BSAVA recommends that, for the control of roundworms, treatment of kittens should start at six weeks of age (infection is acquired post-natally) and then repeated according to the manufacturers’ recommendations until kittens are 12-14 weeks of age. However, BSAVA is aware that further research is required to properly determine the pattern of infection and egg-excretion in kittens. Thereafter, a benefit/risk assessment of each individual case should determine both choice of anthelmintic, spectrum of anthelmintic activity and frequency of administration. In cases of high risk or where there is increased zoonotic potential, maximum control according to the manufacturers recommendation is recommended. In other cases, the risk of re-infection may be so low as to recommend intermittent anthelmintic therapy with longer inter-treatment intervals. Local risk information should determine the spectrum of anthelmintic used e.g. anthelmintics for heartworm prevention in travelling cats. BSAVA strongly encourages further valid scientific research into the epidemiology, control and prevention of all parasitic infections of cats in the UK (in particular those with zoonotic potential), and publication of such research so that it can be used by veterinary surgeons in decision-making.  

For cats entering the UK after travel, a treatment for tapeworms containing praziquantel is essential 24-48 hrs before entry to comply with the UK derogation to the EU Pet Passport legislation.

Guidelines and explanatory notes for veterinary surgeons

Guidelines for both veterinary and owner information have been prepared by Maggie Fisher for BSAVA and are available here. Guidelines include decision tree on risk assessment, spectrum of anthelmintic activity of available drugs and detailed information on the biology, diagnosis and treatment of feline helminth infections

Approval:  BSAVA Council as Policy Statement No. 34 (Use of anthelmintics in dogs) 2004.
Recent update: May 2006