Monday 17 December 2012

The Twelve Strays of Christmas

The Twelvth day of Christmas - Meet lovable Katniss

Katniss was a pregnant stray from Ryde and now all she longs for is a family of her own. Katniss is a playful, mischievious girl who will entertain you when there is only repeats on the telly. Katniss needs to be the only pet as this little girl wants all the pampering for herself. Her "Puss in Boots" like eyes will hynotise you into loving her forever!

Saturday 15 December 2012

" The Twelve Strays of Christmas"

" The Twelve Strays of Christmas"

Meet Livia - The Tenth Stray of Christmas

Livia is the sweetest young lady looking for her forever home. Livia has had a turbulent start to her short little life, and has never known what it's like to have a loving home. Livia doesn't have any brothers or sisters, no one to play with, no one to love, and no one to snuggle up to! She is so affectionate and has bundles of love to give. Livia is wishing for not only festive fun but for a lifelong friend.



Friday 14 December 2012

"The Twelve Strays of Christmas"

"The Twelve Strays of Christmas"

Meet Trevor - The Ninth Stray of Christmas

Chunky chap Trevor arrived at the centre last month and his bags are already packed and he's ready to go! Trevor was a little shy when he arrived here but everyday his confidence is growing and shining through! being a stray Trevor has never had a friend before, but now he is waiting for that special somebody! Trevor would love to feel safe and secure for once in a new home, and would love to twirl up by the fire with you on those long winter nights! If you are looking for a furry, purry and affectionate new companion... please, take the time to visit Trevor and make all his Christmas wishes come true.

"Twelve Strays of Christmas"

"Twelve Strays of Christmas"

On the 8th day of Christmas.... Meet Tucker!

Meet Tucker, an affectionate young man looking for that special home! Tucker was brought into the centre as a stray and has adapted fantastically to his new life, he especially enjoys his regular meals! He is a chunky black boy in search of companionship, and having a lap to sit on is top of his Christmas list this year! This family friendly feline is sitting, waiting and wishing for his new home... Could it be you?



Thursday 13 December 2012

Join Pets at Home's VIP Club and raise funds for the IOW Adoption Centre

Make a Difference with every swipe – The Pets at Home Very Important Pets Club (VIP Club)
Pets at Home have launched their VIP Club. By registering for the VIP Club you can help to make a difference to Cats Protection every time your VIP card is swiped at a Pets at Home store.
Through your purchase you will earn VIP Lifelines that can be redeemed to give essential supplies to the charity. In addition, you will also receive exclusive offers and money-off vouchers. To pre-register for your VIP Club card please visit www.petsathome.com/preregister

The Pets at Home store in Newport have asked the IOW Adoption centre to participate so please choose us when you are asked which charity to support.

 Vote for us as your points will mean that Cats Protection will benefit from Pets at Home products.
Thank you for your support!

Wednesday 12 December 2012

The Twelve Strays of Christmas

On the 7th day of Christmas -
Meet Mitzi

Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas, may all your Christmases be merry and bright by adopting me and us having lots of fun together. I was abandoned in Havenstreet and left to take care of my kittens all alone. Now " All I want for Christmas is you!" Please take me home, I'm waiting for you.

On the 6th Day of Christmas

Meet Badger

Hi my name is Badger. I'm a very handsome boy and I've lived here at CP since I was 7wks old. I have never had a home, garden or Christmas Tree and all these are all on my wish list for Christmas. I am friendly and purry and perfect for snuggling yp to on these cold winter nights. I would love a family to call my own. Please come and meet me...

The Twelve "Strays of Christmas"

On the 5th day of Christmas
Meet Harley
I was found as a stray in East Cowes and was very scared when I was bought into the centre. Now I am happier and enjoying being warm and comfortable. I would love a home before Christmas so I could enjoy my Christmas dinner! I want to be happy being a pet, I don't want to have to fend for myself again on the streets.I would suit a home with adults or older children so come and visit me soon.

Sunday 9 December 2012

The Twelve "Strays of Christmas"

....On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a Smartie in a Christmas Tree!


Beautiful Smartie! Words cannot describe how much we all adore this cat!

Lovely sociable Smartie. Came to us pregnant and had her kittens whilst in care. She is a playful tortie full of fun, and would make an excellent addition to any fun going family home! She loves to run up and down the hall as fast as possible!





Readers of the blog may remember that Smartie had femoral hip operation; she has done so well and been doing her daily exercise.  Now she is getting bored here, waiting for her forever home. Hopefully we can get her in a loving home before Christmas!

