Worms in cats are common, but with the right treatment and prevention routine, you can keep your pet happy, healthy, and worm-free. This guide covers how to treat worms in cats, including symptoms, treatment options, and how often to worm.

Key Takeaways

  • Spot the signs early – vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, and visible worms are common indicators.

  • Choose the right treatment – worming tablets, spot-on treatments, and vet-prescribed options all work effectively.

  • Stick to a worming schedule – most cats need worming every 1–3 months depending on lifestyle.

  • Prevention is key – regular flea control, good hygiene, and consistent worming stop reinfestations.

Check out our over the counter cat worming range to keep your pet protected.

Signs Your Cat May Have Worms

Cats with worms don’t always show symptoms, but some common signs include:

  • Vomiting or diarrhoea

  • Weight loss despite normal appetite

  • A swollen belly (especially in kittens)

  • Worms visible in stool or around the anus

  • Dull coat or poor appetite

If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to treat your cat promptly and speak to your vet if you’re unsure.

Treatment Options for Worms in Cats

When it comes to treating worms in cats, you have several safe and effective options. The best choice often depends on your cat’s age, lifestyle, and how easy they are to medicate.

1. Spot-On Treatments

Spot-on wormers are liquid solutions applied directly to your cat’s skin, usually at the back of the neck where they can’t lick it off. Once absorbed, the treatment circulates through your cat’s system to kill and protect against intestinal worms.

Popular choices include Dronspot Wormer Spot-On, which is clinically proven to target all common intestinal worms found in UK cats.

Pros:

  • Easy to apply – much less stressful than giving tablets, especially for fussy or nervous cats.

  • Fast-acting and effective – starts working within 24 hours.

  • Broad protection – kills multiple types of worms, including roundworms and tapeworms.

  • Safe for kittens – suitable for kittens from 8 weeks old (as long as they weigh over 500g).

Cons:

  • Liquid formulations - some cats do not like the feeling of liquid on their skin and so may not enjoy the application

  • Temporary contact restrictions – you’ll need to avoid petting or letting children touch the treated area until it has fully dried.

Tips for Applying Spot-On Treatments:

  1. Part the fur at the back of your cat’s neck until the skin is visible.

  2. Apply the liquid directly to the skin — not just the fur — high enough so your cat can’t lick it off.

  3. Let the product dry completely before touching the area, allowing at least 24–48 hours without bathing or wetting your cat.

  4. Keep other pets away from grooming the area until dry.

cat lying down looking at the camera

2. Tablets (Oral Treatments)

Worming tablets are another highly effective way to treat worms in cats and remain a trusted option for many pet owners. Once swallowed, they begin working quickly to kill both roundworms and tapeworms.

Pros:

  • Fast-acting and effective – starts working within hours.

  • No wet patch – unlike spot-ons, there’s nothing left on your cat’s coat.

  • Cost-effective – especially practical for multi-cat households.

Cons:

  • Can be trickier to give – some cats can be fussy with tablets, which may take a bit of patience to give successfully.

Tips for Giving Tablets:

  1. Hide the tablet in food – use a small piece of meat, cheese, or a special pill paste to disguise it.

  2. Try direct dosing if needed – gently place the tablet at the back of your cat’s tongue, then close their mouth and stroke under the chin to encourage swallowing.

  3. Use a pill popper for safety – this tool can make giving tablets easier.

  4. Check the instructions – some tablets can be crushed or given with food, while others must be swallowed whole.

Our TermaWorm™ worming tablets deliver the same trusted ingredients as leading brands at an affordable price - making them a smart, effective choice for keeping your cat worm-free.

3. Vet-Prescribed Treatments

In some cases, your vet may recommend prescription wormers, especially if your cat has a heavy worm burden or a type not covered by over-the-counter products.

4. Natural Options

Some natural remedies are discussed online, but always consult a vet before trying them. Many are not proven to be effective and could delay proper treatment.

black and white cat looking at camera

How Often Should You Worm A Cat?

“The right frequency depends on your cat’s lifestyle” - VioVet vet Dr Nicholas Garside states:

  • Indoor-only cats – every 3-6 months dependant on risk - consult your vet or our customer service team for more guidance

  • Outdoor cat that doesn’t hunt – every 3 months

  • Outdoor cat that does hunt – monthly

  • Cats in households with immunocompromised individuals (such as the young or elderly) - monthly

  • Cats with a raw meat diet - monthly

  • Kittens (3–12 weeks) – every 2 weeks

  • Kittens (3–6 months) – monthly

Remember: Worming also protects your family, as some parasites can spread from cats to humans.

Preventing Worms from Coming Back

Worms can easily return if prevention isn’t consistent. Here’s what you can do to help avoid this:

  • Regular flea treatments – fleas carry tapeworm eggs.

  • Clean environment – pick up faeces promptly and keep litter trays clean.

  • Avoid raw meat – feeding cooked food reduces infection risk.

  • Consistent worming – stick to the schedule that matches your cat’s lifestyle.

If you don’t worm your cat, infestations can lead to malnutrition, anaemia, intestinal blockages, and even life-threatening illness.

Ready to Treat Your Pet?

Keep your pet protected from worms with our range of safe, effective cat wormers. From easy-to-apply spot-ons to convenient tablets, we have options to suit every cat and lifestyle.

Cat Worming FAQs

Dr Nicholas Garside answers your common questions about cat worming.

What is the best worming treatment for cats in the UK?

Spot-ons like Dronspot and tablets like TermaWorm are popular choices. The best option depends on your cat’s temperament and lifestyle.

Can you catch worms from a cat?

Yes. Worms can spread through contaminated soil or faeces. Good hygiene and regular worming greatly reduces the risk.

How do cats contract worms?

Cats pick up worms from infected prey, fleas, soil, or contaminated food.

Can indoor cats get worms?

Yes. Parasites can be brought in on shoes, clothes, or other pets.

Can I treat fleas and worms at the same time?

Yes. Some products offer dual protection, but always check active ingredients or ask your vet.

How long does worming treatment take to work?

Most worming treatments start killing worms within 24 hours. You may even see dead worms in your cat’s stool shortly after. For full protection, follow up with regular treatments as recommended.

Written by: VioVet