Foster Kittens and Giardia

I currently have 8 foster kittens who have Giardia (and Coccidia). I have had many questions about this and created this infographic to share more. This is for educational purposes only; I am not a vet. My sources are linked below. After fostering over 200 kittens, I’ve gained valuable experience, and my goal is to support fellow fosters by sharing knowledge that can help them care for their foster kittens more confidently.

Click here for the post about Coccidia!

What is Giardia?

Giardia is a microscopic, single-celled, parasitic organism that causes an intestinal infection in humans and animals called giardiasis.

Common Signs of Giardia in Kittens

• Diarrhea

• Weight loss

• Vomiting

• Low energy

• Blood &/or mucus in the stool

How do kittens get Giardia?

A kitten becomes infected with Giardia when it swallows the cyst stage of the parasite. 

Giardia cysts can survive for weeks in soil, bedding, or on surfaces. Kittens are infected by ingesting stool or contaminated soil (via grooming) or drinking contaminated water. Kittens shed more Giardia cysts in their feces than older cats.

Since many foster kittens come from unsanitary environments and then spend time in shelters, Giardia can be common, and they often contract it before coming into a foster home.

What is the incubation period of Giardia in kittens?

The incubation period for Giardia in kittens typically ranges from 5 to 16 days (averaging about 7 to 10 days) from the time they ingest the parasite to when they begin shedding cysts in their stool or showing symptoms. 

What is the prognosis for a kitten with Giardia?

The prognosis for foster kittens with Giardia is generally good to excellent when treated properly, though it can be more serious in very young or immunocompromised kittens. With prompt medication, supportive care, and strict environmental cleaning, the infection typically clears completely within 5 to 10 days.

What is the typical treatment for a kitten with Giardia?

Our shelter uses Fenbendazole (Panacur) and will sometimes use Metronidazole.

Helpful Supplies

• Rescue wipes

• Rescue Spray

• Chlorhexidine shampoo

• disposable litter boxes

Sources:

• https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/giardia-in-cats

• https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_giardiasis

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11148947/

• https://sheltermedicine.wisc.edu/library/resources/disinfection-and-prevention-of-coccidia-and-giardia-in-shelter-kittens

• https://sheltermedicine.wisc.edu/library/resources/intestinal-parasite-control-guidelines

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