{"id":2356,"date":"2023-05-10T11:33:59","date_gmt":"2023-05-10T11:33:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/?p=2356"},"modified":"2025-10-31T12:40:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T12:40:35","slug":"haemoprotozoa-in-cats-signs-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/haemoprotozoa-in-cats-signs-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Haemoprotozoa in Cats: Signs, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhy is my cat hiding in a corner?\u201d \u201cDoes my cat have a fever?\u201d \u201cWhy is my cat lethargic?\u201d \u201cWhy is my cat not eating?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are all important questions almost every cat parent asks at least once. And &#8220;Haemoprotozoa in cats&#8221; could be the unwelcome yet correct answer!<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2371 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/109-min-1.jpg\" alt=\"Mackerel cat sleeping under a green blanket with just head sticking out. Lethargy is a common sign of haemoprotozoa in cats\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are all common signs of parasitic blood infection or haemoprotozoa in cats &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lethargy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High temperature<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anaemia\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And when a cat feels sick, they avoid food and water. Vets often report <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/is-my-cat-or-my-dog-dehydrated-using-vet-ors-for-dehydration\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rapid dehydration<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in cats that show these symptoms for even 48 hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your cat is showing one or more of these signs and symptoms, seek out the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">best vet clinic near you<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ASAP.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does My Cat Have a Fever?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common question cat parents ask is \u201cHow do I know if my cat has a fever?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Determining fever in cats can be difficult since cats are elusive creatures. Whenever they feel sick, they tend to hide somewhere dark and cool. So, other than their absence during their meal times, other fever symptoms go unnoticed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The only way to confirm a fever in cats is by taking their temperature rectally. That is a daunting task and most cat parents need expert help to accomplish it. Take your cat to the animal hospital or veterinary clinic nearby if you suspect abnormal temperature.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pets\/cats\/fevers-in-cats\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Normal temperature in cats<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should range between 100 and 102.3 degrees Fahrenheit (38.1 and 39.2 degree Celsius). Any temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Does My Cat Have a Fever?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever is not a disease. It is a sign of an infection or multiple infections. Determining the nature of these infections is not always possible by physical examination only. The rising cases of parasitic infections in cats are the main reason the best veterinarians near you recommend urgent blood tests.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your cat may have a fever due to psychogenic reasons (a sudden change of environment), external wounds, chronic inflammation in the body or due to an infection. Infections such as Mycoplasmas, Babesia and Bartonella also cause recurrent fever in cats along with loss of appetite, weight loss and anaemia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without determining the nature of the infection(s) prescribing the correct course of medication is impossible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why is My Cat Not Eating?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While we often don\u2019t because we \u201cdon\u2019t feel like eating,\u201d it is not very common in the animal world to refuse food without a physiological cause. Yes! Sudden changes in the environment and other stress such as a cat being in heat do cause loss of appetite, but when you combine inappetence with lethargy and anorexia, you have a serious problem at hand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your cat has been refusing food for over 24 hours it\u2019s time to rush them to a veterinarian. You can check out emergency veterinary clinics in your area if it\u2019s beyond the usual working hours of animal hospitals. Do not ignore the loss of appetite in cats since dehydration can set in quite rapidly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your cat may not be eating because they have a fever, nausea, stomach pain and other internal discomforts. Instead of guessing, you should <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/pet-consultation-near-me\">speak to your veterinarian ASAP<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Medicine Can I Give My Cat For Fever?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s answer this one with all the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasc.cc\/pet-university\/drug-toxicity-in-cats\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medicines you absolutely SHOULDN\u2019T give if your cat<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has a fever &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crocin (Paracetamol)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ibuprofen\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diclofenac<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acetaminophen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2372\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/110-min-1.jpg\" alt=\"Marbled tabby under a white crochet blanket with thermometer and pills strewn in front\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, almost all over-the-counter fever medicines that humans use are toxic for cats even in paediatric doses. Avoid giving your cat any medication for fever or pain without talking to your veterinarian.