Protecting our cats from diseases means taking note of the potential parasites that they might come across. One of these is Giardia.
Giardia is a tiny parasite that causes a lot of problems in your cat’s digestive system. It’s one of the most common intestinal parasites found in cats, affecting both indoor and outdoor cats alike.
In this blog, we’re going to talk about everything you need to know about Giardia in cats, from what it is to how it’s treated and prevented.
What Is Giardia in Cats?
Giardia is a microscopic, single-celled protozoan parasite that attacks a cat’s intestinal lining, causing giardiasis. As a result, this can cause several gastrointestinal problems and symptoms, all of which require prompt treatment and attention.
When Giardia enters your cat’s system, it attaches to the lining of the intestines, where it disrupts the normal absorption of nutrients. This disruption leads to the symptoms commonly associated with giardiasis, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
While the condition is more common in vulnerable cats, such as kittens, older cats, and cats with health issues, any cat can become infected.
Causes of Giardia in Cats
Now that we know what Giardia is, let’s talk about how it spreads.
Direct Ingestion
Cats can get Giardia through ingestion, meaning the parasite is transmitted when they ingest it from objects contaminated with infected feces. This can be anywhere from contaminated soil, water, and food.
One of the primary sources of a Giardia infection in cats is contaminated water. If your cat drinks from puddles, streams, or other bodies of water that have been exposed to infected feces, they can ingest the cysts.
These sources of water are most likely found outdoors and in your yards and gardens, or if their water bowls haven’t been cleaned for a long time.
Contaminated Objects and Surfaces
Additionally, cats can also get Giardia through the fecal-oral route. This happens when they directly touch the contaminated feces with their bodies and then groom themselves.
The cysts of Giardia can survive on surfaces like bedding, food bowls, or even your hands if you’ve been in contact with contaminated material. This means that even indoor cats can be at risk if their living environment is not properly sanitized.
Nursing
Mother cats can also transmit the parasite during nursing. This happens when kittens drink the milk of an infected mother cat or make contact with her contaminated coat.
What Are the Symptoms of Giardia in Cats?
Giardia can trigger a whole range of symptoms, although not every cat may show any sign at all. Here are some of the most common signs of Giardia in cats:
Diarrhea. Diarrhea is often the first and most noticeable symptom of Giardia in cats. Their stool may be soft, watery, or contain mucus and blood. Prolonged diarrhea can disrupt your cat’s daily activity and is a sign for veterinary action.
Weight Loss. Giardia interferes with nutrient absorption, which prevents our cats from getting the nutrition they need to get better and stronger. Infected cats may lose weight even with a normal appetite.
Lethargy. Cats infected with Giardia may become less active and seem more tired than usual. They might prefer to lie down most of the time, reducing their desire for physical activity and playtime.
Abdominal Discomfort. Another common sign of Giardia in cats is when they appear noticeably stressed and uncomfortable. Some cats can vocalize while others can hide and withdraw from their owners.
Vomiting. While less common, some cats may vomit as a result of the irritation caused by Giardia in the digestive tract. Vomiting, combined with diarrhea, can lead to dehydration. When these two symptoms arise, it’s important to seek emergency vet care.
How Do Vets Diagnose Giardia in Cats?
If you suspect your cat might have Giardia, we recommend visiting our clinic. Diagnosing will take a few steps, starting with a physical examination of your cat and its symptoms. Next, we can proceed to do a few laboratory tests.
Direct Smear
A direct smear is done by collecting a small sample of your cat’s feces and placing it on a glass slide for microscopic examination. The main goal is to look for Giardia cysts.
However, because these forms of the parasite can be elusive, multiple samples over several days may be needed to increase the chances of detection.
Fecal Flotation
One common method for diagnosing Giardia in cats is the fecal flotation test. This involves mixing the stool sample with a special solution that causes Giardia cysts to float to the surface. A coverslip is then used to collect the cysts for microscopic examination.
This process makes it easier for our vets to identify the cysts under a microscope. Once we identify the cysts, we can confirm Giardia in your cat and proceed to treat it.
ELISA Test
The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay test is a more advanced diagnostic tool that detects specific antigens associated with Giardia in the cat's feces. This test is highly accurate and can easily confirm the presence of the parasite even if it isn’t visible under the microscope.
If the is positive, it confirms the presence of Giardia in your cat.
How to Treat Giardia in Cats?
When treating Giardia in cats, the process is a long, step-by-step medication plan that requires cooperation on both our parts. The use of medications and supportive care techniques is crucial. Here’s a simple flow of the process:
Medications
The primary treatment involves the use of antiparasitic medications. Our vets will recommend the appropriate medicines and doses to help treat your cat.
Metronidazole
Metronidazole is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for treating Giardia in cats. It’s an antibiotic with antiparasitic properties that works by disrupting the DNA of the parasite, effectively killing it.
Typically, metronidazole is administered for 5 to 7 days, depending on our analysis of the situation. While it’s generally effective, it is a pretty strong drug. Some cats may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite.
Fenbendazole
Fenbendazole is another antiparasitic medication often used to treat Giardia in cats, especially when metronidazole alone isn’t sufficient. This can be given along with metronidazole, as a good combination can be effective. It’s usually given over a period of 5 days, but can vary.
Fenbendazole is generally well-tolerated by cats and has fewer side effects than metronidazole, making it a preferred option for some vets for cats with sensitive bodies.
Other Medications
Alongside your cat’s main medicines, we can also provide other medications to manage symptoms and discomfort.
Supportive Care
To help with recovery, we will recommend dietary changes and home management tips. Generally, an easily digestible and low-fat diet would help alleviate your cat’s gastrointestinal symptoms and support its gut health.
We recommend avoiding rich or fatty foods to reduce the strain on your cat’s digestive system, which is already working hard to fight off the parasite.
You can also provide probiotics for your cat, as they can help restore a healthy gut microbiome. Lastly, be sure to keep your cat well-hydrated throughout the treatment process, as the constant diarrhea and vomiting may increase the risk of dehydration.
Vet Tips: How to Prevent Giardia in Cats
Preventing this parasite from getting to our cats is the best way to protect their happiness and health. Here are a few tips:
Keep A Clean Area
Regularly clean your cat’s sleeping and playing area. Clean the litter box, disinfect surfaces, and wash bedding and toys. Plus, be sure to scoop feces and sanitize the surface immediately.
Provide Clean Water
Make sure your cat has fresh, clean water. Replace the water in their bowl at least once a day and wash the bowl regularly to prevent contamination. Consider using filtered or bottled water, especially if you’re unsure about the quality of your tap water.
Observe Proper Cat Hygiene
Grooming is a significant part of your cat’s lifestyle. Regularly groom and bathe your cat, especially long-haired breeds. If you want a professional cat grooming service, our doors are always open to you.
Serve a Healthy Diet
Provide a balanced and nutritious diet for your cats to support their immune system function. A healthy immune system is a good defense for parasites like Giardia.
“Our cats need all the help they can get to stay safe from parasites.”
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha
Final Thoughts
While Giardia might be a scary parasite, it’s quite easy to prevent. Just by understanding the causes and following the right preventive measures, you can help your cat stay healthy and happy.
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