Cats & Giardia Infections
Many mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans, can become infected with the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis. If you ever find yourself wondering, "What is cat Giardia?" the answer lies in the strain that most often affects cats.
The various strains of Giardia are classified by the letters A through H. Cats typically contract the assemblage F, while humans are more typically prone to assemblages A and B. That said, it is possible for cats to have strain A and potentially infect their owners (though this is rare).
This condition is most often diagnosed in kittens and cats with poor health resulting from underlying health conditions. Giardia can be challenging for pet owners to manage because treatment isn't always effective and the infection often returns.
If you have many different types of pets at home, you may be wondering, "Can a dog infect a cat with Giardia?". The answer is no. Dogs are typically affected by the B strain of Giardia.
Transmission of Giardia Among Cats
Every strain of Giardia is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. This means that a cat's stool can be infected with Giardia parasites that other animals (or people) may come into contact with. The parasite then makes its way into the new host's body when they ingest or inhale it. This can occur via direct contact with contaminated stool, or by drinking water that has become contaminated.
Can you get Giardia from your cat?
While Giardia infections are relatively common in humans, most people contract infections by drinking contaminated water. Though it's possible for cats to have the A strain of Giardia (dogs harbor the B strain) that makes people sick, it's not very common for Giardiasis to spread from cats to people.
Disinfect surfaces that your cat comes into contact with using a solution of chlorine bleach at a dilution of 1:16 or 1:32.
What are the signs of Giardia in cats?
Giardia parasites can damage a cat's intestinal wall and typically lead to a sudden onset of foul-smelling diarrhea. While some cats that contract Giardia end up being asymptomatic, others may show a number of symptoms along with diarrhea, including:
- Excess mucus in the feces may be apparent.
- The cat's stool is soft to watery and may have a greenish tinge or contain blood.
- Lethargy in some cases.
- Vomiting may occur in some cases.
Because of the nature of these symptoms, some cats may also experience weight loss when infected with Giardia. It's also not uncommon for diarrhea related to giardiasis to be intermittent.
Additionally, fevers are not typically associated with Giardia infections in cats. If your cat shows any of the symptoms listed, reach out to your vet to schedule an examination. After your vet performs the examination, they will run any diagnostic tests that may be required to diagnose and plan treatment effectively.
How are cat Giardia infections treated?
It can be challenging to effectively treat Giardia in cats. To completely eliminate the parasite, repeated treatments or a combination of different treatment methods might be required. a Giardia infection can be extremely difficult to clear as the medications may be ineffective toward the parasite. As a result, your vet may indicate that a combination of medications is needed.
Fenbendazole and metronidazole are the treatments most often prescribed for giardia in cats.
- Fenbendazole may reduce clinical signs and shedding of the parasite. This treatment is administered to the infected cat orally for 3 to 5 days and is safe for pregnant cats.
- Metronidazole is a medication that appears to be more effective at treating giardia in cats than dogs. Treatment is given for 5 to 7 days and is not safe for pregnant cats.
In some cases, a vet may recommend that a cat be treated with both fenbendazole and metronidazole simultaneously. Your vet will ultimately determine the best course of action.
Your vet may also prescribe a highly digestible diet until your cat's stool hardens. Prolonged bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can quickly result in dehydration, so it's important to ensure that your cat remains well-hydrated.
How long will my cat have Giardia?
Once antibiotic treatment has started, it typically takes between three to five days for the stool to be free of parasites. The infection should be eliminated completely within five to seven days.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.