Giardia In Cats

Diarrhea in cats can be normal but it can also be a sign of something more serious. Giardia in cats is an infection passed by fecal matter from pet to pet. Today our Lisle vets will discuss Giardia and how it can affect your cat.

About Giardia In Cats

Giardia is a tiny parasite (germ) that causes the diarrheal disease giardiasis. Giardia is found on surfaces that your pet comes in contact with, for example, litter boxes, crates, toys, beds, or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with feces from infected animals. 

What Causes It?

Anything that touches poop from infected humans or animals can be contaminated with Giardia germs. Animals become infected when they swallow Giardia germs.

Your cat might get infected by:

• Being in contact with infected poop from another cat (or dog if you have one in the home.)
• Rolling and playing in infected dirt in your yard or at a dog park.
• Licking its body after contact with an infected surface (like toys or a litter box)
• Drinking infected water, at a pond or beach for example.

Young pets, like puppies and kittens, have a higher risk of illness than adult dogs and cats. Have your cat checked out if you have any concerns.

Signs & Symptoms?

Parasites attach themselves to the intestinal wall and this causes minor, sudden-onset, foul-smelling diarrhea. Giardia in cats can lead to weight loss.

The stool may range from soft to liquid and has a greenish tinge to it, and occasionally contains blood. Infected cats tend to have a lot of mucus in their feces.

Vomiting may occur in some severe cases.

Can It Be Passed To Humans?

The chances of people getting Giardia infection from dogs or cats are low. The type of Giardia that infects humans is not usually the same type that infects dogs and cats.

If you own other household or exotic pets, contact your veterinarian for more information.

How Is It Treated?

If your cat has diarrhea that is not going away, contact our Lisle vets right away. Diarrhea can be caused by many things and could result in dehydration or other serious problems.

As of right now, there are no approved over-the-counter medications are available for Giardia.

Giardia can be passed in poop intermittently, and an animal may appear healthy or without signs of disease before it stops passing Giardia.

Your vet may want to see your dog for follow-up appointments and regular fecal exams to make sure the infection has not come back.

If you have concerns about your cat and Giardia please contact our Lisle vets today for an appointment.