What are Cryptosporidiosis?
Cats with compromised immune systems due to underlying illnesses such as feline leukemia virus infection, as well as cats that are very young or very old, are at greater risk for infection and at greater risk of more severe reactions to infection than otherwise healthy cats. This parasitic infection can even be life-threatening to a cat with other underlying health problems. Infection by this intestinal parasite is somewhat common in cats. Veterinary studies have found that around 15 percent of cats have either been infected by Cryptosporidium or are currently infected. Although this intestinal parasite is considered to be self-limiting, meaning that eventually, the infection will “run its course” even if untreated, because of the possibly serious health threat of dehydration, if your cat is experiencing severe and consistent diarrhea, it is important that your cat is seen immediately by a veterinarian.
Cryptosporidia are parasitic microscopic protozoa that infect the cells of the intestinal walls in various animal and human hosts. The Cryptosporidia are encased in protective shells called oocysts, which can be passed out of the body in the feces of the infected host. These oocysts can survive for long periods of time outside a host’s body. When the contaminated feces comes in contact with water or food sources, animals or humans that consume the contaminated food or water may then become infected with the parasite. It must be noted, however, that different Cryptosporidia are a threat to different animal species. The particular Cryptosporidia that are a threat to cats are classified as Cryptosporidium felis. When a cat ingests food or water that is contaminated with Cryptosporidium felis, the parasite infects the cells of the mucus on the walls of the small intestines, which causes the cat’s body to respond with severe diarrhea in an attempt to rid the body of the parasite. This diarrhea often results in severe dehydration.
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Symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis in Cats
The symptoms experienced by a cat that has been infected with this intestinal parasite are similar to what humans often experience as the “stomach flu.” These symptoms are as follows:
- Severe diarrhea
- Stomach cramps and pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Lethargy due to dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Possible rectal inflammation and bleeding due to diarrhea
Causes of Cryptosporidiosis in Cats
The cause of intestinal parasitic infection in cats is the ingestion of food or water that is contaminated with feces that contains the oocysts of the protozoa classified as Cryptosporidium felis. When the contaminated food or water enters into the cat’s small intestines the Cryptosporidia infect the cells of the mucous lining of the small intestines. The infection worsens as the Cryptosporidia reproduce. The cat’s body reacts with diarrhea in an attempt to rid the body of the parasite.
Diagnosis of Cryptosporidiosis in Cats
Definitive diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis must be accomplished by a trained veterinarian. Even so, diagnosis can sometimes be difficult. Microscopic identification of Cryptosporidia requires examination by a trained and experienced veterinarian or laboratory technician. At times, although definitive diagnosis may prove to be impossible, your veterinarian may make a tentative diagnosis based on the cat’s symptoms and choose to treat the intestinal parasitic infection accordingly. The diagnostic tools available to your pet include the following:
- Listening to your observations of the cat’s symptoms
- Thorough physical exam
- Fecal smear testing (Acid-fast stains can be applied that turn the oocysts red, or Fluorescent antibody tests)
Treatment of Cryptosporidiosis in Cats
Although this infection is considered self-limiting, there are a few treatments that veterinarians can implement in an attempt to relieve the symptoms of diarrhea and dehydration while the infection runs its course. These methods of treatment are as follows:
- Increased fluid intake for rehydration, which may include feeding the cat increased amounts of moist foods during the infection
- In extreme cases, intravenous fluids may be administered
- Paromomycin, an antibiotic, may be administered but does carry the risk of renal failure in some cats
- Tylosin, an antibiotic that can be effective for treating inflammation in the intestines of small animals, may be prescribed
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Recovery of Cryptosporidiosis in Cats
Even with treatment, a Cryptosporidium infection may last as many as 7-14 days. The long-term prognosis, however, for a cat that is otherwise healthy is usually very good, especially if the cat is able to receive increased fluid to address the dehydration and antibiotic treatment to combat the severity of the diarrhea. Cats that are immunocompromised, however, may have a more difficult time recovering from the infection. In severe cases of intestinal parasitic infection in cats of poor health, the prognosis may be very negative, possibly contributing to their death. All cats that are experiencing this condition need increased fluid and rest, and should be isolated from other animals, especially other cats.
It is difficult to prevent the spread of Cryptosporidium infection because this parasite cannot be killed by most disinfectants and is even able to survive chlorine treatment in water. The most effective means of prevention is keeping your cat(s) indoors where you can better control the quality of their food and water.
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Cryptosporidiosis Average Cost
From 229 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
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Cryptosporidiosis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Domestic Short haired
Zorba
11 Months
15 found this helpful
15 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loose Stool
I just adopted an 11-12 month old kitten. He had loose - not watery - and frequent stool - even 4 times/day, but he eats a lot. He was also very gassy and his stool was very stinky. I took a sample of his stool to the vet and came twice as negative, they could not find anything. However, I agreed to send the sample to the University lab for extended tests. This time they found cryptosporidium. But by the time the results came, the loose stool stopped, his stool is normal and only once, sometimes twice a day. He didn't have any other symptoms, was very active and had a BIG appetite. He also went through a lot of changes in then last two months, including diet change, which may have caused the loose stool as well. He is otherwise very healthy, FIV tests negative.
My question is: given that he does not have loose stool anymore and did not have any other symptoms, should I administer antibiotics for cryptosporidium?
Jan. 17, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
15 Recommendations
Thank you for your email Because Cryptosporidium can cause long term diarrhea and vomiting, it would be a good idea to give Zorba the antibiotics prescribed to clear that parasite from his system. He may have been stressed when you got him by all the changes, and his lowered immune system allowed the parasite to affect his stools. Without treatment, the parasite will continue to replicate and infect his environment, even if he isn't showing signs. I hope that he does well.
Jan. 17, 2018
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domestic medium hair
Raja
6 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
I too have adopted a 4 month old kitty who has had very bad diarrhea. We did the food change along with the routine parasite testing which came back negative. My vet finally ended up getting a different panel which had to be sent out to a lab as well. She was diagnosed with cryptosporidium. Two types of it: spp and felis. I have no idea what the difference between the two are, but she ended up giving my other cat, Boots, crypto spp. He did not have diarrhea at all. I feel like my house is very dirty because she has been around my apartment doing what cats do for the past couple of months, tracking her diarrhea, Jumping everywhere. I know I should have kept her isolated until we found out what the problem was, but I didn't :(. So I must admit I am a little worried about myself contracting this parasite as well, being that there's no effective disinfectant out there to help. I am curious to know if the cryptosporidium will be cleared with the given treatment? Is there a chance they can re-infect themselves? I have been switching both cats litter boxes daily. Would I have to order another test once treatment is done to make sure they are clear of this parasite?
Cryptosporidiosis Average Cost
From 229 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250
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