Symptoms of Giardia in cats
As mentioned, not all cats with Giardia develop symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they involve the gastrointestinal tract. Think of diarrhoea, with or without blood or mucus, vomiting, anorexia and lethargy. It is typical that the diarrhoea often varies. It is not always present with the same severity, and it can also be less severe for a few days.
Giardia in kittens
Kittens almost always become ill from a Giardia infection. This is because the intestinal flora and intestinal resistance are not yet fully developed. As a result, Giardia has more opportunity to multiply and cause symptoms. This is also because a kitten’s resistance is not yet optimal.
Does your kitten have diarrhoea? Then do not wait too long to take action. If a kitten has long-term damage to the intestinal wall, chronic intestinal complaints can develop. A kitten can also quickly become dehydrated and lethargic due to diarrhoea. Rapid treatment is then necessary.
How is Giardia diagnosed?
If your cat has had variable stools for a longer period, it is advisable to test for Giardia and other intestinal parasites.
The diagnosis of Giardia is made through a faecal test. It is important to collect faeces for at least 3 days. This is because Giardia cysts are not shed with every bowel movement.
The faeces are also assessed by the vet for smell, colour and consistency, and they will also look for possible worm eggs.
Giardia rapid test
Nowadays, you can also test your cat’s faeces for Giardia yourself with a rapid test. For example, the CVET Quick Test Giardia is available, allowing you to test for the presence of Giardia yourself. Please note that this test only indicates whether Giardia is present or not. Other causes of diarrhoea are not tested with this.
If you test positive with this rapid test, you know that Giardia is present in your cat’s faeces. It is then important to consult your vet about the best way to treat your cat.
Please note: these tests do not replace examination by your vet. If diarrhoea complaints recur, it is advisable to have your cat examined by your vet.
How do you treat a cat with Giardia?
Giardia is difficult to control. It is a combination of treating the parasite itself, washing your cat, supporting with food and supplements, and disinfecting the environment.
Treatment with Panacur
The first-choice treatment for Giardia is fenbendazole, such as in Panacur or No Worm Diacur. The most commonly used dosage is 50 mg per kg. In general, a regimen of 2 x 5 days is used with an interval of 1 to 3 weeks. The repeat treatment is necessary because there is a high chance of reinfection from the environment. All animals within the household should also be treated at the same time.
Supplements to support Giardia treatment
In addition to treatment with fenbendazole, it is wise to improve intestinal resistance. This can be done by giving probiotics in combination with a supplement that makes the intestines less attractive to harmful microorganisms such as Giardia. Supplements you can use include, for example, the combination of Dr. Ann’s Probiotics with Puur Parasitus.
Which food is suitable for Giardia?
Giardia can grow quickly on a diet that is rich in carbohydrates. To support the intestines as well, the advice is to provide a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet that is easily digestible and not too high in fibre. Think of a gastrointestinal diet, such as Vetality Gastrointestinal Cat.
How do you clean the environment if your cat has Giardia?
Because Giardia cysts can easily survive in your pet’s coat and in the environment, it is also important to pay attention to this during treatment.
Washing your cat
Cats are usually not fans of it, but it is advisable to wash your cat’s coat with a product containing chlorhexidine. This helps prevent your cat from licking Giardia cysts back out of its coat. Most shampoos are not suitable for cats, but a good option is, for example, CLX wipes to clean the coat around the anus.
Disinfecting the environment
Because Giardia can be a very persistent infection that is difficult to treat, measures are also needed for your cat’s environment:
- Scoop out the faeces from the litter tray after every bowel movement. Preferably change the litter tray daily as well, after thorough cleaning and disinfection.
- Clean smooth surfaces your cat uses with quaternary ammonium compounds or chlorine. Please note that you should always clean normally with water and soap first before using a disinfectant. The product must also be left to work for at least 5 minutes to achieve the desired effect.
- In a boarding facility or shelter, it is advisable to let surfaces dry for at least 48 hours before new cats are introduced.
- Beds, blankets, toys and other fabric surfaces such as carpets and furniture can be cleaned with steam: 5 minutes at 70 degrees Celsius or 1 minute at 100 degrees Celsius. If possible, wash at a minimum of 60 degrees.
- Also remember to clean carriers, food bowls and water bowls.
Do you have any questions about Giardia in cats? Please contact us via veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.
