Deworming and Flea question. When to administer both?

Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone with experience for deworming and getting rid of fleas could help me out.

I have two strictly indoor cats only, Misty and Poops and I've never had an issue like this before. My mother came by recently with her dog (who I later found out hasn't had flea medicine in over two months) about a week 1/2 ago and yesterday I noticed a little white, rice grain thingy on her butt. After looking it up and waiting for her to poop I'm 99.9% positive it's tapeworms as I found some in it. It turned yellow after a minute.

So, as much as I would like my vet to help her, I cannot afford it as of now. I'm still paying off their vet bills from 6 months ago. After looking around I'm going to go with the advantage II and tradewind/prolab tapeworm which uses 23mg of praziquantel which is what a lot of vets use for the pill I read.

My question is how far apart should I administer both of them, or if I need to wait at all. I'm of course going to read the directions top to bottom, but wanted to ask her first before I go out.

Thank you kindly =)

I personally do not prefer to worm and use a flea preventative on the same day or with a few days of each other. That way, IF a reaction occurs then I will know which is to blame. I would not use anything over-the-counter at all on cats. Very, very risky. The Advantage is fine but not sure where you purchased the dewormer. I wonder if you could just call the vet and explain over the phone that you are seeing the tapeworm segments. A one time use of Drontal http://drontalforcats.net/ will take care of the tapeworm and other intestinal parasites OR there is Profender (a topical application) http://profenderforcats.net/ OR there is Droncit specifically for only tapeworm http://www.ehow.com/about_5113942_droncit.html Most vets would be very willing to put up a dewormer without having to actually see your cat. There is no need. You can actually......... this is gross, I know :lol3:............ but save some of the tapeworm segments and bring them to the vet in case they need proof.

I would prefer the Droncit for tapeworm unless you think there are other possible parasites then go with one of the other two. In answer to your question, I would give the Advantage first and then three days later give the tapeworm medication. For tapeworm, a one time dose does the deed. For other parasites - you need to deworm two weeks apart.

p.s. IF you apply topical products to cats - place on the back of the head NOT between the shoulder blades as they suggest. Most cats can reach around and lick the product right off. On the back of the head they cannot reach. Some will wipe with their paws - mine do that - but it is alright. Make sure you spread the hair well and apply directly to the skin. That way it won't end up on top of the hair thus limiting the amount that the cat can wipe off with their paw and ingest.

Thank you so much for all the info. Greatly appreciated

I did call up my vet before any of this and because they haven't seen them in a while they wanted to do a walk-in which isn't cheap and other examines since it's been closer to 8 months since their last visit. 

I went to both Petsmart and Petco and bought Advantage II and Prolab's(formely known as Tradewinds) feline tape worm which uses praziquantel. The same ingredient Droncit uses.

http://www.1800petmeds.com/Droncit-prod10072.html

As much as people recommend not to use OTC dewormers, this seems to get recommend as a safe OTC.

I fill follow your advice and wait the three days. And thank you for the tip for applying the flea treatment.

Thank you!

Your very welcome ! Such a bummer about the vet, sheesh. You were just there 8 months ago. Once established with some vets I know, they are willing to put some meds up such as a dewormer without a visit. Just a phone call suffices. I am lucky to have found such a great vet! Anyway - I am sure the one you picked up that has the exact same ingredient as Droncit will be just fine.