Cat Ailments A to Z - Coccidia

An intestinal parasite that attacks the intestines of the feline causing diarrhea and often produces a rancid smell along with a very watery, mucus like substance. At times when the infection has progressed, cats become unable to control their bowels and defecate places other than their litter box - not by choice.
These poor babies have no way of stopping the diarrhea.

Dehydration is common when dealing with diarrhea.
If not treated, this can lead to more serious ailments in your cat.
Not to mention of the havoc it is wreaking on your poor kitties innards.

Along with those yucky problems, your cat may also be come feverish and start to vomit - adding to the likelihood of dehydration.

A kitten is not born with the coccidia organisms in his intestine. However, once born, the kitten is frequently exposed to his mother's feces, and if the mother is shedding the infective cysts in her feces, then the young animals will likely ingest them and coccidia will develop within their intestines. Since young kittens, usually those less than six months of age, have no immunity to coccidia, the organisms reproduce in great numbers and parasitize the young animal's intestines. Oftentimes, this has severe effects. PetEducation

There are several species of coccidia. Only Cystoisospora (formerly known as Isospora) felis is directly transmitted by fecal contamination from cat to cat. Other species use birds and animals as intermediate transport hosts. These species complete their life cycle when the transport host is eaten by the cat. Kittens acquire Cystoisospora felis from mothers who are carriers. WebMd

• The incubation period - meaning from time of exposure to onset of illness is about 13 days. 
•  Most disinfectants do not work well against coccidia
• Coccidia can withstand freezing.
• Wash all bedding in the hot cycle 
• Maintain a clean environment, remove feces from litter box as soon as possible
• Keep food and water at a distance from the litter box and make sure they do not come in contact with any feces that may have traveled from paw to bowl. 

Since the most likely to be affected are young kittens you must keep on top of their hydration.


*Something very helpful that I have used when an animal is dehydrated is Pedialyte - parents will know what this is because its main use is for children who have the flu or diarrhea and need to replace their electrolytes. 
This is sold in a rather large bottle - which sucks when you realize it is only good for a short period after it is opened... but I hear freezing it in ice cube trays can extend its use ( I don't know for fact )
This is Pedialyte 

A trip to the vet is warranted. There the vet can prescribe kitty some antibiotics.

The acute phase of this can last up to 10 days - without treatment a young kitten could be a high risk for serious problems.

• Cats can be carriers and not show any signs
• Kittens can seem fine and two weeks later start showing signs. 
• Since this is highly contagious it is imperative that you  keep on top of cleaning and medication or you may be in for another round. 

Some tips

• Keep cats in a confined area - like a room or a roll away cage if you have one.
• Get pee pads...accidents may happen and it is much simpler to clean.
• Clean that litter box constantly - buy cheaper litter and dump the box more then normal
• Thoroughly clean the box between changes  - dollar stores sell cheap boxes so buy a few and make it simpler for yourself.  
• Keep kitty clean.. if your kitten gets any poop on its self.. which may happen..clean up kitty as soon as you spot it. Check if kitty has made a path where it walked as well. 
• Kitty is going to have a very sore bottom. Care for it as you would a child - vaseline, diaper rash cream..speak to your vet they have suggestions. 
• Water...make sure kitty has water! 
• Bland food - stay away from the richer foods and stick to the basics - your vet may have advice on this as well. I have used pumpkin and rice mixed with chicken or turkey wet food. 

Keep close watch on kitty for dehydration 

• Skin turgor test: To check for dehydration grasp some skin at the scruff of the neck and gently pull it up. In the hydrated cat, the skin will spring back immediately. In a dehydrated cat, the skin will be slower to retract. The more severe the dehydration the slower the skin will take to retract.
  
  
  Capillary refill time: This helps you to test your cat's blood circulation and can indicate dehydration, heart failure or shock. To test capillary refill time life your cat's upper lip and press the flat of your finger against the gum tissue. Remove the pressure and you will see a white mark on the gum where your finger was placed. Using a watch with a second hand, time how long it takes for the pink colour to return to the white spot. In the healthy cat it should take around 1 - 2 seconds to return to pink. 
  CatWorld 
  
  
  And just give your meow lots of love and attention.