Comparative palatability of two veterinary dewormers (Milpro(®) and Milbemax(®)): a blinded randomised crossover cat study

BACKGROUND: The combination of milbemycin oxime–praziquantel is widely used against the most common tapeworms and roundworms affecting cats. New veterinary presentations of this combination have recently been approved. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the palatability of two products using this combination, Milpro(®) and Milbemax(®). METHODS: In all, 20 adult cats and 20 kittens were offered each product according to a randomisation table using a blinded crossover design. Prehension from the bowl, prehension from the hand and total consumption were assessed. RESULTS: Both presentations were very well tolerated in adult cats and kittens. Total prehension in adult cats and kittens was 100 and 45 per cent, respectively, for Milpro(®), and 95 and 30 per cent, respectively, for Milbemax(®). The percentages of adult cats and kittens which swallowed the pill after taking it into their mouth (total spontaneous consumption) were respectively 40 and 45 per cent for Milpro(®), and 35 and 20 per cent for Milbemax(®). CONCLUSION: In this study, both presentations were highly attractive to cats and their respective coatings successfully covered the unpleasant odour of praziquantel, which usually repels cats. These results indicate that the palatability of Milpro(®) is at least as good as Milbemax(®) and both tablets are well accepted by adult cats and kittens.