Giardia Worm in Cats

Giardia is not an actual worm but a one-celled organism that infects the small intestines of cats and dogs. These infections by the protozoa are still being studied, as the organisms are not yet well understood.

Transmission

Cats get giardia by ingesting the organism during the cyst form of its lifecycle. Usually this comes from drinking water contaminated with the protozoa.

Symptoms

Many cats will show no symptoms that they are infected with giardia. However, in kittens, an infection can cause severe diarrhea and weight loss.

Diagnosis

Giardia is difficult to diagnose. Many times veterinarians must test stool samples for a few days before being able to find the organism under a microscope. Sometimes veterinarians will treat for giardia based upon the cat's symptoms and without a definite diagnosis.

Treatment

The de-wormer febendazole can help control giardia. Metronidazole may also be used, but it has many side effects. Furazolidone is sometimes prescribed, but it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Humans

It is not known if the giardia protozoa that infects cats can infect people. There are many species of the protozoa, and it is unclear at this time if they are species-specific in the hosts they infect.

References

• Giardia Cati
• Giardia in Cats