Giardia

Giardia is a single-celled protozoan parasite that can infect cats' intestines.

Cats in communal environments, such as shelters, are the most usually impacted.

Giardia has two types: trophozoites and cysts.

The parasitic form that lives within the host (cat), swimming around and attaching to the gut, is known as a trophozoite.

The contagious form is the cyst, which thrives in the environment.

Symptoms include constant diarrhoea and vomiting on occasion.

There are no symptoms in many cases.

Diagnosis used to be challenging, but an in-house test has been developed to make the process easier in recent years.

A broad range of dewormers recommended by a vet is the most effective treatment.

Cysts can be a source of re-infection since they attach to the infected cat's fur.

Therefore, a bath should be administered throughout treatment.

Decontamination of the environment is advised.