Can you please tell me about cat-worm tablet strengths?

Question

Apart from my in-house pets (1 dog and 2 cats) I have three 'garden ' cats, that come and go as they please but mainly stay there because I feed/look after them.
To-day I decided to de-worm them and ground up some drontal tablets which I mixed with their food. They were about two thirds through their meal when a neighbour's dog jumped over the wall and ate the remainder.
Do you think they got enough medicine or will I have to give the same again?
If I do have to repeat, should I wait a few days until the current dose has cleared their systems?

Answer 1

They will need to be wormed again as they have not had the full dose. Darn dog!

I advise you to give your vet a ring to ask how long to wait before the next dose, as even professional opinions differ slightly on this so I wouldn't take the word of anyone on here - including mine!

Chalice

EDIT: What does rachel mean by 'transients'?! How offensive! Does she not know the difference between indoor/outdoor cats and ferals?!

EDIT 2: It is NOT pointless to deworm an outdoor cat, since Drontal protects them against roundworm and tapeworm infestation for 3 months, fleas or no fleas.

Answer 2

Hope you got these tablets from the vet or you are doing this with no results Ok, Get your mind set going. You are the boss, cat needs medicine. Be strong. Don't let him win. lol Hold cat firmlly on your lap that is covered with a towel. Open the mouth, by bringing your hand over the cat head and inserting fingers ( those that you have left) in the sides of the mouth, and pry open. Drop tablets far back into mouth, and stroke throat with the hand that hasn't been mauled beyond recognition. This will force him to swallow. Go look in the mirror and give yourself a big pat on the back, and smile because you have won, and your body can still function. OR, do what I do,sometimes, take the cat to the vet and get a wormer shot. ( it's really not that difficult) Don't try hiding it in the food thing, cats are too smart for that.

Answer 3

Worming tablets stay in their system for 3 months. It is not a good idea to crush tablets into their food as firstly the problem you have and secondly tablets are meant to dissolve in the stomach slowly. hen they are crushed they get a strong dose all at once. You can buy Exelpet chews for worming. the first time my cat ate the whole thing with no problems. the second time she didn't want it so i broke it up into pices in her dry food. She ate most and then another cat came and ate the rest. My cat is a small cat and she ate nearly all of it so I am going to wait for the next dose. you could try contacting the company or a vet to find out what to do.

Answer 4

I would say yes give them another dose in about 2 weeks. this will be the best to rid them of worms. I would periodically do it to since they are outdoor cats. May once ever 3-4 months. Good job on de-worming them!

Answer 5

Deworming an outdoor only cat is pretty much a fruitless effort. You can give them heartworm preventatives, but as far as tapeworms, it's pretty pointless. If they are outdoors constantly they probably have fleas and fleas=tapeworms.

If you want to continue dosing them, you will have to do it every two to four weeks.

WANT PROOF?
Drontal Feline
Drontal (praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate) is a broad spectrum dewormer for cats and kittens. It is used to treat tapeworms, hookworms and roundworms. Each tablet is scored for easy breakage. The dose is based on weight. (Sold per tablet)
RX Required

Generic Name
Praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate (pra-zee-kwan’-tell)

Brand Name(s)
Drontal (Bayer)

What is this medication used for
Praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate is a broad spectrum dewormer used to remove tapeworms, hookworms and large roundworms in cats and kittens.

Availability
Praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate is available by prescription as scored tablets.

How this medicine should be used
Praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate is FDA approved for use in cats and kittens. The usual dose for cats and kittens at least 4 weeks old and at least 1 ½-1.9 lbs is ¼ tab, 2-3 lbs is ½ tab, 4-8 lbs is 1 tab, 9-12 lbs is 1 ½ tab and 13-16 lbs is 2 tabs.

What are the side effects
Side effects are rare but may include increased salivation, vomiting and diarrhea in cats.

What special precautions are there
Praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate should not be used in animals allergic to it. Because humans can contract tapeworm from animals, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene. It is also important to eliminate fleas on the pet and in the household and to not feed the pet rodents or uncooked meat or fish. To prevent reinfection, daily cleanup of stools is recommended. Consult your veterinarian before giving to sick or pregnant animals.

In the event of overdose
Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. While rare, symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea and salivation.

How should I store this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed. Store at room temperature, away from excess heat, light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

RETREATMENT:
Steps should be taken to prevent parasite infections, otherwise retreatment will be necessary.
Tapeworms transmitted by fleas will likely reoccur unless measures are taken to control fleas. Flea control procedures must include insecticide treatment of the cat's environment (i.e. bedding and resting areas) as well as direct treatment of the cat with dips, powders, sprays or other approved insecticides.
Roundworms and hookworms are controlled in cats by maintaining an environment free of infective eggs and larvae. Feces and soiled litter should be removed on a daily basis to prevent build-up of eggs and larvae in the environment.
Certain parasites such as tapeworms and large roundworms are transmitted to the cat after they eat infected rodents. Controlling the predatory habits of cats, i.e., catching and eating rodents, will prevent these parasite infections.
Cats maintained under conditions of constant exposure to parasite infections should have a follow-up fecal exam within 2 to 4 weeks after the first treatment.
If reinfection with tapeworms, hookworms or large roundworms occurs, treatment with Drontal Tablets may be repeated.

Answer 6

it goes by their weight, if they don't get enough, it won't kill the eggs in the cat's digestive system. if they get TOO moch it CAN kill them (my vet almost o.d.'d my cat) please take them to a cheap or free clinic day at the vet, or at least get a qualified vet to give you an honest answer regarding the right weight-to-dosage ratio.
it'll be hard to get their exact weight since they're "transients," but you can guess within 3 pounds and still be safe

Answer 7

Ditto Chalice's answer... and don't take my word for it, call a vet : )

LVT

Answer 8

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! NOBODY LIKES U!!!!!!!!! GET OVER IT!!!!!!!!!!