How do I administer my cat's tapeworm medication?

Question

My friend gave me a bottle of a 3-pill count tapeworm treatment for my cat. The brand is Tradewinds. There are no directions on the bottle. How do I give it to my cat and how often. Since there are 3 I am assuming one a day..but I am doubtful. Please help me out. Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi there...Tradewinds Praziquantel dosage requirements:
4 lbs. and under1/2 tablet
5-11 lbs.1 tablet
over 11 lbs.1-1/2 tablet
under 6 months should not be administered.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=7588&inm=1&N=2002+113751+113563

Here's an instructional video by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine on how to administer pills:
http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/pill_or_capsule/

Answer 2

Most of these remedies are one time dosages.
Make sure you have an accurate weight on the animal and give the appropriate dose. Hold the cat on it's back and holding it's mouth open, then drop the pill in the back of the throat then let go of the cat's mouth and it should swallow with no problem. You may want to ask someone else to hold the cat if you're having trouble keeping it still. If you are still seeing a problem after 1 month then you can retreat. If this doesn't help then you should contact your veterinarian. The following info is what I found on the medication you have.

Praziquantel, the standard ingredient in prescription tapeworm medications, is now FDA approved for over-the-counter sale without a prescription.
removes both types of tapeworms in adult cats and kittens over 6 weeks of age.
100% safe and effective when used according to label directions.
Sized for easy oral administration or may be crumbled and mixed with food.
Contents: 3 Tablets. Each tablet contains 23 mg Praziquantel.


Dosage:
4 lbs. & under - ½ tablet
5-11 lbs. - 1 tablet
over 11 lbs. - 1 ½ tablets.

Retreatment-- Steps should be taken to control fleas and rodents on the premises in order to prevent reinfection; otherwise, retreatment will be necessary. This is especially true in cases of tapeworms transmitted by fleas where reinfection is almost certain to occur if fleas are not removed from the animal and its environment. If reinfection occurs, tapeworm segments may be observed within one month of the initial treatment. Consider the use of Advantage, Frontline, or Frontline Plus, or consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment and contol of parasitism.

Manufacturer: Tradewinds
Tradewinds Tape Worm Cat 3 Tabs 23 mg

Answer 3

No No No!!!! You must first weigh your cat. For a cat 9 lbs - 12 give 1 (ONE) pill orally ONLY. Under 7 lbs, give only HALF a pill.
Give the pill either by:
(1) mixing it with his favorite WET cat food or
(2) giving it directly through the mouth. How? OK. Sit or crouch directly behind kitty. Grab hold of the nape of his neck with one hand and with the other, gently pry open his mouth and insert the pill AT THE SIDE of mouth and push gently towards throat. Once pill is inside, shut kitty's mouth with your hand and gently massage his throat with the other. The cat should be able to swallow the pill. If not, you'll know because the cat will spit it right out.

I know this becuase I had recently treated my 2 cats with the same Tradewinds (Praziquantel)Tapeworm tablets. ONE dose is usually enough. If it isn't, you must give a second dose no sooner that 2 TWO weeks after the first dose.

Answer 4

I wouldn't administer the medication until you talk to the Tradewind company and find out the proper timing between dosages.

Dosage: 4 lbs. & under - 1/2 tablet, 5-11 lb - 1 tablet, over 11 lb - 1-1/2 tablets.

Answer 5

id be careful because my cats as well had them not too long ago. it usually depends on the weight of the cat. but dont go by the count of the pills. for instance, when i got mine, i had 4 pills in it, i assumed the same thing until i read the directions. it went by their weight. if youre not sure, id either get something you know how much to give or either look up the stuff on the internet. but be careful.