OTC Wormer (Piperazine-Sure-shot) safe in nursing mothers?

[slrvaq2000]

HELP!
I recently was informed that kittens and new moms should be wormed.
I bought over-the-counter medicine (Piperazine) and gave to mom cat but the kittens are only 4 weeks and the bottle says safe in 6 weeks and older so I didn't give it to them.
MY QUESTION--- Can the med be dangerous to the nursing kittens through moms milk??
I have noticed one kitten with a little yellow diarrhea and it may be my imagination but they seem to be crying more? I hope this isn't harmful to them. I have a routine checkup sceduled in a few days and wonder if anyone knows about this subject just in case its bad!!
THANKS! I really appreciate any comments.

[Mona]

NEVER give any meds over the counter. Yes this could be dangerous to the kittens. Call a vet immediately and get them seen.

It could be toxic to them. YOu normally do not deworm until they are weaned.

Call now. Mona

[Traci]

Nursing mothers should never receive ANY type of dewormer, regardless of it's origin. Only your vet can determine if it is safe, depending on the weaning status of the kittens, and the health status of the queen (i.e., potential life-threatening infection or infestation of tapes, hooks, rounds, or flea infestation)

NEVER, ever ever use OTC products for cats or kittens, many are toxic, never mind the precautions or directions, your VET is the only one you should trust regarding dewormers and other necessary meds for these types of problems. He can deworm them safely when they are at the correct age, weight, and health status. If you already gave this OTC wormer to the queen, call your vet immediately, tell him exactly what was given, the product name, and he will tell you if it is a potential toxin or if you need to immediately wean the kittens (which can be done at 4 weeks of age)

[slrvaq2000]

FOLLOW-UP on kittens.
Thanks to those who replied.
My kittens (and mom) had their checkup on Sat. and they are fine.

The vet actually seemed unconcerned about the wormer and kittens BUT said this brand in ineffective. She said not enough would pass through the milk to the kittens.
The babies just turned 4 weeks and are healthy and active - they even are using their litter box - little smarties!!
I had one more question.
We have begun giving them Iams soft kitten food which they aren't too interested yet and prefer moms milk and I was wondering when they can start on dry kitten food. I know they begin on soft and just wonder when to switch to dry? I ask because we will be taking a vacation down the line and it will be easier for the kitten sitters to give dry and not worry about refrideration of soft foods. THANKS!

[Mona]

I recently adopted an 8 week old kitten, Chloe and she is eating canned kitten food only right now. You can mix water with the food to make it more palatable and easier to lap up which is what we do.

I do not anticipate her eating dry until at least 12 weeks of age, although she does each some Royal Canin baby cat crunchies mixed in the wet. They are very small pieces made for ages up to 4 months.

Hope this helps.

Mona, Chloe and Honeybun

[Tina B and crew]

I usually start my foster kittens out on wet food...then mix in dry food around 7-8 weeks. It really depends on the kitten too...I have had some start eating dry food from the mama's bowl earlier than 8 weeks. But I agree with Mona...I don't like to "make" them eat dry until they have developed a good ability to cruch the dry pieces properly.

As far as getting them weaned...just keep offering them some wet food daily, they will eventually "get it". Most of mine don't get weaned fully until around 5-6 weeks, some even later, it just depends on the kittens. Sometimes I will dab just a bit of the food on their lip so they will lick and taste it, this often is the beginning of their interest in solid food. You can also let them lick a bit of the food off your finger if they will. Good luck...sounds like you are doing great.

BTW...I agree with Mona and Traci...never ever use OTC products for flea or worm control