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Search for a <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/pet-clinic-gurgaon\">24\/7 veterinary clinic near you for emergencies<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as these. They can examine your cat and give you the correct dose of fever medicine that\u2019s safe for cats. Always give medicines that a veterinarian has prescribed for your cat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are The Most Common Causes Of Fever In Cats: Haemoprotozoa in Cats<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common cause of fever in cats is a viral infection such as calicivirus or feline rhinotracheitis virus. However, if your cat has been properly vaccinated, their chances of contracting a viral disease are low.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next possible cause can be external wounds such as bites, punctures or lacerations. If they have infected wounds or even severe blunt trauma they can have a high body temperature.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The other cause, which is becoming more common by the day in India, is parasitic blood infection in cats. These are microorganisms that live in a cat\u2019s blood and cause rapid breakdown of the RBCs (red blood cells).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These can be protozoa like Mycoplasmas and Babesia. Or, it can be bacterial, such as Bartonella.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats across the world have several such parasitic blood infections. However, these three broad ones are most prominent in India at the moment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does My Cat Have a Parasitic Blood Infection?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your cat is showing all of the signs we have mentioned above, then there\u2019s a good chance that it might have a blood-borne parasitic infection. Nonetheless, there is no way to confirm the diagnosis without tests like RT-PCR.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you take your cat to the vet, they will recommend blood tests that will include tests for blood-borne diseases including Mycoplasmas, Babesia and Bartonella.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern testing methods are highly sensitive and they can detect multiple variants of all parasitic blood infections with accuracy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is the Treatment for Mycoplasma in Cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mycoplasmosis (caused by mycoplasma) in cats is a common <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vin.com\/apputil\/content\/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=11290&amp;catId=33318&amp;id=4252691\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">parasitic infection in cats<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is a form of feline infectious anaemia. Healthy, vaccinated and dewormed cats often do not show any signs of mycoplasmosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immunocompromised cats, kittens and senior cats can show severe signs including complete loss of energy, severe anaemia, jaundice and enlarged spleen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2368 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/106-min-1.jpg\" alt=\"scared cat held on X-ray table by professionals wearing gloves. haemoprotozoa in cats often demand extensive diagnostic tests from RT-PCR to imaging. \" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When detected early, your cat may respond to oral antibiotics and supplements. They will require extensive supportive care and maintenance therapy since the infection takes a hefty toll on the internal organs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severely affected cats almost always require fluid therapy along with IV antibiotics. Some cats with severe haemolytic anaemia may require blood transfusion as well. Blood typing is a must before blood transfusion. Always speak to a well-established vet hospital with experienced veterinarians for blood transfusion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sadly, there is no complete cure for mycoplasmosis. Even a \u201ccured\u201d cat may remain a life-long carrier of the microorganism throughout their life. However, it is entirely possible for the affected cat to live a normal, healthy and happy life without any complications if the disease is diagnosed and treated early.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the Treatment for Feline Babesia?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Babesia is a protozoan transmitted through tick bites. Apart from <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Babesia felis<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, at least 5 other types of Babesia can affect cats. Feline babesiosis is a relatively new disease being diagnosed in India. However, due to the large number of ticks in dogs and other animals, Babesia in cats is spreading quickly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feline babesiosis is almost always <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/our-services\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diagnosed by RT PCR and other blood tests<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The treatment of early-stage feline Babesia requires one or more anti-protozoal drugs along with supportive medication for anaemia, pain and inflammation. In the later stages, when the disease affects the internal organs and causes severe hemolytic anaemia, aggressive treatment becomes necessary. It may include IV fluids, IV medicines and blood transfusion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most cats can recover from babesiosis with intense treatment and care. However, they will remain carriers of the disease for the rest of their lives. They will require continuous monitoring and testing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is the Treatment of Bartonella Infection in Cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment of Bartonellosis in cats may require multiple antibiotics along with supportive supplements and medicines. However, this is quite rare since most cats do not succumb to Bartonella infection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only immunocompromised cats, very young kittens and senior cats show the symptoms of bartonellosis or cat scratch fever.