Anti-Parasitic Treatments for Cats in the UK
Anti-Parasitic Treatments for Cats: Flea, Worm & Combined Options Explained
Parasite prevention is an important part of routine healthcare for cats in the UK. Treatment choice depends on lifestyle, hunting behaviour, age, and whether prescription-only medicines are appropriate.
This guide explains the main types of anti-parasitic treatments available, including flea-only products, worming tablets, monthly combined spot-ons and 3-monthly prescription options.
Why Parasite Control Matters
Common parasites affecting cats in the UK include:
- Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis)
- Roundworms (Toxocara cati)
- Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum)
- Less commonly, lungworm (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus) in outdoor hunting cats
Fleas are extremely common. Intestinal worms are also frequently encountered, particularly in young or hunting cats. Lungworm is less common in UK cats but is documented, especially in outdoor cats exposed to slugs, snails or infected prey.
Flea-Only Treatments for Cats
Flea treatments are typically administered monthly and are available as spot-on products.
Imidaflea Spot-On
Active ingredient: Imidacloprid
What it covers: Adult fleas.
Dosing schedule: Applied topically every 4 weeks.
Benefits:
- Effective against adult fleas
- Simple monthly application
- Suitable where worm coverage is not required
Considerations:
- Does not treat intestinal worms
- Does not provide tick coverage
Selehold Spot-On
Active ingredient: Selamectin
What it covers: Fleas, roundworms and certain other internal parasites.
Dosing schedule: Applied topically every 4 weeks.
Benefits:
- Broader coverage than flea-only products
- Single monthly application
Considerations:
- Does not treat tapeworm
- Does not provide tick coverage
Worming Treatments for Cats
Worming tablets typically target roundworms and tapeworms. Treatment frequency depends on risk profile.
Anthelmin Film-Coated Worming Tablets
Active ingredients: Praziquantel + Pyrantel
What it covers: Roundworms and tapeworms.
Dosing schedule: Typically every 3 months in adult cats (based on risk).
Benefits:
- Targeted worm treatment
- Does not require monthly administration if flea control is separate
Considerations:
- No flea coverage
- Requires tablet administration
Milpro Film-Coated Tablets
Active ingredients: Milbemycin oxime + Praziquantel
What it covers: Roundworms and tapeworms.
Dosing schedule: Typically every 3 months in adult cats (risk dependent).
Benefits:
- Broad intestinal worm coverage
- Suitable where separate flea control is used
Considerations:
- No flea coverage
- Requires tablet administration
Monthly Combined Flea & Worm Treatments
Combined products offer broader parasite coverage in a single monthly application. These are typically prescription-only medicines (POM-V) in the UK.
Stronghold Plus
Active ingredients: Selamectin + Sarolaner
What it covers: Fleas, ticks and roundworms.
Dosing schedule: Applied topically every 4 weeks.
Benefits:
- Includes tick coverage
- Broad parasite spectrum
- Single monthly application
Considerations:
- Does not treat tapeworm
- Prescription required (POM-V)
Advocate for Cats
Active ingredients: Imidacloprid + Moxidectin
What it covers: Fleas, roundworms and feline lungworm.
Dosing schedule: Applied topically every 4 weeks.
Benefits:
- Includes lungworm treatment
- Broad internal parasite coverage
Considerations:
- Does not treat tapeworm
- Prescription required (POM-V)
Prinocate Spot-On
Active ingredients: Imidacloprid + Moxidectin
What it covers: Fleas, roundworms and feline lungworm.
Dosing schedule: Applied topically every 4 weeks.
Benefits:
- Lungworm coverage
- Monthly combined treatment
Considerations:
- Does not treat tapeworm
- Prescription required (POM-V)
3-Monthly Combined Treatment Option
Felpreva
Active ingredients: Emodepside + Tigolaner + Praziquantel
What it covers: Fleas, ticks, roundworms and tapeworms.
Dosing schedule: Licensed for up to 13 weeks.