The Twelve "Strays of Christmas"

Meet Bella! Our 3rd Stray of Christmas!




Meet Bella! Our 3rd Stray of Christmas :D

Shy, sweet girl. Bella has had a turbulent start in her short life. She had a home but her owner moved away and left her behind.

"I came in with my two brothers Fred and George, George has been...
adopted the lucky boy but Fred is still looking for a new home too. We had to fend for ourselves in a neighbours garden until we were rescued by CP. Its taken some time for us to settle here. We now know the routine, we love our food and our confidence is growing. George has found his feet at his new home, so please give us a chance too. We do not have to re-homed together. "

Friday 7 December 2012

BamBam The Brave


Regular blog followers may remember back in September when Cats Protection were called to Wilma and her kittens who had allegedly been thrown from a moving van in the West wight area.
Unfortunately Wilma and BamBam were the only two that survived this terrible ordeal.Though we can happily report Wilma is now very content in her new home, sadly BamBam has been left alone. After some time in isolation, poor lost soul BamBam, has been fostered in a home for the last five weeks to give him the extra TLC he really needed to get him back on track.


Can you give this bouncy boy his new forever home?
BamBam is quite the character! When you foster a kitten you really get to know them, so I will endeavour to cover any questions you may have in making sure BamBam is the boy for you.
We believe BamBam's home should have a large garden, land as he needs space to roam and hunt as he is a typical black and white boy and has been very keen to nip into the garden any chance he gets.


Due to the time spent in isolation sometimes it is clear BamBam didn't have the contact he needed as a kitten and as you can imagine it took him time to trust people again. He would be better suited to a family with older rather than younger children as he can be rather spontaneous. He requires a home with lots of space for his adventurous outbursts and also lots of hands on contact.

At the moment BamBam isn’t quite the worlds best lap cat but as with all kittens they tend not to settle down just yet anyway, so give him time and he will blossom into the puuuurfect companion. He loves playing and strives for your attention. He has bags full of energy and constantly makes us laugh. Is this you? Please ask around, if you know of a friend or a family member that could be BamBam's new forever friend- please don't hesitate to let us know.

BamBam is neutered and ready to meet you, our goal is that BamBam will have a potential home before Christmas avoiding him spending time in a cage at Cats Protection from next week.

What better Christmas good deed could you give than offering this inquisitive little monster a forever home? BamBam eagerly waits to hear from you.

The Twelve "Strays of Christmas"

The Second Stray of Christmas - Meet Abbie!




This lovely sweet girl was found wandering the streets of Ryde homeless, abandoned, unwanted, unloved. Her eyes lit up when the girls put the Christmas decorations in her pen for this photo. I wondered if she had recalled a happy time in her life? Please come and offer this beautiful cat a home before Christmas!

Thursday 6 December 2012

The Twelve "Strays of Christmas"

Our First Stray of Christmas - Cassidy




This lovely young lad was found abandoned in Bathingbourne. Alone and cold he tried to move in at the local stables and farms but he needed so much attention and love it was decided he would be better at Cats Protection where he can find his new permanent family home. If you want a chatty, lap cat who hangs around your neck and follows you everywhere then give Cassidy his Christmas wish of a new home now.

Saturday 24 November 2012

Abbie

Osteoporosis

A few weeks ago a cat came into our centre as a stray from Ryde, we called her Abbie. After a few days we began to notice that she seemed rather uncomfortable on her back legs. She saw the vet and it was decided that an x-ray was needed to find out what the problem was. 

We soon found out that Abbie had Osteoporosis a disease of the bones that leads to an increased risk of fracture. Abbie is now having a good quality diet and regular exercise. She seems none the worse for it and is quite a happy little cat. For the time being she is still under veterinary care and is not quite ready to go up for adoption. 

This photo was taken of Abbie last week, she would simply not stay still, a pleasant surprise for a cat with weak bones! So apologies for the poor image! We will continue to keep you updated on how she is doing.

Sunday 18 November 2012

Pandora

Dear old girl

Pandora is the most adorable old lady cat. She came into the centre a few weeks ago and her fur was all matted. She has since been shaved, pampered and seems to be enjoying all the TLC. 

This photo was taken after we shaved off her knotted fur the day she came in! Older long haired cats do tend to get knotted fur especially on their back, belly and hind legs. Its a good job that Pandora didn't mind us clipping her fur, there was rather a lot that had to be removed.


