately, many cats will need to be dewormed at some point in their lives. The best thing you can do is use a prevention product like Nexgard COMBO, our top dewormer, because it protects against fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.

    Revolt is a generic version of Revolution (active ingredient selamectin) and remains a best-value pick. Revolution PLUS is also a top contender for its flea, heartworm, tick, ear mites, roundworm, and hookworm protection.

    See also:


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