Coccidiosis In Cats Symptoms and Treatments

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 system is suppressed or in animals who are stressed in other ways (e.g.; change in ownership, other disease present).

In cats and dogs, most coccidia are of the genus called Isospora. I. felis and I. rivolta are the most common species found in cats. Regardless of which species is present, we generally refer to the disease as coccidiosis. As a kitten ages, he tends to develop a natural immunity to the effects of coccidia. As an adult, he may carry coccidia in his intestines, and shed the cyst in the feces, but experience no ill effects.

Symptoms such as: cat diarrhoea is the most common symptom of coccidiosis. This may range from mild to severe & there may be blood & mucus in the present. More severe cases, vomiting, weight loss, dehydration and loss of appetite can be observed too.

It isn't possible to kill the parasite, but medication is is given to inhibit coccidial reproduction. The usual treatment is sulfadimethoxine or Trimethoprim-sulfa, given orally. By stopping the ability of the protozoa to reproduce, time is allowed for the cat's own immunity to develop and remove the organisms.

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