Does coccidia cause diarrhea in cats?
In cats, most coccidia are of the genus (group) called Isospora. Isospora felis and Isospora rivolta are the most common species of coccidia in cats. Because coccidia live in the intestinal tract and can cause diarrhea, they are often confused with intestinal worms, but coccidia are not worms.
What does coccidia do to a cat’s stool?
Like other intestinal parasites, coccidia commonly affects the stool of an infected cat. Most cats that are showing symptoms of a coccidia infection will have watery diarrhea. This is an obvious symptom but many different problems and diseases can cause abnormal stools.
How old do kittens have to be to die from coccidia?
Severely affected animals may also vomit, lose their appetite, become dehydrated, and in some instances, die from the disease. Most infected kittens are in the four to twelve week age group. The possibility of coccidiosis should always be considered when a loose stool or diarrhoea is encountered in this age group.
What happens if a kitten has diarrhea all the time?
Diarrhea by definition is frequent and liquid stool. Diarrhea will cause a kitten to become severely dehydrated due to the loss of fluid in its stool and therefore cause them to be weak.
What to do if your kittens stool is softer than toothpaste?
Consistency Notes: • Any stool softer than toothpaste consistency is cause for concern. Kittens with liquid diarrhea are at risk of dehydration and death. Seek treatment immediately. • Kittens straining to defecate or who have not defecated for more than two days may be constipated and need to be seen by a veterinarian. Stool Color Notes Action
Can a kitten with coccidiosis have diarrhea?
In adult cats, there may be no signs of infection, while in kittens the symptoms can be more serious. The most common symptom is diarrhea; in severe situations, the diarrhea can be accompanied by blood in the stool. The good news is that coccidiosis is a very treatable condition.
How can you tell if your cat has coccidia?
If your cat is infected with coccidia, the symptoms can vary. In adult cats, there may be no signs of infection, while in kittens the symptoms can be more serious. The most common symptom is diarrhea; in severe situations, the diarrhea can be accompanied by blood in the stool. The good news is that coccidiosis is a very treatable condition.
Can a 4 week old kitten have coccidia?
Keep in mind that coccidia is often a complication in older kittens, over four weeks old. Coccidia may not start diarrhea; however, it will overgrow and keep the diarrhea going. Ponazuril or toltrazuril will control coccidian, as will sulfa drugs.
When to take a kitten to the vet for diarrhea?
If dietary changes occurred, diarrhea may resolve without medications once the kitten adjusts to the new food or it is discontinued. But if parasites or illness causes diarrhea, or if it lasts for more than two to three days, you need to have your veterinarian see your kitten.