Your cat most likely became infected with coccidia from swallowing oocysts (immature coccidia) that are found in cat feces and any environment contaminated with feces. Oocysts are passed in the stool of an infected cat.
How is coccidia spread in cats?
No matter the species of coccidia, they're all spread the same way: accidental ingestion of sporulated oocysts, the infectious life stage of coccidia parasites. Oocysts lurk in feces from cats infected with the parasite, or food or water contaminated with feces.
What is coccidia caused by?
Coccidiosis is caused by protozoa of the phylum Apicomplexa, family Eimeriidae. In poultry, most species belong to the genus Eimeria and infect various sites in the intestine.
Can coccidia go away on its own in cats?
Asymptomatic cats frequently eliminate coccidia infections on their own. Cats with signs of illness may recover without intervention, but they will likely be in significant discomfort.
How do you get rid of coccidia in cats?
To treat coccidiosis in a cat showing symptoms, your cat will need a specific type of anti-parasitic medication to kill the parasite. Usually, a drug called trimethoprim-sulfonamide is prescribed and given orally to your cat for about a week or up to 20 days to treat the infection.
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