Profender for Cats: An Effective Topical Dewormer
Profender is a veterinary-prescribed topical deworming medication formulated specifically for cats. Combining two potent active ingredients—emodepside and praziquantel—it offers broad-spectrum protection against several intestinal parasites. This article explores Profender's effectiveness, usage, safety considerations, and why it’s highly recommended by veterinarians for feline parasite control.
What Is Profender?
Profender is a topical solution designed to treat and control hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms in cats and kittens. Suitable for felines over 8 weeks old and weighing more than 2.2 lbs (1 kg), it is a convenient, single-dose treatment that does not require oral administration—ideal for cats that dislike pills.
How Profender Works
Profender contains two active ingredients:
- Emodepside (1.98%) – Effective against multiple stages of roundworms and hookworms
- Praziquantel (7.94%) – Kills adult tapeworms by affecting their cellular membranes
The combination allows Profender to eliminate infections caused by:
- Ancylostoma tubaeforme (hookworms)
- Toxocara cati (roundworms)
- Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis (tapeworms)
Benefits of Using Profender
- Topical application – Reduces stress for cats that refuse oral medications
- Broad-spectrum efficacy – Targets hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms
- Effective against different parasite life stages – Including adults, immature adults, and fourth-stage larvae
- Quick relief – Often requires only a single application
- Reduces reinfection – By treating all intestinal parasites in one application
- Minimizes zoonotic risk – Helps protect humans, especially children, from parasite transmission
Proper Application Procedure
To ensure the medication works effectively, follow these steps:
- Select the correct tube size for your cat’s weight
- Remove the tube from its package and open it using the cap’s blunt end
- Part the fur at the base of the cat's head to expose the skin
- Place the tip of the tube directly on the skin and squeeze out the full contents
Do not allow the cat to lick the application site for at least an hour after application. In multi-pet households, keep pets separated until the site is dry to prevent ingestion.
Safety and Precautions
- Age and weight limitations: For use only in cats 8+ weeks old and over 2.2 lbs
- Pregnancy concerns: Safe use has not been established in breeding, pregnant, or nursing cats
- Application site: Do not apply on wet or broken skin
- Bathing: Avoid bathing until the application site is fully dry
- Human safety: Pregnant women should avoid direct contact during application
People with skin sensitivities or allergies to the ingredients should use gloves. If accidental exposure occurs, wash the area thoroughly and seek medical attention if necessary.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects from Profender are generally mild and self-limiting. Common issues include:
- Excessive grooming or scratching
- Salivation
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Localized hair loss at the application site
- Eye or respiratory irritation
In rare cases, symptoms may require veterinary attention. If oral ingestion occurs, it can trigger drooling and gastrointestinal upset.
Storage and Handling
- Store at or below 77°F (25°C)
- Do not freeze
- Keep in original packaging until use
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
Efficacy in Field and Clinical Studies
In a field study involving 606 cats, a single application of Profender was shown to be effective against common intestinal parasites. It is also compatible with most commonly used veterinary medications, making it a convenient option for routine parasite control.
Veterinary Recommendation
Profender is a prescription-only product. You must consult your veterinarian, who will determine the dosage and frequency based on your cat’s health and lifestyle. Regular veterinary checkups and annual fecal screenings are essential, even for indoor cats, as many intestinal parasites produce few noticeable symptoms.
Conclusion
In summary, Profender is a safe, effective, and veterinarian-recommended dewormer for cats. Its topical application simplifies treatment, especially for difficult-to-medicate pets. By properly using Profender, pet owners can ensure their cats remain parasite-free while reducing zoonotic transmission risks within the household. Always consult your vet for appropriate usage and follow all safety guidelines for best results.
