What Causes Coccidiosis In Kittens

Mama cats may become infected with coccidiosis by eating a mouse already infected with the protozoa or through exposure to coccidiosis in the environment.

What causes coccidiosis in kittens. Isospora felis and isospora rivolta are the most common species of coccidia in cats. Bloody diarrhea and an. Coccidia is a single celled organism that upsets the intestinal tract in kittens and puppies. When your cat uses a litter box it s natural to have an interest in what s deposited in the box.

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract that is caused by a microscopic protozoan single celled organisms called coccidia. A fecal examination is. The primary symptom of a coccidial infection is watery mucous like diarrhea. A diagnosis of coccidia in cats and especially kittens can be worrisome.

Coccidiosis in cats symptoms and types. This infection while not deadly in older cats can prove fatal in kittens. In cats most coccidia are of the genus group called isospora. Symptoms include watery stool with mucus or blood fever and in some cats neurological problems such as depression or convulsions.

Being in an environment with other infected animals is the most common cause of this infection. Kittens can become infected with coccidia starting at 2 weeks old image by congerdesign from pixabay. Signs of coccidia in cats. If those offerings are particularly unpleasant and foul smelling this should be concern as it could be a possible cause of coccidia.

Because coccidia live in the intestinal tract and can cause diarrhea they are often confused with intestinal worms but coccidia are not worms. Coccidiosis is an intestinal tract infection caused by a one celled organism a protozoa called coccidia. Immature coccidia or oocysts cysts containing zygote formed by the parasite can enter the body through direct contact. There are many species of coccidia and each is infective in different animals.

Causes of coccidia in cats direct contact with infected feces hunting and eating rodents that contain protozoa in its resting stages ingesting contaminated soil. Kittens generally become infected with coccidiosis by ingesting minute amounts of their mother s feces which can sometimes occur while nursing. Sensitive when its belly is pressed. The diseases caused by these parasites is referred to as coccidiosis.

A cat may develop coccidiosis by consuming an infected mouse 1. A kitten or puppy can contract the disease from other infected. The infection can spread in the following ways.