Coccidia in Cats

2023-05-18
Coccidia in Cats

Coccidia may not be visible to the naked eye but that doesn't mean it can't cause problems in your cat. This microscopic parasite infects the intestinal tract of cats and other species and causes coccidiosis, a condition of the intestinal mucosa. It can exist undetected in your cat so it's important to know how to see if your cat is infected and how to treat it.

What Is Coccidia?

Coccidia is a type of single-celled organism that is an intestinal parasite, but it is not a worm or an egg. There are many different species of coccidia but two species of coccidia are most common in cats: Isospora felis and Isospora rivolta. These parasites live in the cells of the intestines. It's inevitable that a cat will become infected with the Isospora felis species at least one time in its life.

Toxoplasma and Cryptosporidium are also species of coccidia but the Isospora species are the ones that are most typically referred to as coccidia. Toxoplasma and Cryptosporidium are much less common than regular Isospora coccidia in cats.

Symptoms of Coccidia in Cats

Like other intestinal parasites, coccidia commonly affects the stool of an infected cat. However, many cats that are infected with coccidia do not have diarrhea or any other clinical signs. If there are going to be signs of the illness, the symptoms will begin to show up about 13 days after the cat ingests the parasites. Call your vet if your cat is showing any of the following symptoms of coccidia:

Symptoms

  • Diarrhea
  • Crying when defecating
  • Sensitive when its belly is pressed
  • Dehydration with sunken eyes
  • Skin tenting
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite/lethargy

Diarrhea

Most cats that are showing symptoms of a coccidia infection will have watery diarrhea. Sometimes blood will appear in diarrhea. This is an obvious symptom but many different problems and diseases can cause abnormal stools. It may also be difficult to spot diarrhea if your cat regularly covers its stool in the litter box. Look for signs of discolored fur around your cat's back end that may harbor remnants of liquid fecal matter.

Crying When Defecating

If a coccidia infection worsens, a cat may have abdominal discomfort and cry when defecating. Persistent diarrhea may have caused inflammation in the rectal and anal areas.

Sensitive Belly

A cat with coccidia has parasites in its intestinal tract which will cause pain in the abdomen. Your cat may then become distressed when its belly is pressed.

Dehydration and Sunken Eyes

If diarrhea is left untreated, dehydration can occur resulting in sunken eyes and skin tenting.

Skin Tenting

Dehydration causes skin tenting, which is most obvious when it's observed over the shoulder blades. To tell if your cat has skin tenting, lift your cat's skin between the shoulder blades. If the skin forms a tent-like shape and stays that way for a second or more instead of immediately snapping back onto the body, the cat may be dehydrated.

Vomiting

With severe infections, coccidia can also cause vomiting, which can make dehydration worse.

Lethargy/Loss of Appetite

In Toxoplasma infections, cats may show a lack of appetite and become lethargic due to intestinal distress, but like cats with infections of other types of coccidia, most show no symptoms at all.

What Causes Coccidia in Cats?

For a cat to become infected with coccidia, it needs to consume the parasite. This is most commonly done when a cat ingests an infected mouse or another cat's feces. When a cat swallows the oocyst, which is the immature, infectious form of coccidia, the cat develops coccidiosis. A mother cat with coccidia can also transmit it to her kittens. A newborn kitten will begin to show symptoms when it's two weeks old.

How Do Vets Diagnose Coccidia in Cats?

If your cat is showing any signs of coccidiosis, your veterinarian will check your cat's feces under the microscope to look for coccidia oocysts (cysts containing the parasite). This parasite is very tiny compared to other intestinal parasites and can be easily missed so a very thorough fecal analysis, or multiple fecal analyses, must be performed to find it.

If your veterinarian is concerned that your cat may have one of the less common types of coccidia such as Toxoplasma or Cryptosporidium, they may need to run additional specific tests. A series of blood or fecal samples are often taken in those cases.

How to Treat Coccidia

To treat coccidiosis in a cat showing symptoms, your cat will need a specific type of anti-parasitic medication to kill the parasite. Usually, a drug called trimethoprim-sulfonamide is prescribed and given orally to your cat for about a week or up to 20 days to treat the infection. Even with treatment with certain medicines, there is the potential for persistent low-level traces of the infection until it is completely eradicated. Probiotics, prebiotics, and special diets may also be needed.

Prognosis for Cats with Coccidia

The outcome is good for cats appropriately treated with coccidia. Most cats with strong immune systems seem to spontaneously get rid of the parasite on their own by shedding it in their stool. While coccidia is a very common parasite in cats, many do not require treatment if they aren't showing symptoms. On the other side of the spectrum, a severe coccidia infection may be fatal to kittens and adult cats with other health issues.

