My cat has tape worms?

Question

okay so i want to try this over the counter stuff before i take her to the vet, but i read over the counter stuff is bad or doesnt work is that true

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754523

Answer 1

Any flea or worm treatment bought from a pet store will be useless. Stores aren't licensed to sell proper medication, so don't waste your money.

You can buy wormer over-the-counter at a vets however, and it will of course be effective. I suggest you also get proper flea treatment like Frontline if they're not already on it, because the likelihood is the tapeworm was transmitted by fleas.

Chalice

Answer 2

Don't waste your money on the over the counter products.

It will cost less in the long run just to take her to the vet.

they will give the meds according to her weight...

This will make her hork up the worms...

This is the best thing left to a vet.  

Answer 3

take her to the vet with a sample of her poo...they will check her for other internal parasites also...

they will charge you for an office visit, and then the medication which isnt very much..

its better to have a vet do it that way you would b getting rid of all the parasites..

Answer 4

I just went through this with my two cats. The over the counter stuff doesn't work. Take it from me go straight to the vet. You don't want those worms on your animal or in your house because it can cause health problems for both of you.

The vets at Pet Smart are great because they only charge you for the medication they prescribe and don't charge a huge exam fee. They even have drop in hours a couple days a week.

The new de-wormer medicine is great you just put it on the back of their neck like flea medication.

Answer 5

Try a very little bit of minced garlic in the wet food,DON'T USE TO MUCH AND DON'T DO IT EVERYTIME THE CAT EATS!!! That will get rid of them.

Answer 6

Go the vet, it is not that expensive. Considering your cat can give YOU tapeworms, I would take this pretty seriously.

Answer 7

The newer over the counter medication is actually the best thing for your cat because it doesn't cause vomiting or diarrhea. Or you can wait and as your vet and ask what would be best for your cat. The vet may recomend to give your cat an injection.

Answer 8

That is the same stuff I use for my cat as she frequently gets them (she's and outdoor cat always catching mice and birds) It has been safe, hasn't hurt her whatsoever. As for working or not working... all cats can be different. It's worked for mine every time. Just make sure you get your dosing info correct. Over the counter stuff can work just as fine as the stuff from the vets. Some of the stuff they prescribe is the same as OTC stuff, just in a different name. You'll be fine using that. Just keep watching her after wards to see if you notice anymore worms.  

Answer 9

If you are well established with your vet they will most likely dispense the medicine (1 pill sized based on weight), it doesn't cost as much as the store kinds, and you will know it works!  My little one had tape worm and the pill wiped it out!  Good Luck!

Answer 10

Go to the vet, do not waste your money and time on over the counter meds!! As said tapeworm can be passed on to humans and other animals..

Answer 11

Just call your vet and the can give you tape worm meds.  You don't have to bring them in the office.  It is a two time treatment with one pill each time.  Tape worms are from ingesting fleas

Answer 12

Your vet will give you something that will kill all parasites.  Do not waste your money on over the counter medication.