Core question: How often should a cat be dewormed? Here’s a concise, practical guidance based on common veterinary recommendations and Swedish sources: Direct answer
- Cat kittens: Start deworming around 3–4 weeks of age and continue at 2–4 week intervals until about 12 weeks of age, then switch to a monthly schedule until about 6 months of age. After that, follow adult cat guidelines based on lifestyle (see below). [[readings indicate early-life deworming schedules](javascript:void(0))].
- Adult cats: Frequency depends on lifestyle:
- Outdoor cats that hunt or have contact with other animals: deworm more often (often a few times per year, sometimes quarterly) depending on exposure and local parasite risk.
- Indoor cats with no exposure: deworming may be needed less frequently, sometimes only as recommended by a veterinarian or if signs of infection appear.
 
- Special considerations: If a cat has signs of infection (weight loss, poor coat, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy) or if the household includes young children or immunocompromised individuals, consult a veterinarian for targeted testing and an appropriate deworming plan.
Key notes
- There are multiple parasite types (spul- or roundworms, tapeworms, etc.). The choice of deworming medication and schedule varies by parasite risk, age, and health status.
- Overuse of dewormers can contribute to resistance; many guidelines now emphasize treating based on risk and clinical signs rather than routine broad-spectrum coverage for all cats.
- Always use veterinarian-approved products and dosages, especially for kittens, pregnant or nursing cats, and senior cats.
If you’d like, I can tailor a deworming schedule for you based on:
- Your cat’s age and weight
- Whether the cat goes outdoors or hunts
- Whether there are kittens or pregnant/nursing cats in the household
- Your country or region (to align with local guidelines)
