Giardia in cats

Giardia, what is it really?

Giardia is generally a harmless parasite that lives in the intestines of cats. Usually without bothering your four-legged friend. Giardia is almost always present, both outside and in other places where many cats come. An infection is therefore quickly lurking.

The infection of Giardia in a cat

A cat gets Giardia by coming into contact with feces, food or water contaminated with the parasite. How that happens? By washing himself or herself after he or she has been outside, for example. Or by drinking from an infected drinking bowl. Kittens are also often affected. If the mother cat is infected, they get Giardia through mother’s milk. In short: the parasite spreads very quickly.

Giardia in cats: the symptoms

Most cats have little or no problems with Giardia. In young kittens or cats with reduced resistance, the parasite may cause problems. We list the most common symptoms of Giardia in cats for you.

• Blood and/or mucus in the stool
• Vomiting
• Alternating or persistent diarrhea
• Less appetite
• Sluggishness

The diagnosis of Giardia in cats

Do you recognize one or more symptoms in your cat? Then always consult your veterinarian. The diagnosis is then quickly established. The only thing needed for this? A little stool. Deliver this to your veterinarian. At the practice an examination will be performed and the result will follow quickly.

Giardia treatment in cats

Giardia is very contagious. The chance of reinfection is high. Is your cat infected with the parasite? Then treatment is important. Usually the following protocol is used.

• In most cases, a multi-day course of treatment is administered to all the pets in your household. Even if they have no symptoms.
• Hygiene is very important during the treatment of Giardia. Our advice? Wash your cat during and after the treatment with cat shampoo.
• Giardia survives long in the environment of your cat. Therefore, make sure you have a good hygiene in the house as well. Wash all baskets and cuddly toys as often and as hot as possible, clean the water and food bowls with boiling water and clean your house with chlorine.
• Sometimes a one-time cure is not enough. The veterinarian will then often decide to repeat the cure and/or use a different medicine.
• Giardia is also contagious to humans. Wash your hands after contact and make sure you are not licked by your cat.

What is the best food for a cat with Giardia?

Does your fluffy cat suffer from (persistent) diarrhea? The vet may prescribe a special diet. We recommend giving easily digestible food to calm the intestines. SANIMED Intestinal helps with this. These pellets ensure proper intestinal function, support healthy digestion and reduce thin stools. Proven effective and 100% natural.