What is Giardia in cats? It is a microscopic protozoan parasite that lives in the intestines and causes a condition called giardiasis. While it predominantly affects outdoor cats, indoor cats aren’t entirely exempt. The parasite spreads through ingestion of contaminated water, food, or soil and is highly contagious among cats. Though transmission to humans is rare, maintaining good hygiene is essential to prevent potential spread.

What Is Giardia in Cats and How Do They Get It?

Giardia in cats is an intestinal infection caused by a tiny parasite called Giardia. It is mostly found in contaminated water, food, or soil. Once ingested, it settles in the intestines and causes digestive problems.
The parasite Giardia is a microscopic organism known as a protozoan. It is not a virus or a bacteria—it’s a living parasite that causes a condition known as giardiasis. This parasite can survive outside a host body for weeks or even months, especially in wet, damp places. It spreads when a cat swallows the cyst stage of the parasite.

Cats usually catch it by drinking water from dirty puddles, licking contaminated surfaces, or eating food or prey that has been exposed to infected feces. Giardia cysts are shed in the feces of an infected cat, and another cat can get infected just by sniffing or licking that spot.

Outdoor cats are most at risk because they often come in contact with contaminated sources—like unclean water, soil, or other animals’ feces. However, even indoor cats can get infected if their owners bring the parasite into the home through shoes or contaminated hands. Shared litter boxes, grooming tools, or food bowls can also spread the infection if one cat in the household is already infected.

It’s important to understand that Giardia is very contagious between cats, and sometimes it even spreads between cats and dogs. Although it’s rarely transmitted to humans, it’s still good to be cautious and keep hygiene a priority—especially if anyone in the home has a weak immune system.

There is no vaccine for Giardia, and it doesn’t just go away on its own. Proper treatment and medications are necessary to remove the parasite from the cat’s body. If left untreated, Giardia can cause ongoing stomach problems and lead to dehydration or weakness—especially in kittens or cats with poor health.

Common Symptoms of Giardia in Cats – Animal Care Clinic

The most common symptom of Giardia in cats is watery, foul-smelling diarrhea. Other symptoms include vomiting, bloating, weight loss, and a decrease in appetite and energy. But some cats can be infected without showing any symptoms at all.

When a cat becomes infected with Giardia, its intestines get irritated by the parasite. This causes the digestive system to function poorly, which often results in watery or greasy diarrhea. Sometimes the diarrhea may contain mucus or blood, and it usually has a very strong, unpleasant odor.

Other symptoms that are often seen include:

• Vomiting (on and off)
• Frequent trips to the litter box
• A bloated belly
• Passing gas more than usual
• Dehydration from losing fluids
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or tiredness
• Weight loss over time

Some cats show no visible symptoms, especially if they have strong immune systems. This is called being “asymptomatic.” However, they can still carry the parasite in their intestines and spread it to other cats or pets in the house.

This makes Giardia difficult to detect without proper testing. In fact, Giardia is not routinely checked for unless a cat has signs of diarrhea or is being examined for other digestive problems. It’s also possible that a fecal test may miss the parasite if the cysts aren’t present in the sample that day—so sometimes multiple tests are needed.

If your cat has ongoing diarrhea, especially if it is also vomiting or losing weight, visit us at Animal Care Clinic. We can perform the right tests and provide medication to get your cat healthy again.

Untreated Giardia can lead to more serious issues like malnutrition, severe dehydration, or long-term damage to the intestines, especially in young kittens or older cats.

For your pet’s health and happiness, visit us at Animal Care Clinic—where your furry family members are always in good hands.

How Do Cats Catch Giardia?

Answer: Cats contract Giardia by ingesting the parasite’s cysts from contaminated sources.

The primary mode of transmission is the fecal-oral route. Cats may ingest Giardia cysts when they consume contaminated water, food, or soil, or when they groom themselves after contact with contaminated surfaces. Environments with poor sanitation or high animal density, such as shelters, increase the risk of transmission.

Is Giardia in Cats Contagious to Humans or Other Pets?

While Giardia is highly contagious among cats and can spread to dogs, transmission to humans is rare but possible.

Giardia can spread between cats and dogs, especially in shared environments. Human infection, though uncommon, can occur through direct contact with contaminated feces or surfaces. Practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and proper sanitation, significantly reduces the risk of transmission.