How to Prevent Coccidia

You can prevent your cat from contracting coccidia by taking preventative measures. Though you can't guarantee that your cat will never get the parasite, you can take the following steps to minimize the risk:

  • Keep your cat indoors—it is the best way to prevent your cat from getting coccidia.
  • Stop your cat whenever you see it hunting or playing with a mouse it has caught indoors or outdoors.
  • Quarantine a cat showing symptoms and keep it away from the litter box, food, and water dishes that the other cats in your household use. Unfortunately, the oocysts may not always respond to cleaning disinfectants.
  • Avoid feeding your cat uncooked meat which can also decrease the likelihood that it will ingest coccidia oocysts (cooking meat to its appropriate temperature can kill oocysts). If you are feeding your cat a raw diet, understand that it comes with risks, such as coccidia.
  • Bring any new kitten you have adopted to the vet right away to check for any symptoms of the illness.

Is Coccidia Contagious to Humans?

The common Isospora types of coccidia are not a concern for humans but if your cat is diagnosed with Toxoplasma or Cryptosporidium you can potentially become infected. Immune compromised individuals have the highest risk of infection but by practicing good hygiene techniques and properly disposing of cat feces you can minimize the risk of contracting these zoonotic diseases.

If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.

Related Article

Everything You Need to Know About Raising Your First Cat

Everything You Need to Know About Raising Your First Cat

Whether you are thinking about getting a cat or just adopted your first one, these are the things to know to make your relationship a lasting one.
8 Ways To Help Your Cat Lose Weight

8 Ways To Help Your Cat Lose Weight

Cats who are at a healthy weight are happier, more agile, and tend to live longer. Here are 8 tips for managing a cat weight loss programme
Heart Disease in Cats

Heart Disease in Cats

Like humans, cats can get heart diseases that may lead to serious problems. Learn all about symptoms along with the causes, treatment, and prevention.
Is Coconut Oil Safe for Cats?

Is Coconut Oil Safe for Cats?

Coconut oil is touted as a miracle food. Can coconut oil improve your cat's health? Is coconut oil even safe for cats?
Taurine for Cats

Taurine for Cats

Taurine is an essential animal protein in your cat's diet. Learn more about the various ways it supports your feline's body.
Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?

Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter is not toxic to cats, but it might not be the best choice of treat for them.
Why Do Cats Stare at Walls?

Why Do Cats Stare at Walls?

Cats can have some quirky behaviors, including staring at walls. Why do cats do this and when should you be concerned?
Patellar Luxation in Dogs

Patellar Luxation in Dogs

If your dog has a knee that seems to pop out of place, it may have a patellar luxation. Find out what this means and what can be done about it.
13 Signs of Cancer in Dogs

13 Signs of Cancer in Dogs

The signs of cancer in dogs may include lumps and bumps, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, pain, abdominal swelling, and more. Signs may be mild or obvious depending on the type of cancer and its severity. Learn common signs of cancer in dogs so you’ll know when to call the vet.
Ear Mites in Puppies and Dogs

Ear Mites in Puppies and Dogs

Ear mites can be a big discomfort for puppies and dogs. Learn about the causes, treatment, and prevention to keep mites away from your pets.
Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?

Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?

Some dogs eat some strange things. What does it mean if your dog eats dirt and when should you be concerned?
200 Tortoiseshell Cat Names for Your Bi-Colored Kitty

200 Tortoiseshell Cat Names for Your Bi-Colored Kitty

Tortoiseshell cats are a rare phenomenon and deserve a fitting name. We've pulled together 200 tortoiseshell cat names, including male names, female names, cute names, and names inspired by their coat color and pattern.
How to Manage Your Cat's Claws

How to Manage Your Cat's Claws

Here are ways you can help your cat maintain healthy claws while protecting your furniture at the same time.
Hair Loss in Cats

Hair Loss in Cats

Hair loss in cats is a common problem with many possible causes. Learn the causes, treatments, and prevention of hair loss in cats, also known as alopecia.
Neurological Disorders in Cats

Neurological Disorders in Cats

Neurological disorders in cats range from minor to serious. Any neurological condition is a major disruption to your cat's central nervous system. Learn the causes, treatment, and prevention of neurological disorders in cats.
Hair Loss on Hind Legs in Cats

Hair Loss on Hind Legs in Cats

Cats experience hair loss on their hind legs for a variety of reasons. Learn about potential causes, treatments, and ways to prevent it.
Can Cats Have Milk? Why They Really Shouldn’t Drink The Stuff

Can Cats Have Milk? Why They Really Shouldn’t Drink The Stuff

Despite what we’ve learned from pop culture, cats shouldn’t drink milk as most cats are lactose intolerant. Learn more about feeding milk to cats and alternatives you can feed your cat instead.
Can Cats Eat Dog Food?

Can Cats Eat Dog Food?

Can cats eat dog food? In small amounts, it's unlikely to be a problem, but long-term feeding of dog food to cats can cause health issues and malnutrition.
Why Some Black Cats Look Different in the Sun

Why Some Black Cats Look Different in the Sun

Some black cats look different in the sunlight. Whether it's cat genetics, a mutation, or a summer "rust," learn why they appear to have another coat.
Training Your Fearful Cat to Be Confident

Training Your Fearful Cat to Be Confident

Cats can become scared for any number of reasons. Learn about techniques that can help your fearful cat and reduce its anxiety so kitty lives a happy life.