What is feline coccidiosis?
Coccidiosis in cats is an intestinal tract infection caused by a one-celled organism (protozoa) called coccidia. Coccidia are not parasitic worms; they are microscopic parasites that live within cells of the intestinal lining. Because they live in the intestinal tract and commonly cause diarrhea, they are often confused with worms. How did my cat become infected with coccidia? Oocysts (immature coccidia) are passed in the stool of the cat. They lie in the environment and eventually sporulate (mature) into a more developed oocyst that can infect the cat again. Other cats, dogs, or mice may also become infected. This process can occur in as little as 6 hours, but it usually takes 7-10 days. If the sporulated oocysts are swallowed, they mature in the cat’s intestine to complete the life cycle. If a mouse should swallow the oocysts, the cat may also become infected by eating the mouse. What kinds of problems are caused by coccidiosis in felines? Most cats that are infected with coccidia do