If you have a long haired cat at home please remember to brush them daily to avoid the fur getting knotted. Otherwise the only option is to shave the fur off.

Another downside to being an older cat is that their teeth can start to deteriorate. Poor old Pandora had to have a dental last week as well. She had a very painful hole in one of her gums and a few teeth that needed to be removed. She is now on medication and she is being spoilt rotten with posh food.

We will continue to keep you updated on how lovely Pandora is doing. We would be so happy if someone would take her home. She is a little dear and would make a lovely companion in a quiet household. So please come and meet her.


Tuesday 13 November 2012

New Friends

Florence meets Fergus

One little unwanted kitten came into our adoption centre looking for a new home, her name was Smokey on arrival (now Florence). We're delighted when people send us photos of cats in their new homes.

The new owners were looking for a friend for Fergus who had a traumatic start. Fergus is currently living with two elderly, retired cats who lack the energy to play all day. Florence has more than made up for this as you can see from the owners comments.

"She's running around with Fergus, and has taken to jumping onto him. She also growls if we try to take away her toys, or if anyone disturbs her while she's eating. She's such a character, and we can see that her and Fergus are going to get on really well."

Thank you for adopting one of our unwanted black kittens they are often overlooked. If anyone would like to adopt one of black and black & white kittens please contact the adoption centre.

Saturday 10 November 2012

Returned CP cats

Some familiar faces return

Sadly over the last few months we have had an increase in the number of cats returning to our centre. Here are some of the cats we currently have who are back for their 2nd or even 3rd time here with us. Please help us find a permanent home for these poor cats. 

Flurry 


Gorgeous snowflake flurry came back this week after her owner became allergic.

She has such a lovely nature, but does need to be the only pet.

Flurry loves attention and is a lap cat, she would make a lovely companion in a quiet household. She is ready to snuggle up to you in the cold nights ahead.






Tommy


Can you believe that this handsome boy has been here three times? We can't and we feel so sorry for him. 

He came back in the past because he was neglected and now he is back because his owner became allergic. 

He is such a wonderful cuddly boy who loves a tummy tickle and a brush. A gentle boy who needs to find a permanent home this time.

Just look at those piercing eyes, how could you resist his charms?



Bubbles

Big personality Bubbles has been in and out of the centre for the last year, its her third time here.

She is a typical tort with bags of character. She needs an understanding owner and cannot be re-homed with children or other cats. The poor girl is probably so fed up of coming back here. 

Bubbles is also a very affectionate and loving cat when she wants it. She loves being brushed and as a long haired cat this is important. Please spread the word about her, she would be suit a quiet household and would make a loyal companion to someone. 


If you are interested in adopting one of the cats featured please come up to the centre. We are open everyday from 11am - 3pm. Please do consider that their next home has to be the right one for them. We know these cats really well and we can advise whether your home will be the right one for them. We want their next home to be their last. They have been through enough already, thank you.

Thursday 8 November 2012

Wilma and Bam-Bam

Happy ending

Wilma and Bam-Bam did not have the best start in life. As some of you might remember Wilma and her tiny kittens were thrown out of a moving vehicle. Sadly all of the kittens died apart from Bam-Bam.

Wilma has gone to her new home today. She is finally getting the love and attention she needs after her traumatic start in life. We did all we could to make her happy here but nothing compares to a home. 

Bam-Bam has gone to live with Rowan one of volunteers, she is fostering him for the time being. We felt that Bam-Bam needed some extra TLC in a home environment. He has been gradually gaining weight and his personality is developing. He is turning out to be quite the naughty, cheeky boy. He has endless energy and is loving all the home comforts. 

Bam- Bam will need a very special home and he will be available for adoption very soon.

Friday 2 November 2012

Charity Shop now open

Bargains!

 

We now have a charity shop open on site from 11am - 3pm. Selling quality goods, books, household items and much much more.







  


Come and see for yourself, there is something for everyone! Everything is at bargain prices.






Thursday 1 November 2012

Abandoned at Firestone Copse

Left to fend for themselves

These three little kittens were found in Firestone Copse by someone taking a walk. They were brought to us in a cardboard box looking dazed and confused. 

They are the cutest little bundles of fluff and have been settled down into a pen in our admissions unit. They were not the only unexpected arrivals of the day either. Almost every week we have people bringing up cats and kittens that we are not expecting. 

We would like to stress to people that taking a cat of the street and bringing it to us is not always the best thing to do. The cat could have a worried owner and doing a bit of detective work could find out whether the cat is owned or is a stray. If you are worried about a cat's welfare then please contact the RSPCA. 

