This process can occur in as little as 6 hours, but it usually takes 7-10 days. If the oocysts should be swallowed by a mouse, the cat may also become infected by eating the mouse. Most cats that are infected with coccidia do not have diarrhea or any other clinical signs. However, in kittens and debilitated adult cats, they may cause severe, watery diarrhea , dehydration, abdominal distress, and vomiting . In severe cases, death may occur.
Coccidiosis is diagnosed by performing a microscopic examination of a stool sample.
Since the oocysts are much smaller than the eggs of the intestinal worms, a very careful study must be made. Infection with some of the less common coccidial parasites is diagnosed with a blood test. The most common drug used to eliminate coccidia is a sulfa-type antibiotic. It is given for 10-14 days. The medication is sweet-tasting and objection to the taste is usually not a problem.