Cat Illnesses - Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is the name given to a small range of cat illnesses caused by an intestinal protozoan. Infestation is usually as a result of exposure to faeces containing the organism.

Like a lot of cat problems, especially cat digestive tract illnesses, diarrhoea is a primary symptom. Other symptoms the cat may display are dehydration, vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, death.

A microscopic examination of the cat's faeces will confirm coccidiosis, and treatment is a course of drugs that inhibit the reproductive capabilities of the protozoa. A cat that survives coccidiosis will have developed immunity to it.