Drontal Dosage Chart for Cats: Risks, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

Has your veterinarian prescribed Drontal to your cat with intestinal parasites? If so, you likely have questions about how this medication works and what to expect when your cat takes it.

Let’s discuss everything you need to know about Drontal use in cats below! We’ll break down common doses, side effects, uses, and more.

What Is Drontal For Cats?

Drontal is a broad-spectrum deworming medication designed for cats and kittens. The active ingredients in Drontal are pyrantel and praziquantel, both of which tackle the intestinal parasites together. Pyrantel works by paralyzing hookworms and roundworms and preventing them attaching to the intestinal lining. This allows the paralyzed parasites to pass naturally in the stool. Praziquantel works by breaking down the lining of tapeworms and encourages them to be removed by the immune system.

Drontal plus works similarly to Drontal, but it was specifically designed for dogs. Always make sure you are choosing Drontal for cats if you are purchasing this medication in a pet store. Drontal is formulated to offer a safe dose of deworming medication for cats.

Is Drontal Safe For Cats?

Drontal is a safe medication for cats when following the dosing that your veterinarian recommends. It is designed to offer gentle and effective control against intestinal parasites in kittens 8 weeks and older, adult cats, senior cats, and even pregnant cats. It is commonly found over the counter due to how generally safe it is for our feline friends. However, we always recommend reaching out to your vet for an appropriate dose.

Why Do Cats Take Drontal?

Drontal is used to treat roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms in cats. These intestinal parasites are not only gross to stumble upon in your cat’s litter box, but they can be a serious threat to your cat’s health. Intestinal parasites can lead to severe diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, changes in appetite, weight loss, low blood sugar, dehydration, and even anemia. Treating these intestinal parasites is in your feline companion’s best interest!

Dr. Amy Nicole Lewis, a veterinarian with Worlwide Veterinary Services told A-Z Animals that it’s important to have your vet perform a fecal test before automatically offering them Drontal. A common cause of severe diarrhea in cats and kittens is a protozoan called coccidia, and Drontal cannot treat coccidia. A fecal test can ensure that your vet is offering the appropriate treatment.

How Is Drontal Given In Cats?

Drontal can be prescribed by your vet or purchased from a pet store in tablet form. It is given as a single dose that can be repeated two weeks later to ensure that all intestinal parasites have indeed been killed. Drontal can be given with or without food safely, but we recommend offering it with a small meal if your cat is known to experience nausea after taking any medications.

What Is The Dose Of Drontal In Cats?

We always suggest reaching out to your vet for dosing guidance before giving them Drontal. This is especially important in kittens, senior cats, and pregnant cats. Your vet can offer safe dosing guidance for your cat’s specific needs. However, Drontal can be found over the counter and has a dosing chart listed on the back of the product.

Drontal can only be given in cats and kittens over 1.5 pounds. Below is a Drontal dosing chart for cats over 1.5 pounds.

Be sure that you are only offering your cat Drontal created for cats, and that you are not offering Drontal Plus made for puppies and dogs.

Are There Any Side Effects With Drontal Use In Cats?

Drontal is a safe deworming medication that comes with few side effects. However, some cats have developed mild GI upset after taking their Drontal tablet. This may be a result of the medication itself or the breakdown process of the intestinal parasites.

Potential side effects of Drontal for cats include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Drooling
• Decreased appetite

These mild side effects will often resolve within 48 hours of taking the medication. We always suggest reaching out to your vet if your cat experiences any of the side effects listed above for more than 48 hours, or their symptoms are severe enough to cause concern.

How Do I Get Drontal For My Cat?

Drontal can be purchased at your vet’s office, through an online pet retailer, or at a pet store. Be sure to review the information above to make sure you understand the details of Drontal use in cats!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Creative Cat Studio/Shutterstock.com