Giardia is a single-celled protozoan parasite wreaking havoc in the cat’s intestines. The parasite is widely distributed and poses a legitimate concern for cat owners worldwide. In this article, I, Ivana Crnec, DVM, will talk about Giardia in cats.
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Giardia Symptoms in Cats
According to a new 2024 study by Veterinary World, the main sign of Giardia in cats is “soft or mushy poop with a pungent smell.”
Practically speaking, as a pet owner, you should suspect Giardia infection if your cat is showing the following:
- Diarrhea: Foul diarrhea is the main symptom of Giardia. The diarrhea is intermittent or chronic, and soft, watery, or covered with mucus. The mucus makes it appear whitish.
- Flatulence: Excess production of gas, medically known as flatulence, is commonly seen in some cats with Giardia. Flatulence is uncomfortable and triggers abdominal pain.
- Vomiting: Another widespread sign of Giardia is vomiting. Vomiting is accompanied by nausea and reduces the cat’s appetite. Long-term vomiting leads to weight loss.
- Grooming: Prolonged diarrhea irritates the perianal region, and cats start grooming the region excessively (which is a source of re-infection).
Unlike certain intestinal parasites, Giardia cannot be seen in the poop.
“Giardia is microscopic (~10x15 microns), so you wouldn't see the parasite in the stool with a naked eye,” explains a Reddit user.
However, keeping an eye on your cat and monitoring behavior changes with the Petcube Pet Camera is helpful.
How Do Cats Get Giardia
Cats get Giardia when they ingest cysts found in stool or contaminated soil and water. Infected cats shed cysts via their poop, and the cysts stay in the environment favoring water and damp conditions.
Contaminated food and water are common sources of infection for outdoor cats. In the case of indoor felines, studies show that Giardia is the “most common in young cats from multicat backgrounds.”
How to Get Rid of Giardia in Cats
"Giardia in cats can be challenging to treat, but it’s usually not a life-threatening disease," says Dr. Carolina Paz in an article for Joii Pet Care.
The treatment includes fenbendazole, a deworming agent, or metronidazole, an antibiotic. In certain cases, the two medications are used simultaneously for best results.
The veterinarian prescribes a special diet to support digestive health and probiotics to counter the side effects of antibiotics as an adjunct therapy.
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FAQs
How Long Does it Take to Cure Giardia in Cats?
It takes between 5 and 7 days for the symptoms to resolve once treatment is started. The tiny parasites start clearing from the stool in 3 to 5 days.
Can Giardia be Passed from Dog to Cat?
Yes, Giardia can be passed from dog to cat, but in sporadic cases. Dogs and cats are typically affected by different Giardia strains.
Conclusion
Typically seen in young cats, Giardia is an intestinal protozoan parasite. Foul-smelling chronic or intermittent diarrhea is the infection’s hallmark sign.
Giardia is treatable with fenbendazole and metronidazole. However, re-infections are expected since the protozoa are resistant and widespread in the environment.
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