Please also take into consideration that we have countless calls daily asking us for help. In our current situation we are unable to have a waiting list due to the high demand, the list was getting out of control! We are asking people to be patient with us and call in everyday other day, our spaces available are on a first come first serve basis. We are trying to help as many people as we can.

Wednesday 31 October 2012

Mr Todd

Painful mouth

Mr Todd was originally homed in 2008 from our centre. At the time he was called 'Gallileo' and he stayed with us for a few months in isolation because he had ringworm. 

Sadly Mr Todd or Toddy as we call him had to come back due to ill health. On arrival we checked him over and noticed that he mouth was very sore. He cried and hissed when we tried to have a good look, he was clearly in a lot of discomfort. Today Toddy has been to the vets for a dental and has had four teeth removed. He is on a course of anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications. 

Because of the problem with his mouth, Toddy started to associate food bowls with pain. His previous owner told us that he would hiss and growl at the food bowl, but he clearly wanted to eat. We have now started feeding him soft pate type food on a plate, he seems to manage this well. Due to his eating problem Toddy has lost rather a lot of weight and his general condition deteriorated, since being back with us he has started to improve.

Toddy really is a lovely boy, he is now around seven years old. He loves a fuss and is real people cat, he will soon be ready to go to a new home. He is very special to us as most of us remember him when he was here a a few years ago. It is always very sad when a cat has to come back to the centre. Due to his ill health his previous owners were unable to cope, now he has had the required treatment he will be ready to go to a new home.

Monday 29 October 2012

Lucy

Abandoned in a cardboard box

Working for Cats Protection sometimes questions your faith in humanity and this particular case is one of those times. Poor Lucy was found abandoned in an alley in a cardboard box, cold and alone with another box on top of it so she couldn't escape. 

She is now recovering from her ordeal with us at the centre. She is a wonderful little cat who is enjoying the home comforts here with us. She is so quiet and sweet and this cruel event has obviously traumatised her. 

She will be ready for adoption shortly and is looking for a very special home. So please find it in your heart to give Lucy that second chance she so desperately deserves.   


Thursday 25 October 2012

Sweet dreams Lizzie

Everyone's favourite

Lizzie stole the hearts of everyone who met her, a dear elderly cat found as a stray in Ryde. She was found outside Liz Earle, she knew where to go to get some pampering! 

We always knew that Lizzie was an old lady and that the time we had with her might not be very long. During her stay she was everyone's favourite, she loved to chat to everyone who walked by her pen. She loved a tummy tickle and a brush, we spoilt her right up until her last day. 

Unfortunately Lizzie's health started to deteriorate, she began to slow down and she wasn't her normal chirpy self. We made the very tough decision to have her put to sleep last Friday, we all miss her dearly. 

We will never find out who she belonged too, we wonder what stories she could have told us. All we know is that her final chapter here with us was a good one. She spent the last few months of her life being cared for and loved. Rest in peace Lizzie, we will never forget you.

Saturday 20 October 2012

Beautiful black and black & white cats

Loving homes needed

Tommy
  • Age: 2 years
  • Reason for admission: Owner allergic
  • Temperament: Loves a tummy tickle, very friendly boy
Amy & Alice
  • Age: 6 months
  • Reason for admission: Owner no longer able to cope
  • Temperament: Playful, mischievous and friendly girls

Rowan
  • Age: 1 year
  • Reason for admission: Stray
  • Temperament: Shy, gentle girl. Brilliant mum to her kittens
Sooty
  • Age: 2 years
  • Reason for admission: Pregnant
  • Temperament: Fun-loving, gently girl. Very friendly, loves a fuss

We have many more black and black & white cats looking for new homes. So please help us spread the word. They are the least likely to be adopted, over any other colour. They are some what out of fashion and we want to change this.

On Sunday 28th October we are holding a Black and Black & White Cat Awareness Day from 11am - 4pm. To find out more please visit our website, thank you.

Wednesday 17 October 2012

Wilma and Bam-Bam

Good progress

Wilma and Bam-Bam are a mum a kitten who were allegedly thrown out of a moving vehicle. They have now been with us at the centre for well over a month. 

We have been keeping a special eye on Bam-Bam after sadly his sister Pebbles passed away. We are happy to say that both mum and kitten are going from strength to strength. Both are lively, happy and putting on weight. Bam-Bam is becoming quite the cheeky monkey!

