What is Giardia?
Giardia is a microscopic intestinal parasite belonging to the protozoan category. It is one of the most common parasites in North America, capable of infecting multiple animal species, including cats and humans.
Clinical Signs of Giardia Infection in Cats
Cats infected with Giardia may exhibit:
- Intermittent diarrhea, often pale and mucus-containing
- Weight loss in cases of prolonged infection
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Dull coat due to poor nutrient absorption
However, some cats remain asymptomatic carriers, shedding the parasite without visible symptoms.
How is Giardia Transmitted?
Transmission primarily occurs through ingestion of feces or water contaminated with parasite cysts. These cysts are highly resilient, surviving several weeks in moist environments.
Giardia Life Cycle
After ingestion, Giardia cysts reach the duodenum (first section of the small intestine), releasing trophozoites, the parasite’s active form. Trophozoites attach to intestinal cells and multiply.
Subsequently, they encyst again, migrate to the colon, and are excreted in feces already in an infectious form.
💡 Cycle duration: Between 5 and 16 days, depending on individual conditions.
Is Giardia Contagious to Humans?
Yes, Giardia is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated surfaces or water. Strict hygiene measures are essential to limit transmission.
Diagnosing Giardia
Since Giardia is invisible to the naked eye, veterinary diagnostics include:
- Direct smear: Microscopic examination of fresh stool samples to observe active trophozoites.
- Snap test: Rapid immunoassay test detecting Giardia antigens.
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Advanced method identifying parasite DNA in feces.
Because cyst shedding can be intermittent, repeated stool tests may be necessary.
Treatments for Giardia
Fortunately, several prescription medications effectively treat Giardia infections. When administered according to veterinary instructions, these antiparasitic treatments are both safe and effective.
Supportive care may also be recommended, including:
- Easily digestible diets to reduce intestinal irritation
- Probiotics to restore digestive flora
- Proper hydration to compensate for fluid loss due to diarrhea
Preventing Giardia Infection in Cats
- Promptly collect feces to reduce environmental contamination
- Thoroughly wash hands after handling feces
- Wear gloves when cleaning litter boxes
- Disinfect contaminated surfaces with appropriate cleaning products
- Carefully wash garden vegetables that may be exposed to parasite cysts
- Isolate infected cats to prevent parasite spread within the household
Following these preventive measures effectively reduces Giardia transmission, protecting your cat’s health and your family’s wellbeing.
