Is it safe to deworm my nursing cat with 5-week-old kittens?

I usually do not recommend using Praziquantel in lactating mother cats, Pyrantel Pamoate is usually fine and they can be dewormed from around 4 weeks of age. flea treatment can be given as soon as 2 days of age-- the ONLY safe product is Frontline spray.

Cats get tapeworms by eating fleas so you need to get the flea problem under control or she will continue to get tapeworms. ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/tapeworms-of-cats/ ) You can use this dewormer. I suggest you give a dose now and repeat it in 3 weeks. It is safe for nursing moms. If you need to treat the kittens they have to be at least 6 weeks old. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/bayer-tapeworm-dewormer-tablets-for-cats )

Many deworming products are not recommended once pregnancy is established. Tapeworm medications, in particular, can be quite toxic. If you are concerned that your cat has parasites, I recommend that you take a fecal sample to your veterinarian for examination. Your vet can identify the eggs of any parasites your cat may have using a test called a fecal float exam. S/he can then prescribe the safest, most effective dewormer to use in a pregnant cat for that particular parasite.

To treat the mites, you can use the topical Revolution. It is labeled as safe for pregnant and nursing queens. It is applied directly to the skin on the back of the neck monthly. Pyrantel is safe to use in nursing queens. Praziquantel should be used with caution. Discuss with your veterinarian. The kittens should be dewormed at 2,4,6 and 8 weeks of age. Pyrantel is safe to use in kittens. Praziquantel should not be used in kittens less than 6 weeks of age.

According to their package instructions, Profender is safe to use on pregnant cats before the birth of the kittens, but it cannot be used on kittens until they are 8 weeks of age. Panacur is safe on both pregnant cats and kittens as young as two weeks of age, and you can get that from the vet. I hope this helps!

Pyrantel (roundworms, hookworms and whipworms) and Drontal plus (also effective against tapeworms) are safe for nursing female dogs. Intestinal parasites are zoonotic/transmissible to humans by fecal/oral contact so be super diligent about hand washing after handling her or her pups. It is likely that all her pups have worms now too but they should be at least 6 weeks of age before deworming with its pyrantel. Good luck and congrats on the puppies!

Yes, worms can be passed from mom to babies. Most kittens will have 1-2 dewormings before they are fully weaned from mom once they are a bit older. It is best to talk to your vet to see if it's safe to deworm the mother and when the kittens can get started on their own deworming protocol.