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment of Bartonella or cat scratch fever in cats can be difficult since the bacteria often develops resistance to the multiple antibiotics used against it. You must complete the course of antibiotics recommended by your veterinarian to prevent a recurrence. Cat scratch fever (Bartonella infection) in cats is curable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to keep your cat safe from Mycoplasma and Babesia?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mycoplasma and Babesia are flea and tick-borne diseases, respectively. The only way to protect your cat is by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/how-to-choose-the-right-flea-treatment-for-my-cat\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">keeping them free from ticks and fleas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can choose between the numerous tick and flea treatment options including spot-ons, sprays and powders for cats. Be sure to repeat their tick and flea treatment as recommended by the vet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2373 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/111-min-1.jpg\" alt=\"Two hands, one holding the black and white cat, and the other spraying a flea repellent on the cat's neck and back. Keep your cat free of fleas and ticks to reduce their risks of contracting haemoprotozoa in cats. \" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your cat is an indoor or indoor-outdoor cat, limit their time outdoors. Check them every time they come home. Brush them frequently.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take them to the vet for regular health checkups. Diagnosing sickness in cats including signs of anaemia and issues of the liver and spleen requires veterinary expertise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your cat has a fever, lethargy, anorexia and anaemia, you should consider getting their blood sample tested for possible parasitic blood infections. Remember, early diagnosis improves your cat\u2019s chances of recovery drastically.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">Here are the most commonly asked questions about Mycoplasma in cats, Babesia felis and Cytauxzoonosis in cats:<\/h2>\n<h2>Why is my cat lethargic?<\/h2>\n<p>Lethargy in cats can be due to fever, infection, anaemia, or parasitic blood infections like Mycoplasmas, Babesia, or Bartonella.<\/p>\n<h3>Why is my cat not eating?<\/h3>\n<p>Loss of appetite in cats is often linked to fever, internal discomfort, or infections, requiring immediate veterinary consultation.<\/p>\n<h3>How can I tell if my cat has a fever?<\/h3>\n<p>Cats with fever often hide and avoid food. Confirm by taking their rectal temperature, ideally with veterinary assistance.<\/p>\n<h3>What causes fever in cats?<\/h3>\n<p>Cat fevers can result from infections, external wounds, chronic inflammation, or parasitic infections like Mycoplasma, Babesia, and Bartonella.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the treatment for Mycoplasma in cats?<\/h3>\n<p>Treatment includes antibiotics, supportive care, and possibly blood transfusions for severe cases. Early detection improves outcomes significantly.<\/p>\n<h3>How is feline Babesia felis treated?<\/h3>\n<p>Feline Babesia treatment involves anti-protozoal drugs, supportive care for anaemia, and in severe cases, IV fluids and blood transfusions.<\/p>\n<h3>How can I prevent haemoprotozoa infections in my cat?<\/h3>\n<p>Prevent infections by keeping your cat free of ticks and fleas using treatments like spot-ons, sprays, and powders, and ensuring regular vet check-ups.<\/p>\n<h3>What causes Mycoplasma, Babesia felis, and Cytauxzoonosis in cats?<\/h3>\n<p>These infections are caused by parasitic organisms transmitted primarily through tick and flea bites. Mycoplasma is transmitted by infected fleas. Babesia felis and Cytauxzoonosis in cats is caused by infected tick bites.<\/p>\n<h3>How can I prevent Mycoplasma, Babesia felis, and Cytauxzoonosis in cats?<\/h3>\n<p>Regular tick prevention measures, like spot-ons, sprays, powders, and frequent veterinary check-ups, can prevent these infections effectively<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cWhy is my cat hiding in a corner?\u201d \u201cDoes my cat have a fever?\u201d \u201cWhy is my cat lethargic?\u201d \u201cWhy is my cat not eating?\u201d\u00a0 These are all important questions&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2367,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[118,103,64],"tags":[9,112,105,98],"class_list":["post-2356","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cats","category-dog-and-cat-parasites","category-pet-health","tag-cat","tag-cat-disease","tag-cat-flea-treatment","tag-pet-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2356","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2356"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2356\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6610,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2356\/revisions\/6610"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2367"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2356"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2356"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2356"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}