The Best Heartworm Medications for Cats

Although most pet parents think of heartworm prevention for their dogs, a good heartworm program can be just as important for your cat. Although heartworm disease is less common in cats, and they tend to have a lower overall burden of worms than dogs, heartworms still pose a danger to your cat.  

In most cases, heartworms are spread to your cat through a mosquito that has bitten an infected dog. Fortunately, there are good options for preventing heartworm disease in your cat. Many heartworm medications are combined with additional medications that target additional parasites including different types of worms and fleas and ticks.  

Revolution

Revolution© Plus is a combination parasiticide that includes the active ingredients selamectin and sarolaner. These medications are used to control heartworm disease as well as providing control for fleas and ticks. The dosage of Revolution© Plus depends on your cat’s weight. 

Revolution Plus Topical Solution for Cats, 2.8-5.5 lbs

Revolution Plus Topical Solution for Cats, 5.6-11 lbs

Revolution Plus Topical Solution for Cats, 11.1-22 lbs

 

Bravecto

Bravecto© Plus for cats contains the active ingredients moxidectin and fluralaner. This topical solution is used to control a wide variety of pests, including fleas and ticks. Bravecto© Plus is administered every other month. The medication is provided in a single-use tube of a solution that is applied to a spot between your cat’s shoulder blades. The dosage of Bravecto© depends on your cat’s weight.

Bravecto Plus Topical Solution for Cats, 2.6-6.2 lbs

Bravecto Plus Topical Solution for Cats, >6.2-13.8 lbs

Bravecto Plus Topical Solution for Cats, >13.8-27.5 lbs

 

Heartgard

Heartgard© Chew for Cats contains the active ingredient ivermectin. It is used to control heartworms, as well as hookworms. Heartgard© Chew for Cats is administered every month and is safe for cats 6 weeks of age and older. It’s available in a chewable format that has few reported side effects.

Heartgard Chew for Cats, >5-15 lbs

 

Interceptor

Interceptor© Chewable Tablets contain the active ingredient milbemycin oxime. This medication is used for the control of heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms. The medication should be administered once a month. It’s available in a chewable tablet. 

Interceptor Chewable Tablet for Dogs, 11-25 lbs, & Cats, 1.5-6 lbs

Interceptor Chewable Tablet for Dogs, 26-50 lbs, & Cats, 6.1-12 lbs

Interceptor Chewable Tablet for Dogs, 51-100 lbs, & Cats, 12.1-25 lbs

Profender

Profender© is a combination medication that contains the active ingredients emodepside and praziquantel. This topical solution is used to control roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms.

Profender Topical Solution for Cats, 2.2-5.5 lbs

Profender Topical Solution for Cats, 5.5-11 lbs

Profender Topical Solution for Cats, 11-17.6 lbs

Featured Image: iStock.com/Kong Ding Chek

---