Benefits:
- Extended dosing interval
- Broad internal and external parasite coverage
Considerations:
- Prescription required (POM-V)
- Longer duration may not suit all risk profiles
Cat Parasite Treatment Comparison (UK)
This simplified comparison shows what each product covers and how often it is given.
| Product | Type | Covers | Dosing | Prescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flea-only spot-on | Fleas, biting lice | Monthly (every 4 weeks) | No (AVM-GSL) | |
| Flea + internal parasite spot-on | Fleas, roundworms, ear mites, lice, sarcoptic mange | Monthly | Yes (POM-V) | |
| Combined flea, tick & worm | Fleas, ticks, ear mites, lice, roundworms, hookworms | Monthly | Yes (POM-V) | |
| Combined flea & worm spot-on | Fleas, ear mites, hookworm, roundworm, lungworm | Monthly | Yes (POM-V) | |
| Combined flea & worm spot-on | Fleas, ear mites, sarcoptic mange, biting lice, roundworms, hookworms, lungworms | Monthly | Yes (POM-V) | |
| 3-monthly combined spot-on | Fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, tapeworms, lungworms | 3 Monthly | Yes (POM-V) | |
| Worming tablet | Hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms | Usually every 3 months | No (NFA-VPS) | |
| Worming tablet | Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms | Usually every 3 months | No (NFA-VPS) |
Frequently Asked Questions About Parasite Treatment for Cats
Do indoor cats need flea treatment?
Yes, indoor cats can still get fleas. Fleas may be brought into the home on clothing, other pets, or visiting animals. While strictly indoor cats may have lower risk, flea prevention is often still recommended depending on household circumstances.
How often should I worm my cat in the UK?
For most adult cats, worming is typically recommended every 3 months. Hunting cats or those at higher risk may require more frequent treatment. Kittens usually require more regular worming during early life. Always follow product guidance or veterinary advice.
What is the difference between flea-only and combined flea and worm treatments?
Flea-only products treat fleas only. Combined treatments cover fleas and certain internal parasites in a single application. Some prescription products also provide lungworm treatment. The best option depends on lifestyle and parasite risk.
Which cat parasite treatments cover lungworm?
Among common UK products, Advocate and Prinocate (both containing moxidectin) are licensed for treatment of feline lungworm (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus). Lungworm is less common than intestinal worms in UK cats and is typically associated with outdoor hunting cats.
Is Stronghold Plus the same as Advocate?
No. Stronghold Plus (selamectin + sarolaner) provides flea, tick and roundworm coverage. Advocate (imidacloprid + moxidectin) provides flea and certain internal parasite coverage, including lungworm. They contain different active ingredients and have different licensed indications.
Is Felpreva a monthly treatment?
Felpreva is licensed for up to 13 weeks (approximately 3 months) of flea and tick protection. This makes it a longer-interval option compared to most monthly spot-on treatments.
Do I need a prescription for cat parasite treatments?
Some products are classified as POM-V (Prescription Only Medicine – Veterinarian) and require a valid veterinary prescription before supply. Others are available without prescription depending on their regulatory category.
What is the best parasite treatment for outdoor hunting cats?
Outdoor hunting cats may be at higher risk of intestinal worms and, less commonly, lungworm. Broader-spectrum products may be appropriate in these cases. Treatment choice should be based on lifestyle and professional advice.
Why does my supermarket flea treatment not seem to be working?
If a flea treatment appears ineffective, it does not necessarily mean the product is faulty. Several common factors can affect outcomes:
-
Reinfestation from the home environment
Flea eggs, larvae and pupae can persist in carpets, bedding and soft furnishings. Even if adult fleas on the cat are treated, newly emerging fleas from the environment can continue the cycle. -
Incorrect dosing or application
Spot-on products must be applied correctly to the skin (not the fur), and the correct weight band must be used. Underdosing can reduce effectiveness. -
Incomplete household treatment
All pets in the household should usually be treated at the same time to prevent cross-reinfestation. -
Product spectrum
Some flea treatments only target adult fleas. Others may have additional activity or longer duration. If an infestation is heavy or persistent, a broader-spectrum product may be more appropriate. -
Expectation of immediate resolution
Flea life cycles can take several weeks to break fully, particularly if environmental contamination is established.
If fleas persist despite correct use of treatment, veterinary advice can help assess whether a different product or environmental control plan is required.
Can I use a dog flea treatment on my cat?
No. Some dog flea treatments are extremely dangerous to cats.
In particular, products containing permethrin can cause severe toxicity in cats. Cats are unable to metabolise permethrin safely, and exposure can lead to:
- Tremors
- Muscle twitching
- Seizures
- Hyperthermia
- In severe cases, life-threatening complications
Permethrin is commonly found in certain dog spot-on flea treatments. Even close contact with a recently treated dog can pose a risk to cats in the same household.
Cat-specific parasite products are formulated with active ingredients and concentrations that are safe for feline metabolism. Dog and cat products are not interchangeable, even if packaging appears similar.
If accidental exposure occurs, veterinary attention should be sought immediately.
Free 2026 Flea & Worming Schedule
Download our printable yearly flea and worming schedule to track your cat’s treatments and mark when doses are due.
Download the 2026 Flea & Worming Schedule PDF (Higher resolution for printing)
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