Here are a few photos of the them captured during the week. We have been photographing Bam-Bam next to a food box every week to see how much he has grown, due to Tim the vets instruction.

Hopefully this positive progress will continue so that they can be available for re-homing soon.

Oscar's Story

One of the most loving cats
At 17 and a half years of age, this dear old boy is in the later stage of life, with no tail and a lot of tufty old fur he was being passed by at cats protection Ryde. Naturally he had become a little depressed, moved from the great outdoors into a white four walled pen I think you'd be pretty sad too. Having just given up the tiny kitten I was hand rearing I was more than happy to offer Oscar a foster home to get his spirit up and to be honest mine too.
It was quite a difference, from a bubbly energetic kitten to now bringing home dear old Oscar, at a much slower pace, this calm and collected boy was now in mine and my families care. 

Within hours Oscar's mood had changed he was perky and clearly very happy to be in a home environment. He was grateful and made himself comfortable in a sunny window sill where he spent the next few hours.

Now three months on Oscar has been on quite the adventure. Living with a cat like Oscar is wonderful, learning how he works has been equally as fun and exciting as having a little kitten dashing around. I took the furminator (no, it is not a dinosaur, nor is it half as scary as it sounds), basically it is a hardcore comb which really helps remove old hair and goes deeper than regular cat brushes, it must be used wisely and it certainly was on our Oscar. I tell you it knocked years off of him, revealing quite the shiny coat, making him look all young and spritely and probably making him feel a bit lighter and brighter too. All this happiness aside there is something Oscar couldn't tell us.....

On Monday the first of October I took Oscar to vet Tim as I was worried about the state of his left eye. On observation I was right to be concerned, Tim had found an ulcer on the eye which he said would have been causing Oscar severe pain and thats why when I bathed it in the week running up to his vet visit he enjoyed having the eye patted with warm water because it would have been cooling. The following day on further study Tim decided the best thing to do for the poor boy was to actually remove the eye altogether, Tim was unsure of the reason behind the problematic area but on removal he was very pleased with how the op went.
Obviously quite distraught I picked Oscar up from Wootton and on bringing him back to the home he had grown to know, although wobbly and tired Oscar found a way of saying thank you in his everlasting purr.
Nearly two weeks on, Oscar is the liveliest he has been, he is quite obviously a happier chap and really enjoys a cuddle, he has even started hopping onto our laps of his own accord.

Why then, if I love him so dearly is he still up for adoption I hear you ask? The simple answer to that is, I feel I have done all I can to bring Oscar's spirits up, he is brilliant and in keeping Oscar here with me I cannot foster another cat who could potentially need my help more than Oscar now. 

This leads me to the subject of Oscar's forever home, of course the one downer of having him live with me at my house is that any potential new owners who are looking for a new friend to take home from cats protection are more likely to give a cat they can physically meet and smooth a home, rather than a cat like Oscar who they are shown photos of. 

Some things you should know about Oscar!

FOOD- Oscar loves felix in lashings of gravy and at a push will tolerate felix senior in jelly! He also enjoy's pro plan biscuits too washed down with a massive bowl of water!

TOILET- Oscar is not blessed with a tail so he enjoys the use of his luxury extra large litter tray.

GARDEN- Oscar has grown accustom to a breath of fresh air and a quick walk around the garden with the chickens and geese.

HIS OWN SPACE- He enjoys his own space and loves a bit of peace and quiet, he'll come for a cuddle when he fancies it. His best spot is sat beside me on the sofa on his own towel, his own area but close enough for a smooth.

A GOOD BRUSH- In his old age Oscar's cleaning habits aren't what they used to be, so a handy brush to help him rid himself of his old fur every day would be greatly appreciated.

SPOT OF SUN- In his foster home Oscar sunbathes in the window sill which he can get to from his own personal chair but in the colder evenings a blanket and pillow is all he needs to keep warm.

CHIT CHAT- Oscar rarely meow's and when he does try all the effort is there but not much sound comes out! However one of Oscar's best assets is his AMAZING purr. Oscar could win a purring contest and this is the way he tells you he is at his happiest.

MOST OF ALL LOVE- Oscar is one of the most loving cats I have grown to know, it took him a little while to settle but he has learnt to love all members of this family and shares his love evenly between us all. We feel we are the lucky ones.

Oscar is just looking for the purrrfect home to spend his days, a quiet boy he enjoys watching the telly and eating so if you do too why not register your interest at Cats Protection IOW, I can personally promise you you won't be disappointed.

