What piperazine treats in cats
In cats, piperazine treats Toxocara cati — one of the most common feline intestinal parasites — and Toxascaris leonina. It does not treat tapeworms (very common in cats that hunt or have fleas), hookworms, or whipworms, so many cats need a broader dewormer too.
Piperazine dosage for cats
The commonly cited feline dose is roughly 45–88 mg/kg of piperazine base as a single oral dose (the Merck Veterinary Manual cites about 48–88 mg/kg). Enter your cat's weight in the calculator for an estimate, then check it against your product.
| Cat weight | Approx. dose (base) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 kg (1.1 lb) kitten | ~25–45 mg |
| 2 kg (4.4 lb) | ~90–175 mg |
| 5 kg (11 lb) | ~225–440 mg |
Repeat the dose in 10–14 days. A second dose clears roundworms that were still larvae during the first treatment. Kittens often need repeated deworming on a schedule your vet recommends.
How to give it
Give the oral liquid or tablet directly, or mix it into a small amount of wet food. Dose by accurate weight — kittens grow fast, so re-weigh before each round.
Safety notes for cats
Piperazine is well tolerated in cats and kittens. Mild vomiting or soft stool can occur; tremors, drooling, or unsteadiness point to overdosing. Take extra care in cats with kidney or liver disease and never combine it with pyrantel or levamisole.
See full safety, side-effect & overdose information →
Questions about piperazine for cats
Can kittens take piperazine?
Yes — piperazine is commonly used in kittens because of its safety margin. Follow the label's minimum age and dose precisely by weight.
Does piperazine treat tapeworms in cats?
No. Cats frequently get tapeworms from fleas or hunting, but piperazine only treats roundworms. Ask your vet about a praziquantel-containing product for tapeworms.
How do I get a cat to take it?
Mixing the liquid into a spoonful of a strong-smelling wet food usually works; otherwise it can be given directly by mouth with a syringe.