Q&A for How to Deworm Cats

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If my cat vomited up her deworming tablet, should I repeat the dose?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

If she was sick within a couple of hours, then yes, leave it a day or so and then repeat the dose. If the tablet was in her stomach for longer than 2 hours, then she may well have absorbed a good percentage of the active ingredient, so just wait until she's next due for worming.

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Question

Is it OK to deworm a cat that has an URI?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Yes, indeed it can be a good idea as getting rids of worms could boost the immune system. Just be careful how you give the dewormer, especially if the cat has trouble breathing. Also, if the cat is on treatment, check first with the vet to make sure there are no drug interactions.

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Question

Can I use Mebex to deworm my cat?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Mebex is a human deworming medication that contains mebendazole. This drug is suitable for use in cats, but it isn't licensed for use in this species. This means the law requires you to use a veterinary-approved product first. There are plenty of effective alternatives for use in cats that are licensed, so this would be a better option.

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Question

How I can I deworm a cat that I can't touch or handle? She's also very particular with her food.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

This is a tricky one. Fenbendazole (sold as Panacur) is odorless and tasteless when chilled, so try put the dose in the fridge and then mixing it with a tasty treat such as fish. However, fenbendazole does not get rid of tapeworms, so if you suspect she has these you need a plan B. Pyrantel (effective against tapeworm) comes in an injection and a spot-on form, so if you had someone who could hold the cat steady in a towel while you apply the spot-on, this could be the best option.

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