Giardiasis in Cats: Symptoms and Treatment
If your cat develops sudden severe diarrhea or the symptoms do not improve within a short time, you are probably worried about your furry friend. Especially in young and sick cats, persistent fluid loss due to diarrhea can become a serious problem, which is why early clarification is advisable in any case.
Not infrequently, the symptom of diarrhea hides an infection with the single-celled intestinal parasites Giardia (Giardia intestinalis), which can be detected through a stool sample. Learn more here about the symptoms and treatment of Giardia in cats.
Symptoms: How to Recognize the Parasites
Cats suffering from a Giardia infestation do not show directly specific symptoms. The watery, persistent diarrhea can, at first glance, also be attributed to other diseases, and especially kittens have an irregular gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, with Giardia, bloody diarrhea may occur, along with →refusal of food, apathetic and lethargic behavior, coat problems, weight loss, and strong signs of dehydration due to significant water loss.
If the diarrhea lasts longer than a day, you should take your cat to a veterinary practice immediately. The refusal of food can also be particularly critical for the health of young cats.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Eine Infektion mit Parasiten wie Giardien zeigt sich durch Symptome wie Durchfall, Inappetenz, Apathie und Gewichtsverlust.
Shedding of Cysts in Giardia
Sometimes an infection with Giardia shows no symptoms. Especially older indoor cats do not become actively ill and can still transmit the parasites in the form of so-called cysts, which are excreted in the feces. The cysts are the stages of Giardia that can survive for a long time outside the body and lead to infection of other animals.
Treatment of Giardiasis
After the veterinarian has detected Giardia in a stool examination, the question of the correct treatment arises. The medication Fenbendazole is effective against the parasites in cats, which is administered for about 5 days and dosed according to your cat's body weight. A week after the end of the treatment, a follow-up stool examination is performed. In some cases, the symptoms and the pathogen persist, necessitating a repeat treatment.
Especially in kittens, no significant immunity against Giardia is achieved after recovery, so reinfection cannot be ruled out. In addition to medication, a thorough cleaning of all items such as bowls and litter boxes, floors, and textiles at more than 60 degrees is necessary, with which the cat has come into contact, as reinfection is also possible through these. The cysts of Giardia can survive under good conditions for up to 3 months, which is why attention must be paid to eliminating them from the cat's environment.
Compensating for Fluid Loss Due to Diarrhea
When cats lose a lot of fluid due to diarrhea, it must also be replenished. Although furry friends are picky and have little appetite when infested with Giardia, you can still try to make it easier for them to take in fluids. Our Pets Deli wet food sauce menu and our →delicious snack soup provide your furry friend with plenty of fluids and delight every indoor cat with their taste. **Check it out!
