Cat Deworming Tablets and Pastes

Deworming your cat is a key part of caring for her health and also protects your household — roundworms, tapeworms and giardia can all be transmitted to humans, especially young children. The risk applies even to cats that never go outside: parasites can be brought in on shoes or by other animals.

What you'll find in this category: natural herbal products from Verm-X and Ecopets. These are dietary supplements that support the digestive tract, used in the period between regular deworming treatments — they do not replace registered dewormers. Your vet will recommend the right one based on your cat's weight and the type of parasite.

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How often should you deworm a cat?

• Kittens – The first deworming is done at 3 weeks of age and then every 2 weeks until 3 months of age.
• Adult cats – Recommended at least 4 times a year, i.e. every 3 months, especially if they have access outdoors.
• Indoor-only cats – Although the risk is lower, deworming is recommended at least twice a year, since parasites can be brought in on shoes or via other animals.
• Pregnant and nursing cats – Deworming should be carried out under veterinary supervision, as some parasites can be passed to kittens in the womb or through nursing.

The most common internal parasites in cats

• Roundworms (Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina) – The most common intestinal parasites, also dangerous to humans.
• Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp.) – Cats can become infected via fleas or raw meat.
• Hookworms (Ancylostoma spp.) – These parasitise the intestinal lining and can cause anaemia.
• Giardia (Giardia spp.) – Microscopic parasites that cause diarrhoeal illness, also transmissible to humans.
• Whipworms (Trichuris spp.) – Parasites of the large intestine causing chronic digestive problems.

What types of cat deworming products are there?

There are several types of antiparasitic products, which differ in how they're applied and their spectrum of activity.

Deworming tablets for cats

• Effective against a wide range of internal parasites.
• Easy to dose, often flavoured for better acceptance.
• Some cats refuse tablets – they can be hidden in food or given using a pill dispenser

Deworming pastes

• Suitable for kittens, small cats or sensitive individuals.
• Easier to give than tablets, dosed straight into the mouth using a syringe.
• Ideal for cats that don't take tablets well.

Spot-on pipettes (deworming drops for the skin)

• Simple to apply – the drops are applied to the skin between the shoulder blades.
• Effective against intestinal parasites as well as some external parasites (fleas, ticks).
• A great choice for cats that refuse tablets or pastes.

Injectable deworming

• Administered by a vet, used mainly for heavy parasite infestations.
• Immediate and long-lasting effect.

How to give a tablet or paste to a cat correctly

Tablet: Some tablets are flavoured and cats may take them as a treat. If your cat refuses it, hide the tablet in her favourite food (pâté, a pouch, a bit of meat). If that doesn't work, you can use a pill dispenser or place the tablet at the back of the tongue and gently hold the mouth closed until the cat swallows it.

Paste: Apply the paste directly onto the tongue or into the corner of the mouth and gently hold the mouth closed until the cat swallows it. Alternatively, you can mix it into the food.

Spot-on pipette: Part the fur between the shoulder blades and apply the drops directly to the skin. Avoid stroking or bathing your cat for a few hours afterwards, so the active ingredient can absorb properly.

Signs of worms in cats – when to act

• Diarrhoea or constipation – Intestinal parasites disrupt the digestive system.
• Bloated belly in kittens – A common sign of roundworm infestation.
• Poor coat quality – A dull, brittle coat can signal a parasitic infection.
• Weight loss despite a normal appetite – Parasites draw nutrients from the cat's body.
• Lethargy and weakness – Parasitic infestation can cause anaemia and fatigue.
• Scooting or licking the anal area – A typical sign of tapeworm.
• Parasites in the stool or vomiting worms – Visible evidence of parasites.

Preventing internal parasites – what else besides deworming?

• Regular deworming as recommended.
• Hygiene – keep your cat's bowls, bed and litter tray clean.
• Avoiding contact with infected animals.
• Regular vet check-ups.
• Using flea prevention products – fleas can transmit tapeworms.

Conclusion – when and why should you deworm your cat?

Deworming your cat is essential for her health and longevity, as well as for protecting your whole household. Whether she lives outdoors or purely indoors, she is at risk of parasite infection. Proper prevention with tablets, pastes or spot-on pipettes will keep your cat protected and in the best condition. Don't forget regular deworming, and give your cat a healthy, happy life!