Safest all around generic dewormer?

It is highly probable that my guys could have sub-clinical parasites. Or not.

Thing is my body is immune compromised and I was recently diagnosed with parasites - and due to the former, it will take time and repeated dosing for me to get better.

Many "people" I know have suggested that the cats be treated "just in case" - and then quarterly maintenance - not just for them, but for me (in my case - TMI: 2 kinds of worms and also flukes - perhaps artifacts of my world travels years ago come back to haunt me when my health declined).

I'm not willing to rehome them unless I absolutely have to (i.e. they are making me sick, or I'm too sick to care for them). I have contingency plans, but I take it one day at a time. The love they give is priceless.

Anyway, I've read so many HORROR stories of OTC flea treatments killing animals that I'm very leary of this. On the other hand, "sub-clinical" means that there are no symptoms and no easy evidence, so it is something a vet would not likely see.

I'm thinking of Bob Martin's (because the active ingredient is pretty benign according to my research: Fenbendazole).

I understand that forum policy is not to give out "medical" advice, so I'm basically looking for experiential advice, including recalls, etc. If even this is inappropriate, then admins feel free to delete this.

Revolution drops work on fleas and worms

Not so concerned about fleas. Oh, an explanation of highly probable or not is that I accept the notion that EVERYONE (and every critter) does have parasites - just that they are normally kept in check by the immune system unless or until something gives them the upper hand. So even if they are in check with 'em, my concern is for myself here. Not all are transmittable, of course, I know that.

Are you looking for animal wormer for the cats or yourself?

Generic pyrantel pamoate is good---you can get it from horse sites or human pharmacies. It's usually 50 mg/ml but always confirm the dosage before you use it. For fenbendazole you can get Safeguard goat de-wormer. I've never personally used it for cats but it is commonly used. I don't think pyrantel kills lung flukes though.

bonepicker said:

Are you looking for animal wormer for the cats or yourself?

Click to expand...

Here... looking officially for the cats.

That much being said I am on medications (3 different ones) prescribed by one of my doctors - however, anecdotally, Fenbendazole may be the best option in my particular circumstances. So before I go rogue on standard medicine I am giving it a go. So I actually have the goat stuff waiting and was sort of wondering if it was okay with the cats. From what I've read, the answer is yes, but I'm calling on collective experience.

My symptoms were very subtle for a few years and "explained" as IBS, until they weren't and obvious. I figure the same could be for the kitties (hence, sub-clinical).

I actually took some pyrantel in my yogurt once, when I was having some tummy trouble I thought could be parasites . I didn't see any parasites come out and the tummy trouble didn't go away immediately, so I don't know. But I know that people who live in tropical countries do have to be concerned with parasites---some missionaries/aid workers who go to Africa will take a few big bottles of pyrantel with them to give to the children they meet, as parasite infestation is a major cause of child malnutrition around there.

The Merck manual online has a list of safe anthelmintics and dosages for cats.