Cat Roundworm Treatment With Drontal

Cat roundworms are parasites that live in the digestive system of cats. There are two types of roundworms that infect cats. Since roundworms go through different life cycles, the treatment has to be administered according to the severity and type of roundworm infection.

Feline Roundworm Infection

Animals become contaminated with roundworms when they ingest contaminated sources that contain roundworm eggs. The eggs mature into adult roundworms and produce several eggs that in turn pass through the cat feces. The most common feline roundworms are T. leonina and T. cati. Apart from ingestion of roundworm eggs, roundworm infection can pass from a mother (queen) to her kittens through her milk.

Roundworm Treatment in Cats

Treatment options include anthelmintic drugs that effectively kill adult roundworms. The medication has to be repeated, as certain roundworms may still be in the larvae stage during the first dose. Repetition of the medication will completely eliminate feline roundworms and prevent immediate re-infection. Drontal for cats is a broad spectrum dewormer that treats tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms. Before administering any medication to your pet, it's necessary to conduct a vet check along with a fecal exam to determine the type of worm infection present.

Drontal for Cats

Drontal contains praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate and febantel. It can be used in cats and kittens weighing more than 1.5 lbs. and more than one month old. The active ingredient, pyrantel pamoate, works to paralyze roundworms. The parasites are then eliminated from the cat's body through feces.

Administration of Drontal

  • The medication shouldn't be given to cats with known allergic reaction to the drug.
  • Avoid giving Drontal in combination with other deworming medication for pets.
  • Drontal tablets are administered as a single dose, and dosage depends on individual pet symptoms, medical history and underlying illnesses.
  • Since Drontal also treats parasites like tapeworms, it's important to properly dispose of pet feces to prevent contamination in humans.

General Dosage in Cats

  • Kittens over one month of age, weighing 1.5 to 1.9 lbs should be given 1/4 tablet.
  •  Pets weighing 2 to 3 lbs. may be given 1/2 tablet.
  •  tablet is administered to pets weighing 4 to 8 lbs.
  • 1 ½ tablets for pets weighing 9 to 12 lbs.
  • Adult pets weighing 13 to 16 lbs. should be given 2 tablets.

It's necessary to read and follow package instructions before administering any dosage, unless otherwise directed by the vet. Don't administer dog worming medication to cats, as the potency of the drug differs. Drontal can be crushed and mixed with pet food. It may cause certain side effects in cats, and although these are temporary, if you notice unusual behavior, it's best to seek medical attention.

  • Side Effects of Drontal for Cats
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased salivation

Along with dewormer medication, cats should be kept in a clean environment. Fleas and ticks are the most common carriers of infections. Adequate flea control and disinfection of the household are long term parasite prevention methods.

 

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