Community cats may get worms by swallowing fleas during grooming. They’ll look like little pieces of rice in the cats’ stool. See our suggestions on flea prevention on page 26 to help prevent worms and other parasites in your colony. Ask your veterinarian for long-term treatment: While a community cat is at the veterinarian for TNR or anything else, request the application of highly-effective, long-lasting treatment and preventatives for worms. Oral dewormers Complete dewormers are the most effective treatment, but will require a prescription. Drontal® contains the critical ingredients of pyrantel pamoate, praziquantel and febantel, and can be given orally. You can also request NexGard COMBO (topical dewormer AND flea/tick control). In a pinch, opt for over-the-counter medications like PANACUR®, but prescription dewormers are recommended. These medications treat the most common parasites in cats (some medications treat all parasites in this list, some only a fraction. Consult your veterinarian), including: • Tapeworms • Roundworms • Hookworms If providing oral dewormers, then monitor the cats closely while they eat to ensure only one cat gets one dosage of medication. See our tips on page 24 Topical dewormers You can also opt for a topical dewormer like CENTREGARD®. Use your best judgment and knowledge of a community cat to determine if administering a topical is possible. Topicals should be applied to the back of a cat’s neck, just above the shoulder blades. Try applying it while the cat is distracted by eating, and make sure the medication touches skin! CENTREGARD can also be used to prevent heartworms in cats. However, flea prevention is the most important way to fend off heartworm. See page 25. How to Help Sick or Injured Cats Outdoors 27 © 2025 Alley Cat Allies. All rights reserved.
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