Owner’s Look At Coccidiosis In Felines

Coccidiosis is a disease caused by highly contagious protozoans. The intestinal tract is the prime target for the invading protozoans. Kittens that are less than six months old are usually affected since their immune systems aren’t fully developed yet. Older cats can also be affected if they have a weakened immune system for some reason. So, how are these protozoans transmitted to your cat?

Transmission

Infected cats shed immature coccidia in their feces. After ingesting the feces contaminated with coccidia, they will start to multiply in the intestinal tract. Most kittens become infected when around their infected mother’s feces. Cats can also become infected if they eat a rodent that ingested the protozoans itself.

Symptoms

Your cat will begin to display signs approximately two weeks after ingesting the protozoans. Most kitties with ths condition experience feline diarrhea. This can be mild or severe depending on how advanced the infection is.

Common signs of a severe infection include loss of appetite and vomiting. Dehydration can quickly develop due to vomiting and diarrhea. This can be life-threatening to kittens. The disease proves to be fatal in some cases.

Diagnosis

These parasites can be detected using a stool sample. However, the parasites may be hard to detect since they’re immature. The sample will have to be examined closely in order to detect the presence of coccidia. In some cases, a blood test can be used to diagnose coccidiosis.

Treatment

Antibiotics are needed to treat this condition. Your cat will need to take this medication for about two weeks. Doing so will eliminate the possibility that all parasites weren’t eliminated. It’s possible for the disease to recur if your cat is exposed to the same environment again. Bleach and water would be needed to disinfect the environment.

All owners should know a little something about various problems such as feline ear mites. Fortunately for you, cat-illnesses.com is a great resource for all owners. So, come by today to start reading about various diseases that can affect your cat.

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