Refusing to adopt a cat because it has Trichomonas seems very strange to me.
—Dr. Li Shuxian, Arong Pet Hospital
I heard that a cat from a stray cat rescue organization was rejected for adoption because it carried Trichomonas……
What is Trichomonas? How does it affect cats and their owners? What are the treatment costs? Dr. Li Shuxian and Dr. Kaini from Arong Pet Hospital are here to tell us.
What is Trichomonas?
Trichomonas is a type of protozoan parasite. There are Trichomonas that parasitize humans and others that infect animals.
Practicing good personal hygiene not only prevents human parasitic diseases but also helps prevent other infections from spreading to animals.
The following mainly introduces the situation of Trichomonas infection in cats.
Main Symptoms of Feline Trichomoniasis
Dr. Kaini: The main symptom of trichomoniasis in cats is diarrhea. Some cats may also experience a decreased appetite and weight loss.
Is Trichomoniasis Contagious?
Dr. Kaini: It is not contagious to humans.
However, it is contagious between animals. Trichomoniasis can be transmitted between cats, and between cats and dogs.
Trichomonas has a higher survival rate above 10°C. It can survive in feces for several hours or even days and can survive in the intestinal tract. They can also survive for several minutes to several hours in urine, wet cat food, and water.
Can Trichomoniasis Be Cured?
Dr. Kaini: Although no cases have been seen to be completely cured to date, trichomoniasis is not a fatal disease. After treatment, occasional diarrhea may occur. Cats that have no live parasites found upon re-examination after treatment do not show symptoms in daily life and are not contagious to other cats.
It’s important to remind everyone here that a cat’s own intestinal regulation can also cause soft stools. Short-term diarrhea is not necessarily a symptom of a Trichomonas flare-up. We ask pet parents to observe closely.
How to Treat a Cat with Trichomonas?
Dr. Kaini: The first visit requires a blood test and fecal examination to determine the presence and quantity of Trichomonas. If parasites are confirmed, the vet will recommend using Metronidazole and other supportive drugs based on the cat’s condition. Metronidazole comes in formulations for human and veterinary use. We hope that owners of sick cats do not administer medication without consulting a vet.
Ronidazole, widely touted online as a “Trichomonas buster,” is highly effective but is a banned drug. It is not only expensive and difficult to obtain, but its use can also cause irreversible side effects, such as seizures in cats.
Later on, symptoms of diarrhea may appear periodically. Assuming vaccinations and deworming are up to date, a regular follow-up visit and a course of treatment (about 3 – 5 days) can help the cat return to normal—stopping the diarrhea and blocking transmission.
Going to a trusted pet hospital and following the vet’s instructions is the most correct choice when your pet is sick.
What Are the Daily Precautions?
Dr. Kaini: Stray cats live in complex environments and cannot guarantee their own food and water, let alone hygiene and health. A weakened immune system, combined with unclean food and water, makes them more susceptible to parasites. Therefore, when adopting or raising a cat, regular deworming, immunization, attention to daily environmental hygiene, feeding appropriate cat food, and providing clean water are necessary to give your feline master a strong protective barrier.
If your cat accidentally gets Trichomonas, there is no need to panic too much. As long as you have kept up with deworming and immunizations, and daily play and feeding are normal, you just need to pay attention to the cat’s feces when cleaning the litter box and administer medication as prescribed when diarrhea symptoms appear.
People’s fear of parasites often stems from a lack of understanding. Dr. Li Shuxian was a bit surprised to hear that a cat was rejected for adoption because it carried a parasite.
Actually, trichomoniasis isn’t such a scary animal disease. Humans get colds and fevers from time to time and need medicine or shots; it’s quite normal for a cat to take some medicine when it has diarrhea. Of course, whether one can handle this situation also depends on the owner’s level of care and patience, as well as their financial capacity.
Original article by 搬运工, if reproduced, please cite the source: https://www.kaipet.com/en/feline-trichomonas-transmitted-humans-8-things-feline-trichomoniasis
Comments(2)
Such helpful info! Since occasional diarrhea can recur, what key signs should I watch for to differentiate a flare-up?
@CriticX：We’re glad you found it helpful! As the article mentions, close observation of your cat’s feces is key. If diarrhea recurs or persists, we always recommend consulting your vet for proper diagnosis and guidance.