Last Updated: 21/07/2026
Protecting Your Cat from Worms with NexGard Spectra Spot-On
NexGard SPECTRA for Cats provides complete monthly parasite protection. Learn how to identify symptoms of worms in cats, understand the health risks to indoor pets and humans, and protect your feline with an easy-to-use topical spot-on.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 2 minutes - short read
It's not always a topic we like to think about, but worms in our pets are important parasites for Australian cat parents to understand. This is due to a number of reasons but one being that some worms are zoonotic, meaning they can be spread from your cat to you! Even indoor cats are at risk of contracting worms and other parasites.
Although worms can lead to serious illness this is easy to prevent with regular treatment. Read on to learn how to keep your cat purr-fectly worm-free!
For a full breakdown of every worm type, how to spot the signs, and all treatment options, see our complete guide to Worms in Cats.
What type of worms can my cat get?
In Australia, cats are at risk of intestinal worms (roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm), heartworm, and lungworm. NexGard SPECTRA Spot-On for Cats is Australia's only product that covers all of these in a single monthly application. Read our full worm guide to learn about each type in detail.
How do I know if my cat has worms?
Symptoms can vary a lot between cats, and many infected cats show no signs at all. This is why a regular prevention schedule matters more than waiting for symptoms. For the full list of signs to watch for, see our symptoms guide.
How are worms treated and prevented?
Treatment involves administering a dewormer to your cat. But here's the thing: because cats are constantly exposed through grooming, hunting, and just being cats, regular preventative treatment matters more than waiting until you see a problem.
Why NexGard SPECTRA spot-on for cats is our top pick
NexGard SPECTRA Spot-On for Cats is Australia's first and only product that covers all the major parasites your cat faces in a single monthly application. That means no juggling separate products or remembering multiple schedules.
What NexGard SPECTRA protects against
NexGard SPECTRA covers all the major parasites your cat faces: roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm, and lungworm (the intestinal and respiratory worms), plus heartworm, fleas, paralysis ticks, and mites. That's every significant internal and external parasite in one product. The one exception is Spirometra tapeworm, which requires a different treatment.
Why spot-on is a great choice for cats
If you've ever tried to tablet a grumpy or anxious cat, you'll understand why a spot-on option is such a win. There's no wrestling, no foamy spitting, and no pill hidden suspiciously in a treat. NexGard SPECTRA uses an innovative applicator that makes application quick and low-stress for both you and your cat.
How it works
Simply apply NexGard SPECTRA to the skin on the back of your cat's neck. From there, the three active ingredients are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, distributing throughout the body to tackle both internal parasites (like worms) and external ones (like fleas and ticks). Because it's absorbed systemically, it works even on parasites your cat never visibly shows signs of.
Other worming options
If your cat doesn't mind a spot-on but you're looking for an allwormer without the flea and tick coverage, Profender is a convenient alternative covering tapeworm, hookworm, roundworm, and lungworm.
For cats who are fine with tablets, Drontal and Milbemax are both solid oral allwormers. They won't cover fleas, ticks, or mites, so you'd need to add a separate parasite prevention product to your routine.
For more parasite protection recommendations read Which Flea and Worming Product Does Your Cat Need?
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 21 Jul 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
