What is Tritrichomonas?

Tritrichomonas foetus is a single-celled microscopic parasite historically known for causing venereal infections in cattle. However, it also affects cats, causing chronic diarrhea as an intestinal parasite.

Young cats living in catteries, shelters, or high-density feline environments have the highest infection risk.

Clinical Signs in Cats

Cats infected with Tritrichomonas may exhibit:

• Chronic, soft, foul-smelling diarrhea, sometimes with fresh blood and mucus
• Inflamed anus in severe cases
• Involuntary stool leakage
• Generally maintained appetite and no significant weight loss

Many cats, however, remain asymptomatic carriers, shedding the parasite without visible symptoms.

Transmission of Tritrichomonas in Cats

Cats contract Tritrichomonas by ingesting contaminated feces, typically during grooming. Unlike cattle, sexual transmission hasn’t been demonstrated in cats.

Parasite Life Cycle

Tritrichomonas thrives in a cat’s cecum and colon, actively multiplying. Parasites (trophozoites) are shed through feces and can survive up to three days in a moist environment. Once ingested by another cat, the parasite re-colonizes the intestine, repeating the cycle.

Diagnosing Tritrichomonas in Cats

Diagnosis relies on three primary methods:

• Direct Smear: Microscopic examination of fresh feces to observe active trophozoites.
• Fecal Culture: Using specific growth media to identify parasites.
• PCR Test: Detects parasite DNA, providing the most reliable diagnosis.

💡 Important: A negative test doesn’t guarantee absence of infection, especially if feces aren’t fresh or antibiotics are in use.

Treatment for Tritrichomonas

Treatment involves administering oral ronidazole for 14 days. However, this medication can cause neurological side effects in some cats, including:

• Lethargy and loss of appetite
• Unsteady gait
• Seizures

If these symptoms occur, stop treatment immediately and consult a veterinarian. Typically, symptoms resolve after discontinuing the medication, but hospitalization might be required in severe cases.

Persistent Diarrhea Post-Treatment

If diarrhea persists beyond two weeks post-treatment, fecal retesting is advised. Negative results suggest other diarrhea causes should be explored.

💡 Why Treatment Might Fail:

• Incorrect dosage or duration
• Incomplete medication administration
• Reinfection from contact with infected cats

Therefore, all cats in the same household should be tested, treated, and isolated if necessary.

Can Cats Recover Naturally?

Around 88% of cats recover spontaneously without treatment, although recovery may take up to two years. Nevertheless, 55% become chronic carriers, posing contamination risks to other cats.

Prevention of Tritrichomonas Infection in Cats

• Maintain excellent hygiene and frequently clean litter boxes
• Isolate infected cats to prevent parasite spread
• Avoid sharing food bowls and litter boxes between infected and healthy cats
• Test new cats before introducing them to multi-cat households

Implementing these measures helps limit parasite spread and protects feline health.