Identifying Feline Coccidiosis: Key Signs & Symptoms

Section 1: Causes of Feline Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis in cats can be contracted through various means, with kittens being particularly susceptible. Often, the disease is transmitted from the mother, either during pregnancy when an infected queen becomes pregnant, or during lactation when the nursing mother passes the infection to her kittens.

Moreover, the eggs of the coccidia can survive in soil for extended periods, which means that parents who walk through grassy areas might inadvertently bring home contaminated soil on their shoes, leading to a potential infection for their cats.

Lastly, cats can become infected by directly ingesting contaminated food or water that harbors the coccidia.

Section 2: Differentiating Coccidiosis from Gastroenteritis

After infection, cats with coccidiosis may exhibit symptoms such as mild fever, vomiting, soft stools, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, and bloody stools, often accompanied by jellylike mucus in the feces.

However, gastrointestinal inflammation in cats typically presents with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes only one of these symptoms. Therefore, diagnosing coccidiosis is generally straightforward. It's important to note that some cats with strong immune systems may show minimal symptoms. If pet owners are unsure about their cat's condition, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian for a fecal microscopic examination to confirm the presence of coccidia eggs.

Section 3: Treatment for Feline Coccidiosis

Standard dewormers are not effective against coccidia in cats. Treatment requires specific coccidiostatic dewormers, such as sulfonamides, diclazuril, and toltrazuril. It's not recommended to selfmedicate; instead, consult a veterinarian for proper medication and dosage. Cats with severe gastrointestinal reactions, dehydration, or anemia may require hospitalization.

Preventing coccidiosis in cats primarily involves maintaining a clean environment, feeding them a healthy diet, protecting their gut microbiome, and boosting their immunity. Preventive deworming is generally not necessary for coccidia, but regular deworming can help prevent other common parasites like tapeworms and roundworms. Should you have any further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to an online veterinary expert.