Tritrichomonas foetus is a protozoal parasite causing chronic large bowel diarrhea in cats, particularly those from multi-cat households and breeding environments, with significant welfare implications.
Cats with tritrichomonas infection experience chronic diarrhea that causes ongoing discomfort and welfare compromise. Frequent loose stools associated with urgency cause the cat distress and may result in inappropriate elimination as the cat cannot reach a litter tray in time. Perineal irritation and soiling from loose feces causes discomfort and necessitates more frequent grooming. Chronic diarrhea may cause weight loss and nutritional deficiencies in severely affected cats. The prolonged nature of the infection, potentially lasting years without treatment, means cats may experience chronic welfare compromise for a significant portion of their early life.