Giardia in Cats: Comprehensive Guide to Prevention, Treatment, and Care
Worked on a detailed health article explaining giardia infection in cats. The content explored transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for pet owners and vets.
We see giardia in cats more often than in other pets. Giardia can be treated but you cannot get rid of it fully. The symptoms of giardia are the same as any intestinal disease but fret not! It can be treated and diagnosed by a veterinarian.
A disorder of the small intestine caused by single-celled organisms gives rise to giardia in cats. Giardiasis is a disease caused by the micro-parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. intestinalis or G. lamblia). Giardia is a simple unicellular parasite - it is not a 'worm', a virus, or a bacteria.
How Are Cats Infected with Giardia?
Giardia in cats arises after ingesting the cystic stage of the parasite. After entering the cat's intestine, the cyst forms a 'trophic form' and attaches itself to the intestinal wall. With sufficient presence, clinical signs of intestinal wall damage appear.
It takes 5 to 16 days for cats to pass the cyst in their stools. These cysts can quickly infect other animals. Giardia in cats can be transmitted by eating or inhaling the cysts in contaminated soil or drinking contaminated water.
Clinical Signs of Giardiasis
Giardia in cats happens when thin microscopic parasites attack the intestinal wall and destroy it, causing severe, sudden, pungent-smelling diarrhea. Common symptoms include:
- Acute diarrhea with soft, watery stools
- Green-colored stools, sometimes with blood
- Excessive mucus in feces
- Weight loss and gradual weakening
- Occasional vomiting
- Lethargy (though fever is uncommon)
Treatment Options
Fenbendazole and metronidazole are the most common medications used to treat giardia in cats. The most common treatment is usually Fenbendazole, given at a dose of 50 mg/kg for 5-7 days. Fenbendazole can be used in pregnant cats.
An alternative is Metronidazole, suggested at a dose of 50 mg/kg for 5 days, but it should not be used in pregnant cats. Severe cases may require a combination of both medications.
Prevention Strategies
- Bathe your cat regularly to remove feces from the fur and prevent reinfection
- Disinfect litter boxes, bedding, and living areas with quaternary ammonium products
- Remove contaminated animal excrement promptly and sanitize surfaces
- Keep cats away from their fur during grooming to prevent ingestion of contaminated hair
- Use chlorhexidine shampoo at the beginning and end of treatment
- Test new cats before introducing them to multi-cat environments
- Maintain proper hygiene protocols for all family members
Diagnosis Methods
A regular stool examination cannot detect these small, isolated cysts. To detect giardia effectively, veterinarians use zinc sulfate floatation solution, stool antigen tests (ELISA), direct immunofluorescence, and PCR testing.
Prognosis and Follow-up
In most cases, the prognosis is good. However, older cats and those with weakened immune systems have a greater risk of complications. Your cat must be tested again 2-4 weeks after the first treatment to ensure complete recovery.
Can Cats Spread Giardia to Humans?
While there are specific genotypes that can affect both humans and cats, human-to-human transmission is more significant than pet-to-human transmission. However, people with compromised immune systems should exercise extra caution when handling infected cats' waste or administering medications.