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My cat has a worm coming out. Is there an over-the-counter dewormer?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 5 lbs

My son saw this worm (? flat worm) coming out of our cat? Is there an over-the-counter treatment?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 29th, 2020

Hello. This is definitely a tapeworm. Go to https://www.chewy.com ( or check with your local pet retailer ) & pick up Bayer tapeworm de-wormer for cats. That will take care of the problem for now. To prevent further tapeworm problems, prevent your cat from hunting & use a good flea preventative on a regular basis. Thanks for contacting PetCoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 19th, 2017
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There are many safe over-the-counter worm products in the united states. You will have to check at your local store what is available, however what you are describing sounds like a round worm. This often looks like spaghetti. I suggest you look up 'round work' on the internet and if this looks like the type of worm it is, make sure you get a product that covers round worms. Most routine dewormers will for cats. The other common type of worm are tape-worms that have little segments. Milbemax is a good broad-spectrum dewormer. Best of luck with Metro.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Can I get an affordable over-the-counter tapeworm medicine for my cat?

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! I'm not sure what your budget is but I like Droncit or Cestex which only get tapeworms. I like Drontal Plus because it gets tapeworm and other worms as well. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3464 I hope this helps!

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What OTC cat dewormer treats different worms without a vet visit?

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My cat threw up a long, live worm. Is it a tapeworm? What to do?

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My cat has tapeworms. What can I do before a vet or with OTC?

I am sorry to hear about your concern for Shina! There are over the counter tapeworm dewormers available such as this one: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/bayer-tapeworm-dewormer-tablets-for-cats which contain the drug praziquantel. You can read more about tapeworms at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951442 . The tapeworm requires an intermediate host, such as a flea, so the other pets cannot catch it directly from this cat but if there are fleas in the hosue they could get it that way.

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My cat has small white worms. What are they and how do I treat them?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The worms in the photo appear to be tapeworms or, less commonly, pinworms. these can cause impactions and diarrhea, especially in kittens. Unfortunately, I am unable to prescribe medication for Coco without having examined her. However, your veterinarian can quickly determine the exact type of parasites present with a fecal sample and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Because many parasites are transmitted by fleas, it is important for Coco to be on a monthly flea preventative. You should also be careful when cleaning out her litter box to make sure you wash your hands well with soap and water, as some of these parasites can infect humans. I hope all is well!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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