Deworming a Cat Cost

• For kittens: If you just got a kitten, you'll likely take your new pet to the vet for an initial visit that will include a diagnostic check, vaccinations and deworming, since most kittens get worms from their mother or pets they've been around. This initial visit package varies greatly. A sampling of veterinary offices throughout the U.S. ranged from $31 to $131.
• Treatment plan with vet: A vet visit ensures that you treat the type of worm your cat has. There are several different kinds of worms, from intestinal worms to heartworm to tapeworms. The cost of a basic vet visit ranges depending on where you live, from $15 in some areas to $50 in others. The medicine itself, either an oral or topical treatment, ranges in cost from $3 to $18.
• At-home tapeworm treatment: Tapeworms are the most easily diagnosed of the worm types, since the parasite is visible in cat's stool as small, sectioned, thin pieces that look like tape (hence the name). Most medicines for tapeworm only treat tapeworm, like Tradewinds Tape Worm Tabs, available at Petsmart for $21.99.

• You'll want to throw out the litter in your cat's litter box and bleach the box so your cat doesn't reinfect itself. Litter costs about $10 and a bottle of bleach costs less than $5.
• If your cat's worms have caused diarrhea or vomiting, your vet may recommend a rehydration shot, also known as fluids or liquids. This would most likely be administered interveneously, and the price varies depending on the vet, the cat's weight and the severity of its dehydration. A sampling of veterinarians around the country produced a range from about $15 to $48.
• Ask your vet about an ongoing treatment plan to prevent worms. You would administer a low-dose medication once a month indefinitely. Medication is available in bulk, with pricing from $33 to $63 through DrsFosterSmith.com

• Online forums like Paw-Talk.net feature heated discussions about over-the-counter medicine. Some owners argue that OTC medicine doesn't work, can alter your cat's personality or even make it sicker. If you choose to purchase over-the-counter medicine, make sure you follow package directions, administering only the dose amount appropriate for your cat's weight and following up as necessary so the cat's worms are completely obliterated. A first treatment only gets rid of worms at a particular stage of worm life.
• To find a veterinarian near you, visit the American Association of Feline Practitioner's Web page, "Find a Vet".
• Gain insight into worm types, symptoms and how medicines work through the American Veterinary Medicine Association's brochure. The AVMA recommends seeing a vet if your cat has these symptoms: diarrhea, weight loss, scooting, a dull coat, or if you see worms under their tail, in their bedding or in their stool.

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