🔍 What Is Tritrichomonas foetus?

Tritrichomonas foetus is a single-celled, flagellated protozoan parasite that infects the colon of cats, causing chronic or relapsing large-bowel diarrhea with mucus and sometimes blood :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. It reproduces by binary fission and lacks a cyst form, so shedding and infection happen via direct fecal–oral contact :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

1. Who Is at Risk?

• Young cats & kittens (median 8 – 12 months).
• Multi-cat environments: shelters, catteries :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Purebred and pedigree cats show higher prevalence :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Older cats may be asymptomatic carriers :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

2. Clinical Signs

• Chronic large-bowel diarrhea: soft/watery, often ‘cow-pie’ consistency, foul odor :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Frequent defecation, straining (tenesmus), mucus +/- fresh blood :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Typically normal appetite, weight, no vomiting :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Painful anus, rectal redness/swelling, even rectal prolapse in severe cases :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

3. Transmission & Life Cycle

• Passage of live trophozoites in diarrhea, survive hours-days in moist environment :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Transmission via shared litter boxes, grooming, bedding; not zoonotic :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• No cyst stage—direct contact required :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

4. How It's Diagnosed

1. **Direct fecal smear**: quick, cheap, but sensitivity = ~14% :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
2. **Fecal culture** (e.g. InPouch TF): sensitivity ~55% :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
3. **PCR testing**: most sensitive and specific (detects live/dead organisms) :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
4. Collect fresh diarrheic feces; avoid litter contamination :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

5. Treatment Options

• **Ronidazole** at 30 mg/kg once daily for 14 days; treatment of choice but neurotoxicity risk; discontinue if symptoms appear :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• **Tinidazole**: experimental off-label alternative, limited data, similar risk :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• **No approved feline trichomoniasis drugs**; metronidazole largely ineffective :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Spontaneous resolution common over months to years—symptoms may continue while shedding persists :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

6. Prognosis & Follow-Up

• Diarrhea often resolves in untreated cats within 5 months–2 years, but shedding can persist up to 2 years :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Treated cats may relapse; monitor for neurologic signs during treatment :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Spontaneous cure possible; but co-infections (e.g., Giardia) common :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.

7. Prevention & Hygiene

• Isolate infected cats; dedicated litter box, bowls, bedding.
• Clean litter areas daily; moisture accelerates trophozoite survival.
• Avoid sharing boxes in multi-cat settings.
• Practice good hygiene—handwashing after handling feces.

8. Ask A Vet Remote Monitoring 🐾📲

• 📸 Upload photos of stool to detect mucus/blood patterns.
• 🔔 Medication reminders for ronidazole dosing and treatment duration.
• 🧭 Log stool consistency, frequency, appetite, and weight daily.
• 📊 Alerts if diarrhea worsens, weight drops, or neurologic signs appear.
• 👥 Virtual check-ins to reassess treatment, side effects, and hygiene advice.

9. FAQs

Is it contagious to humans or dogs?

No—T. foetus is not zoonotic and doesn’t infect dogs :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.

Can cats clear it without treatment?

Yes, many do within months to years, though they may remain infective while shedding :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.

Why not just wait it out?

If diarrhea persists, causes pain or weight loss, treatment helps restore comfort and reduce spread.

Is ronidazole safe?

Effective but narrow margin; monitor for lethargy, wobbliness, or distress and stop if present.

10. Take‑Home Tips ✅

• Act early: suspect T. foetus in young cats with chronic, mucoid/bloody diarrhea.
• Confirm diagnosis: use fecal culture or PCR.
• Treat carefully: ronidazole is effective if used correctly and monitored.
• Isolate and clean: prevent spread in multi-cat homes.
• Monitor remotely: Ask A Vet supports owners tracking treatment and symptoms.

Conclusion

Tritrichomonas foetus is a relatively common GI parasite in young and multi-cat cats, causing chronic, unpleasant diarrhea. Diagnosis relies on fecal culture or PCR. Though spontaneous cure is possible, ronidazole offers an effective but cautious treatment option. Preventive hygiene and isolation are vital. With Ask A Vet tools—med alerts, stool logging, and tele-guidance—owners can confidently manage infection through 2025 and beyond 🐾📲.

If your cat has persistent diarrhea (>2 weeks) especially with mucus or blood, consult your veterinarian and begin Ask A Vet remote monitoring to support diagnostics, treatment, and hygiene.