What is Drontal for Cats?
Cats are curious creatures and it’s hard to keep them inside if they want to get out. Even the most conscientious cat owners have experienced their housecats getting out and going for a romp with the local strays and neighborhood cats. While it’s fun for them, they’re exposed to whatever parasites their companions may have. Intestinal parasites can cause health problems if left unchecked. This is why most animal health care providers recommend deworming cats. Your vet may recommend a drug called Drontal if he suspects your cat has worms. If you’re not familiar with this medication, you may have questions about its safety and effectiveness. You’re in the right place to learn everything that is currently known about this commonly prescribed medication.
What is Drontal for cats?
365 Vet explains that Drontal is the brand name of a drug that contains praziquantel, pyrantel embonate, and febantel. These are the active ingredients in the medication. Drontal is a broad-spectrum dewormer that helps to rid your cat of various parasites. It is an oral mediation that is commonly dispensed in tablet form. It is essential to note that Drontal may be purchased for dogs and cats. The two formulations vary from one animal to another, so be certain to choose Drontal for Cats.
What is Drontal used for?
Vet UK explains that Drontal for cats comes in a film-coated tablet, and is commonly prescribed as a broad-spectrum wormer. It kills worms of all types in cats but is most effective against roundworms and tapeworms. It gives pet owners peace of mind in knowing that their pets are free from intestinal parasites.
How is Drontal administered to cats?
Drontal is available in two different types. Drontal is for small cats and kittens, under 4 kg, and Drontal XL is for large cats. The tablets are designed with shapes that make them easy to swallow. The film coating helps them more easily slide down the throat into the stomach. Drontal can be given orally at any time. It can be hidden in food or ingested without food. The recommended dosage of Drontal is one tablet for every two to four kg of body weight for regular Drontal. You do not need to deprive your at of food before treatment. Some cats are resistant to taking medications, so you may have better luck getting your cat to take this medication by hiding it in food.
Is Drontal safe for cats?
One of the most frequently asked questions about Drontal for cats is if it is safe. Emotional Pet Support answers this question with useful information about Drontal vs not using the drug. Drontal is a medication that has been developed for use in dogs and cats. The manufacturers spent time researching the ingredients for their effectiveness and safety in uses for cats. Drontal is one of the most well-known broad-spectrum dewormers for cats and dogs. The drug is effective in killing harmful parasites in cats, ridding them of danger, and promoting improved health.
What are the side effects of Drontal for cats?
Side effects from treating cats with Drontal are rare, but as with any mediation, they are possible. Any cat may have an allergic reaction to a medication. It’s always wise to monitor your cat for any signs of an allergic reaction after administering this medication. Watch for breathing problems or gastrointestinal upsets. Other signs of an allergic reaction include a swollen face, swelling of the eyes, excessive itching and scratching, or hives. The most common side effect of taking Drontal is a reaction to the dead parasites that are exiting the body. Drontal kills harmful parasites, and they can make your pet sick. If you notice that your cat becomes sick after taking Drontal, consult your animal healthcare provider immediately.
What is the dosage of Drontal for cats?
Drontal is typically given to cats in tablet form. Cats weighing 2 to 3 pounds are given 1/2 tablet. Those weighing 4 to 8 pounds receive one tablet. Cats from 9 to 12 pounds receive 1.5 tablets and those 13 to 16 pounds are given two tablets. Drontal tablets are made with a scored line down the center to make them easy to split in half.
Is Drontal injectable?
Your veterinary healthcare provider may administer a dose of Drontal as an injection. It’s less common, but in some cases, necessary. It’s more common to receive Drontal in its tablet form, but if you cannot get your cat to take a dose of Drontal orally, or if he is too sick, you may request an injection from your veterinarian.
How effective is Drontal?
Research has gone into the safety and efficacy of Drontal. Two studies involving cats under the care of professional veterinarians tested Drontal in controlled environments. The first tests to determine the effectiveness of Drontal showed that 98 percent of all cats treated with Drontal were free of parasites within 7 days of receiving the medication. The cats included in the clinical studies were of random breeds, ages, and sizes, from vet clinics across diverse geographic areas of the United States.
Is Drontal unsafe for any cats?