How Animal Care Clinic Vets Diagnose Giardia in Cats

Veterinarians diagnose Giardia through fecal examinations and antigen tests.

At Animal Care Clinic, our experienced veterinary team uses a combination of diagnostic techniques to accurately identify Giardia infections. Diagnosis typically involves analyzing stool samples using fecal flotation or smear tests to detect the presence of Giardia cysts. However, since cysts may not be present in every sample, we may recommend collecting multiple samples over a few days.

To increase accuracy, our vets often perform antigen tests, such as the SNAP test, which detects Giardia proteins in feces even when cysts are not visible. These advanced tools help us confirm the infection quickly and precisely, so your cat can begin treatment as soon as possible. Every diagnosis is done with care, ensuring your pet’s comfort and health come first.

Treatment Options for Giardia in Cats at Animal Care Clinic

Treatment involves administering antiparasitic medications along with supportive care.
Explanation: Once Giardia is diagnosed, Animal Care Clinic veterinarians create a customized treatment plan based on your cat’s health condition and specific symptoms. Antiparasitic medications are typically prescribed for a set number of days, and in some persistent cases, a combination of different medications may be used to ensure the treatment is effective.

Our team also places a strong emphasis on supportive care. This includes ensuring your cat remains well-hydrated and recommending a gentle, highly digestible diet to ease any irritation in the digestive tract. We provide detailed instructions and ongoing support throughout the treatment process. It’s crucial to complete the full course of medication as prescribed to ensure the parasite is completely eliminated. A follow-up appointment is often scheduled to verify that your cat is parasite-free and returning to full health.

Can Giardia Go Away on Its Own in Cats?

Answer: No, Giardia infections typically require medical treatment to resolve.

While some cats may not show symptoms, the parasite can persist in their system and potentially spread to other animals or humans. Without proper treatment, the infection can lead to chronic gastrointestinal issues and nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, veterinary intervention is crucial to eliminate the parasite effectively.​

How to Prevent Giardia Infections in Cats

Answer: Prevention involves maintaining good hygiene, regular cleaning, and limiting exposure to potential sources of contamination.

Key preventive measures include: Dreamstime

• Regularly cleaning and disinfecting litter boxes, food and water bowls, and living areas.
• Washing hands thoroughly after handling cats or cleaning their environments.
• Providing clean, fresh water and preventing cats from drinking from potentially contaminated sources like puddles or streams.
• Limiting outdoor access, especially in areas with known Giardia outbreaks.
• Bathing cats that have been infected to remove any cysts from their fur.

Is Giardia Dangerous for Kittens?

Answer: Yes, Giardia can be particularly harmful to kittens due to their underdeveloped immune systems.

Kittens are more susceptible to severe symptoms, including prolonged diarrhea, dehydration, and weight loss, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Early detection and treatment are vital to ensure a full recovery and prevent long-term health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Q1. How to get rid of Giardia naturally in cats?

Giardia usually needs medical treatment to fully clear. Natural remedies may support health but won’t eliminate the parasite. Visit Animal Care Clinic for proper diagnosis and care to ensure full recovery.

Q2. What household cleaner kills Giardia?

A solution of bleach diluted at 1:32 or 1:16 ratios is proven effective in killing Giardia cysts on hard surfaces. Leave the solution on the surface for at least one minute, then rinse thoroughly and allow the area to dry before letting pets near it.

Q3. Does vinegar get rid of Giardia?

Undiluted white vinegar has been reported to inactivate Giardia cysts, especially when combined with other disinfectants. However, it is less effective than bleach and not recommended as the only cleaner for environments contaminated with Giardia.

Q4. What does Giardia poop look like?

Stool from a cat infected with Giardia often manifests as watery, foul-smelling diarrhea, sometimes described as greasy or oily, and may float in the litter or toilet due to undigested fat. These symptoms can happen suddenly and vary in severity.

Q5. Can Giardia pass from cat to human?

Although Giardia is zoonotic and cats can carry the parasite, the chances of transmission to humans are very low. People with weakened immune systems are more at risk. Practicing good hygiene—like washing hands after cleaning litter boxes or handling cats—can prevent infection.