I Want to Deworm a Feral Cat! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hello Dr. Paola,
I have been feeding a feral cat named Hank since winter, but now he is not thriving! I’d like to deworm him, but am confused about which type of worms to treat him for. The local co-op has products, but I am unsure which worm treatment I need.
This feral cat is friendly with me, unless a loud noise, high wind or another person’s voice startles him and he runs away. I can’t afford a vet visit; I feed and house an outdoor female (fixed) feral cat, and have my own 7-year-old rescue, a tabby that lives indoors.
I’m on a fixed income. I’ve rescued and rehomed many in this area, but at 71 years old., I will have to step away in the future. Hank can stay here permanently if he chooses to. I hope to SAVE him. Hoping deworming might help him. He is a bit independent and doesn’t stay overnight, but is otherwise homeless.” – Pat
Quick Info about Hank
Dear Pat,
Thank you for the deep compassion and dedication you’ve shown to Hank and the many cats you’ve helped over the years. It’s incredibly moving to see someone offer so much care, especially when resources are limited. For situations like Hank’s, where a feral or semi-feral cat isn’t thriving despite food and shelter, one of the most helpful first steps is reaching out to local animal control, municipal shelters, or rescue organizations. Many of these groups work closely with veterinarians and may offer low-cost or even no-cost veterinary services, including deworming, for community cats. They often have access to medications and diagnostics that individual caregivers can’t easily obtain on their own, and some may even offer mobile clinics or trap, neuter, return (TNR) support, which can include basic medical care.
If those services aren’t accessible in your area or they’re at capacity, then starting with an over-the-counter (OTC) dewormer is a practical and reasonable approach. Since a fecal test isn’t possible and Hank’s outdoor lifestyle likely exposes him to various parasites, choosing a broad-spectrum product made specifically for cats is important. Pyrantel pamoate, sold under brand names like “Nemex-2” or in generic form, is safe and effective for treating roundworms and hookworms. It’s available in liquid form and is generally well-tolerated. If Hank has had fleas or hunts small prey, adding a praziquantel product such as the “Tapeworm Tabs for Cats” by Elanco will help address common tapeworms. Just be sure to avoid any dewormers labeled for dogs, like “PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer,” which can be dangerous for cats even if the ingredients sound similar. Likewise, it’s important to ensure the dose is appropriate for his weight.
If Hank still doesn’t seem to improve after a course of deworming, or if he remains underweight, has a dull coat, or shows signs of digestive upset, it may be time to consider other possible causes, like chronic infections or nutritional deficiencies. But even this first step of parasite control can make a meaningful difference. You’ve already changed his life simply by caring, feeding, and sheltering him, and that kind of steady support truly lays the foundation for recovery. Again, thanks for your compassion; our planet needs lots of it.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola