Dronspot for cats: the spot-on wormer explained
Dronspot for cats is a spot-on wormer that kills roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and lungworm with one application to the back of the neck. It is ideal for cats that won't take tablets and it is available without a vet prescription. Here's how to choose the right size, apply it correctly and fit it into your cat's parasite plan.
Quick answer
- Dronspot contains emodepside + praziquantel: roundworm, tapeworm, hookworm and lungworm.
- Three sizes: small (0.5–2.5 kg), medium (2.5–5 kg) and large (5–8 kg).
- It does not treat fleas, so use a flea product as well.
- Licensed for cats and kittens from 8 weeks old and 0.5 kg.
What is Dronspot for cats?
Dronspot is a spot-on wormer made by Elanco. It contains two active ingredients:
- Emodepside, which paralyses roundworms, hookworms and lungworm.
- Praziquantel, which kills tapeworms by damaging their outer layer.
Both are absorbed through the skin, so Dronspot works throughout the body without your cat having to swallow anything. It's the go-to choice for owners whose cats spit out tablets, bite or vanish at the sight of a pill. Our cat worming guide explains every worming option and schedule.
Dronspot sizes: small, medium and large cat
| Dronspot product | Cat weight | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Dronspot small cat | 0.5 kg to 2.5 kg | 0.35 ml |
| Dronspot medium cat | 2.5 kg to 5 kg | 0.70 ml |
| Dronspot large cat | 5 kg to 8 kg | 1.12 ml |
Dronspot medium cat
Most adult domestic cats weigh between 3.5 and 5 kg, so Dronspot medium cat is the most commonly used size. If your cat is close to 5 kg, weigh it before you buy, because a cat of 5.2 kg needs the large size.
Dronspot large cat
Large cats, including many Maine Coons, Ragdolls and Norwegian Forest cats, need the large pipette. Cats over 8 kg need a combination of pipettes, so ask your vet or pharmacist. Our guide to the Maine Coon cat covers typical adult weights for this big breed.
To weigh your cat at home, stand on bathroom scales holding your cat, note the weight, then weigh yourself alone and subtract. Our cat weight checker shows the healthy range for your cat's breed.
What does Dronspot treat?
| Parasite | Dronspot for cats |
|---|---|
| Roundworms (Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina) | Yes |
| Hookworms | Yes |
| Flea tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) | Yes |
| Prey tapeworm (Taenia taeniaeformis) | Yes |
| Lungworm (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus) | Yes, treats infection |
| Fleas | No |
| Ticks or ear mites | No |
Because Dronspot doesn't kill fleas, pair it with a flea treatment. Cats with fleas will keep catching the flea tapeworm unless the fleas are cleared too: see our guide to flea treatment for cats.
How to apply Dronspot
- Remove one pipette from the blister pack.
- Hold it upright, twist and pull off the cap, then turn the cap around and push it back onto the pipette to break the seal.
- Part the fur at the base of the skull, between the ears and shoulders, until the skin is visible.
- Place the tip on the skin and squeeze firmly several times to empty the pipette.
- Don't stroke the area until it is dry, and keep children away from it.
- Keep cats apart for a short while if they groom each other.
Dronspot should go on dry, healthy skin. Avoid bathing your cat for a day or two before and after, and don't apply it to sore or broken skin.
How often should I use Dronspot?
Dronspot treats the worms your cat has at the time you apply it. It does not stay active for weeks like a flea spot-on, so the schedule depends on how quickly your cat is likely to pick up new worms:
| Cat | Suggested frequency |
|---|---|
| Kittens (from 8 weeks and 0.5 kg) | Monthly until 6 months |
| Adult outdoor cat | Every 3 months |
| Adult cat that hunts regularly | Monthly |
| Indoor-only cat | 1–4 times a year |
Your vet may recommend a different schedule if your cat has had lungworm or lives with young children.
Dronspot vs Droncit spot-on vs Profender
| Dronspot | Droncit spot-on | Profender | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Emodepside + praziquantel | Praziquantel | Emodepside + praziquantel |
| Roundworm | Yes | No | Yes |
| Tapeworm | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lungworm | Yes | No | Yes |
| Supply | Vet, pharmacist or SQP | Vet, pharmacist or SQP | Usually from vets |
Droncit spot on for cats
Droncit spot-on contains praziquantel only. It's useful as a tapeworm top-up for cats already on a product that covers roundworm, such as Advocate or Stronghold, neither of which kills tapeworm. On its own, Droncit isn't a complete wormer.
Dronspot vs worming tablets
Dronspot and broad-spectrum tablets such as Drontal cover similar worms. Tablets are usually cheaper per dose, while Dronspot avoids the struggle of pilling. Many owners use tablets for cats that eat them happily in a treat, and Dronspot for cats that don't. Our comparison of cat worming tablets and our guide to spot-on cat worming help you decide.
Side effects of Dronspot
Dronspot is well tolerated by most cats. Possible side effects include:
- Temporary greasy or matted fur at the application site.
- Mild, short-lived itching or redness.
- Drooling, licking or vomiting, especially if the cat has licked the product.
- Very rarely, wobbliness or trembling, usually after licking.
Contact your vet if your cat seems unwell after treatment. If your cat licks the area and starts drooling, offer a little tasty food to clear the taste; drooling usually stops within an hour.
Dronspot for kittens and pregnant cats
Dronspot is licensed for kittens from 8 weeks of age that weigh at least 0.5 kg. Younger kittens are usually wormed with a liquid, paste or granules licensed for their age. Kittens should be weighed before every dose because they move between weight bands quickly.
Don't use Dronspot on pregnant cats unless your vet advises it. Worming plans for pregnant and nursing cats need individual advice, and our cat pregnancy guide explains what to discuss with your vet.
Where to buy Dronspot and how much it costs
Dronspot is sold by vets, pharmacies, pet shops with an SQP and online pet pharmacies. Because it is not prescription-only, you'll usually be asked to confirm your cat's weight, age and health before buying. Prices typically range from £5 to £9 per pipette depending on size and pack, with two-pipette packs common. Always buy from a reputable seller, as counterfeit spot-ons have been found on unofficial marketplaces.
Dronspot for hunting cats and lungworm
Cats that hunt mice, rats, birds and frogs face two extra risks: the prey tapeworm and lungworm. Both are covered by Dronspot. Lungworm larvae develop in slugs and snails, which are then eaten by birds, frogs and rodents, so a cat that hunts is exposed even if it never eats a slug itself. Signs of lungworm include a soft cough, wheezing and breathing faster than usual, but many infected cats show no signs. If your cat coughs, speak to your vet, who may test a faecal sample. Read more about coughing and breathing changes in our guide to cat cold symptoms, and about hunting behaviour in do cats kill rabbits and birds.
For keen hunters, many vets recommend worming every month. A monthly Dronspot is one option; another is a prescription flea-and-worm product that covers tapeworm and lungworm along with fleas.
Storing and disposing of Dronspot
Store pipettes in their original blister pack, at room temperature and out of the reach of children. Don't use a pipette after its expiry date. Once used, put empty pipettes in household waste, not down the sink, because the ingredients are harmful to aquatic life. For the same reason, keep recently treated cats out of ponds and streams.
FAQs
What does Dronspot treat in cats?
Dronspot treats roundworms (Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina), hookworms, tapeworms (including the flea tapeworm and the tapeworm cats catch from prey) and lungworm (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus). It does not treat fleas, ticks or ear mites.
Which Dronspot size do I need?
Dronspot small cat is for cats weighing 0.5 to 2.5 kg, medium cat for 2.5 to 5 kg and large cat for 5 to 8 kg. Most adult cats need the medium size, while large breeds such as Maine Coons often need the large size.
Do I need a prescription for Dronspot?
No. Dronspot can be bought without a vet prescription in the UK, but it must be supplied by a vet, pharmacist or Suitably Qualified Person (SQP), who will ask a few questions about your cat first. Online retailers ask these questions during checkout.
Is Dronspot the same as Profender?
Dronspot contains the same active ingredients, emodepside and praziquantel, as the prescription product Profender. The main practical difference is how they are supplied.
How often should I use Dronspot?
For most adult cats, Dronspot is used every three months. Cats that hunt regularly may need it monthly, and kittens need more frequent worming. One dose treats the worms present at the time; it doesn't stop new infections.
Can I use Dronspot for cats at the same time as flea treatment?
Yes. Dronspot for cats can be used alongside most flea treatments. Many owners apply a flea spot-on and Dronspot on the same day, placing them in slightly different spots at the base of the neck, or a few days apart. Check both product leaflets and ask your pharmacist or vet if your cat takes other medicines.
What is the difference between Dronspot and Droncit?
Droncit spot-on contains praziquantel only, so it kills tapeworms but not roundworms. Dronspot contains praziquantel plus emodepside, so it kills roundworms, hookworms and lungworm as well as tapeworms.
Sources and further reading
This guide is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a vet. Medicines, doses and costs change: always follow your vet and the product leaflet. If your cat is unwell or you think it has eaten something toxic, contact your vet or an emergency vet straight away.