By Rowan Lathey (Volunteer and fosterer)

Saturday 13 October 2012

Black and black & white cat Awareness Day

Black and black & white cat Awareness Day

Cats Protection is holding its annual National Black Cat Day on Thursday 25 October to encourage more people to adopt unwanted black moggies.

Following the success of last year’s black cat campaign, the charity aims to raise awareness of the plight of black cats which tend to lose out on homes to more colourful varieties.

The UK’s leading feline welfare charity currently has around 1,300 black cats in its care and says that homes are far less easy to find for black cats than other felines.


 
“People seem to be more taken with torties, tabbies and other colours - perhaps due to a perception that variety adds spice,” said Danielle Draper, Manager at Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre.

“Although it’s lovely to see these cats finding their forever homes, it’s sad to see black cats left waiting in the wings. They make up about 23 per cent of all the cats in Cats Protection’s care and each one waits around a week longer to be re-homed than the average cat.” 
  
To coincide with this annual event we have decided to have our own. Sunday 28th October we will be holding a Black and black & white cat Awareness day at the centre. Open from 11am - 4pm, find us at 122 Marlborough Road, Ryde.
So come along and meet our lovely black and black & white cats, there will also be a kitten information talk at 1pm. We hope to see you there. 



To raise awareness the charity is encouraging people to upload pictures and stories of their own black cats, and to change their social media avatars to a specially designed black cat version.

Supporters will also be encouraged to share photos of themselves transformed into black cats on the Cats Protection’s social media sites. This is a call to get creative by dressing up, using face paints or wearing the downloadable black cat mask – and then get snapping!

To find out more about the campaign or to adopt a black cat, please log on to www.cats.org.uk/black-cats or call the charity’s helpline on 03000 12 12 12. 

Tatty farm kitties

Abandoned?

On Thursday we set a humane trap in the hope of catching a mother cat and her kittens. They were found at at farm in Havenstreet. The people that reported them were worried for their safety as a near by dog was very aggressive towards them. 

The kittens are approximately eight weeks old and surprisingly tame, but nervous. The mother is very friendly, so this has led us to believe that this little family may have been abandoned. A mother cat and kittens born outside would not be this trusting of people. 

When the kittens arrived they were looking rather tatty and soggy from the rain. We soon settled them into a warm pen. Safe at last, here are a few photos of the family when they arrived. We will update you on their progress.

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Smartie's and Sweety's kittens

Giardia

Smartie's and Sweety's kittens have recently been diagnosed with Giardia. They had been poorly for a while and a poo sample confirmed this. They are currently isolated from the rest of the cattery and were are barrier cleaning their pens. This means we are changing protective clothing in between pens and thoroughly cleaning each pen before we move onto the next. Giardia is zoonotic which means it can be passed onto people so we are having to be extra vigilant. We are hoping the the kittens will start to feel better soon. They have been re-wormed and are having tribrissen injections daily which treats bacterial infections.
 
What is Giardiasis?


Giardia lamblia is a protozoan (single celled organism) parasite which is found in the small intestine of vertebrates including mammals. Infection with Giardia lamblia causes giardiasis.

Giardia causes severe diarrhoea, dehydration and stomach cramps.

How do cats become infected with Giardia?

The most likely transmission in cats is direct animal to animal (faecal-oral route). Cats can also become infected by drinking water containing the infective cysts. Once inside the intestine the cyst opens releasing two trophozoites.

There are two stages to the life cycle. Trophozoites are the active motile (swimming) form and it is in this stage that lives in the intestines feeding and reproducing. The trophozoites have flagella, which are long hair like structures which enables toe protozoa to move around. During the feeding stage, the parasite replicates in the small intestine by binary fission, this is the asexual reproductive process where one cell divides into two cells.

The trophozoites move towards the colon where they produce a cyst wall. The trophozoite within the cyst divides once, and this mature cyst now contains two trophozoites. This cyst is carried away by the passing faecal stream and leaves the body. These cysts are extremely hardy and can survive for long periods in water.

What are the symptoms of Giardia in cats?

The parasite has a one to two week incubation period. Most cats are asymptomatic, although they may keep passing on cysts for months or years. Clinical signs are most likely to be seen in younger animals from multi-cat households/environments.

If large numbers of trophozoites develop the cat will develop symptoms which include;

  • Foul smelling stools, often yellowish, foamy/frothy.
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss   
  •  Flatulence
  • Abdominal distension