Are there over-the-counter tapeworm treatments for cats?

I recently had to deal with a flea infestation for the first time in ten years. (My two cats are indoor only.) I bombed the house twice within 12 days and bathed the cats each time. They have also been given Advantage. Of course, as I feared, they now both have tapeworms. I have a diabetic cat who recently racked up a large vet bill and also have some financial difficulty myself at this time. I can push some bills to the side if I have to, but I'm wondering if there are any effective over-the-counter tapeworm medications for cats. I was at Petsmart the other day and saw dog tapeworm meds and cat roundworm meds but no cat tapeworm meds. Anybody know of any? Or does anybody know of any homeopathic remedies for tapeworms which work very well for cats?

my vet recommended one to me; she said the dog and cat ones were exactly the same--just different flavors. unfortunately they were out at the petstore and i had to get a script. i cant think of the brand tho. sorry

Yes there is a tape worm over the counter only one brand makes it ... I use hoemopathic for some things aska holistic vet first

Have you asked how much they would be at the vet? When I needed some for my two I called the surgery and dropped in to pick up the tablets - it cost me the grand sum of £3.

I very strongly recommend giving your cats only medication prescribed by your Vet. Any other medication has the potential of being life threatening and is not worth any sum of money you may save by avoiding a prescription. Medication to eliminate tapeworms is not at all expensive. Please check with your Vet for their pricing, and if necessary you will most likely be able to work out a payment plan.

I agree. Please don't give your cat OTC tapeworm meds, ESPECIALLY something that's for both dogs and cats. The OTC meds are at best ineffective and at worst can cause serious harm or death. I recall an Animal Cops episode where some well-meaning person killed a stray cat by applying an OTC flea preventative, but she didn't read the label -- it was for large dogs.

I would`nt use anything over the counter either.
Linda

Sometimes what is worse about OTC products is they don't do anything, they may not harm the animal, but then again they do not cure them either. There are some that do work- but your vet would be the one to tell you which to use for your specific animal, please don't listen to anyone else when it comes to this-

MA (who lost a beautful kitty due to OTC products)

As you can see there are folks here who have lost their beloved pets by using OTC remedies.

Please listen to the advice and take your little one to the vet. It may well be cheaper in the long term and much safer for your furbaby.

Originally Posted by Yosemite

As you can see there are folks here who have lost their beloved pets by using OTC remedies.

Please listen to the advice and take your little one to the vet. It may well be cheaper in the long term and much safer for your furbaby.

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It may not even require a vet visit. Often the vet will just give you the medication to deworm your cats. They may want a stool sample first, but should not need a full exam!

Our vet will give a shot of Droncit for tapworm. One shot is all it takes. No pills, no other meds and the tapeworm is gone. Make sure all the fleas are gone first.

I like to use Drontal for tapeworms since it is broader spectrum than Droncit. Droncit is good for tapeworms but doesn't kill anything else.

Call your vet and see if the doctor is willing to prescribe tapeworm medicine without requiring an office visit. If you have actually seen the worms and the cats visited the vet relatively recently, s/he will probably be okay with just dispensing the pills.