Coccidiosis In Kittens

Coccidia are small protozoans one celled organisms that multiply in the intestinal tracts of cats and dogs most commonly in kittens and puppies less than six months of age in adult animals whose immune systemis suppressed or in animals who are stressed in other ways e g.

Coccidiosis in kittens. A diagnosis of coccidia in cats and especially kittens can be worrisome. Coccidiosis is an intestinal tract infection caused by a one celled organism a protozoa called coccidia. With appropriate and prompt treatment the prognosis is good. Risk factors for coccidiosis include age young kittens at least 2 weeks of age but typically less than 6 months 1 stress always a challenge in a shelter and coinfection with other parasites.

It most commonly causes watery mucus based diarrhea in animals. However it is possible to become infected with toxoplasmosis from cats which is of particular risk to pregnant women or people with suppressed immune systems. The most common parasite to cause coccidiosis in cats is isospora felis. These often cause an intestinal tract infection called coccidiosis 1 2.

Coccidia invade the gut and irritate the lining of the bowel. Kittens and older cats that are stressed or have a weak immune system are more likely to be affected by coccidia 1 2. In kittens coccidiosis infection can cause watery and bloody diarrhea vomiting pain and dehydration followed by rapid weight loss. In cats most coccidia are of the genus group called isospora.

It is also possible to catch cryptosporidium from an infected cat. If those offerings are particularly unpleasant and foul smelling this should be concern as it could be a possible cause of coccidia. Isospora felis and isospora rivolta are the most common species of coccidia in cats. Symptoms of coccidiosis appear almost two weeks after the initial infection.

Felis which is the most common form of coccidiosis in cats does not affect humans. Change in ownership other disease present. Coccidia are a group of single celled parasites called protozoa. When your cat uses a litter box it s natural to have an interest in what s deposited in the box.

Kittens who are infected with coccidiosis are contagious and can infect the rest of the litter. We do recommend ponazuril as the preferred treatment of coccidia in kittens in a shelter. Coccidia are a group of single celled protozoa found within the intestinal lining of kittens and cats. This causes stomach cramps loss of appetite and poor growth in young kittens.

Veterinary attention is needed to ease symptoms and rid the cat of the parasitic infestation. If it is not treated over time it can cause damage to the lining of a cat s intestinal tract.