Drontal was administered to cats in the study at ten times the recommended dosage for killing parasites. The study was to test the safety of the drug, to look for adverse reactions. Some cats receiving the mega doses vomited and salivated more than usual, but there were no other adverse effects from the high dosages. Most of the cats receiving high dosages showed no signs of side effects from the treatment. Only one cat of the 93 tested was reported to have loose stools, and another experienced a temporary loss of appetite. The test results led researchers to believe that Drontal is safe for cats and it may be given under long-term circumstances for controlling parasite infestations and keeping the cats parasite-free. Drontal should not be administered to kittens under 1. 5 of body weight, except under the direction of licensed animal healthcare professional. Other side effects for Drontal were observed after the medication was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in treating parasitic infections in dogs and cats. Some cats may experience vomiting or diarrhea which is a non-allergic reaction. Loss of appetite or drooling may also occur. Drontal may also make your cat feel disoriented and lethargic. He may stagger around the house or sleep more than usual. Some cats experience swelling at the injection site of the Drontal. It usually goes away after a few days.
What else do I need to know about Drontal?
Drontal is an effective drug. It’s usually the treatment used to kill roundworms and tapeworms in cats. It usually kills all parasites within seven days of the treatment. Drontal does not prevent your cat from becoming infected with parasites. After the mediation leaves the body, his protection is gone. Cat owners must take the necessary steps to ensure that all possibly infected areas of the home are cleaned and sanitized to prevent reinfection.
Can humans get cat parasites?
Humans can become infected with the parasites carried by their pets. It is also possible for your pet to become reinfected soon after completing treatment. Humans may not take Drontal. The medication is for veterinary use only. Wear gloves when cleaning the areas where your pet defecates. Parasite eggs are shed through feces and may reinfect your cat, other household pets, and people. If you believe that you may be infected with worms from your cat, follow up with your healthcare provider for testing, and if necessary, treatment with drugs approved for use in humans.
How do cats get tapeworms and roundworms?
Cats become infected with tapeworms via direct transmission from fleas, or by coming into contact with eggs in the feces of other infected cats. The worm eggs and larvae are so small that you may not see them with the naked eye, but they’re still there in various stages of development. The only way to prevent reinfection is to treat all animals with worms. Next, and to thoroughly clean the environment. Cleaning must begin at the start of the treatment. A solution of 3.75 % bleach in water is an effective cleanser. You may also use approved dips, powders, and other forms of insecticides. Clean your pet’s bedding and keep it clean. Don’t forget to clean and sanitize the cat’s litter box daily for the seven days past the treatment, to catch any live eggs and eliminate them. Take your cat to get tested two to four weeks after treatment to ensure that isn’t reinfected?
What to do when your cat is reinfected?
Cats may be treated again at any time safely. If your cat is reinfected, have him treated again. Repeat the cleaning processes and be sure there are no fleas on your pets. Look for areas you may have missed, and keep your pets away from other animals. The second treatment and cleaning are likely to take care of the problem. Also, prevent your cat from eating rodents because they can become infected from them. Invest in a few traps and place them behind the appliances to rid your home of mice and rats.
Can you get Drontal without a prescription?
Drontal is a medication that your vet might prescribe for your cat. Writing it out is a formality. You do not need to have a prescription to buy it. You can find Drontal at many pet pharmacies online and at brick-and-mortar locations that carry pet supplies. We recommend using a reputable company to make your purchases and insist on the brand name of this medication to avoid getting an imitation that may not be safe for your cat. Some disreputable companies are known for creating knock-off versions of animal medications. You cannot trust the information they provide on the labels, so go with trusted vendors who supply authentic brand-name products to be on the safe side.
Should I give my cat Drontal?
If your cat has been diagnosed with worms, the problem won’t go away on its own. It will only get worse. Drontal has been proven through clinical trials to be a safe and effective treatment for killing the kinds of worms typically found in cats. Infestations of the parasites can make your cat sick. Worm infestations can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Most cats have no problem taking Drontal. The few cats that have shown symptoms usually have mild discomfort that goes away during the treatment. It’s best to consult with your kitty’s healthcare provider to get an official diagnosis and further recommendations for how to proceed with treatment.
Final thoughts
Cat owners accept the responsibility of ensuring their beloved pet’s continued good health. Even if your cat stays in the house most of the time, he could still become infected with a case of intestinal parasites. Tapeworms and roundworms are the two most common invaders that compromise good health. Most cat owners take their pets in for regular checkups. The visits typically include getting the necessary vaccinations and routine worming. If this isn’t something you’ve already done for your pet, it’s worth considering. In a perfect world, your cat will never get worms. While some don’t, most do. Deworming dogs and cats has become a regular activity for pet owners. Most don’t think twice about it. We have the assurance of clinical research to put our minds at ease about a few of the most common treatments. If you’re concerned about your cat’s health and well-being, It’s wise to contact his veterinarian and have him tested for worms. If the results come back positive and your vet recommends Drontal, you can rest assured that it’s one of the most effective treatments with the fewest reported side effects. While there is never a one hundred percent guarantee that medication will not make your cat sick, in this case, the odds are against it.