How to Cure Giardia in a Cat

According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, just over 10 percent of cats in the United States host the intestinal parasite known as Giardia. The most obvious symptom of giardia is the acute diarrhea your cat develops within one to two weeks of ingesting the parasite cysts. Proper home care ensures the success of the treatment regimen and protects other animals from infection, but only a licensed veterinarian can prescribe an effective treatment medicine.

  1. Contamination

    • Giardia is an intestinal parasite that cats develop after ingesting particles of contaminated feces from another host animal. These particles are microscopic, making it easy for giardia to contaminate food and water bowls. These giardia cysts also cling readily to fur, causing your cat to ingest the parasitic cysts while grooming himself or another feline.

    Treatment Limitations

    • Although veterinarians commonly treat giardia using a combination of anti-parasitic drugs, The Merck Veterinary Manual and the Companion Animal Parasite Council note that the FDA hasn't approved any drug to cure giardia in cats or dogs. According to the Companion Animal Parasite, Metronidazole is the most frequently prescribed drug for giardia in cats and dogs, despite its low effectiveness rating of 50 to 60 percent.

    Combining Treatments

    • For maximum efficacy, The Merck Veterinary Manual and Companion Animal Parasite Council recommend combining treatment drugs. The Manhattan Cat Specialist, Companion Animal Parasite Council and Merck Veterinary Manual also recommend combining treatments; for example, pairing an anti-parasitic drug, such as Metronidazole, with another drug, such as Fenbendazole, which reduces the number of giardia cysts your cat sheds in his feces. Reducing the number of giardia cysts inside his body and the amount he̵7;s shedding minimizes the chance of reinfection or cross-animal contamination. As always, speak with your veterinarian about any side effects and risks.

    Home Care and Control

    • Proper home care is imperative for effectively treating giardia in your cat. Keeping your cat and other animals from ingesting even small traces of fecal matter is key. Start by regularly cleaning your cat̵7;s food and water dishes in the dishwasher with hot water, washing and drying the bedding and promptly removing any feces from the yard or litter box. According to Companion Animal Parasite Council, The Merck Veterinary Manual and Manhattan Cat Specialists, bathing and brushing all your animals regularly helps remove fecal particles from their fur and reduces shedding. Less shedding means your cat won̵7;t groom and lick himself as frequently, which lowers the chance of reinfection or contamination.