This diarrhea often results in severe dehydration.Įven with treatment, a Cryptosporidium infection may last as many as 7-14 days. 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. The particular Cryptosporidia that are a threat to cats are classified as Cryptosporidium felis. It must be noted, however, that different Cryptosporidia are a threat to different animal species. 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. These oocysts can survive for long periods of time outside a host’s body. The Cryptosporidia are encased in protective shells called oocysts, which can be passed out of the body in the feces of the infected host. 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.Ĭryptosporidia are parasitic microscopic protozoa that infect the cells of the intestinal walls in various animal and human hosts. Veterinary studies have found that around 15 percent of cats have either been infected by Cryptosporidium or are currently infected. Infection by this intestinal parasite is somewhat common in cats. This parasitic infection can even be life-threatening to a cat with other underlying health problems. 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.
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