How To Do With Cat Ringworm

What is filine ringworm and its symptoms?

Despite the name, cat ringworm is not caused by any kind of worm. It is a fungal infection that affects the skin of dogs, cats, humans and other animals. Microsporum Canis is the most common type of ringworm in pets but there are other types.

Ringworm is contracted by contact with infected animals or their habitat, although spores of some types of the fungus can be found in the soil. A cat can pick up ringworm in many ways, including getting into a fight with another cat that has it, catching an infected mouse or rat, or sharing bedding or sleeping places with other cats.

If your cat spends a lot of time outside there is not very much that you can to prevent ringworm except to ensure that the cat has a good healthy diet and is well cared for. A healthy adult cat with a strong immune system is not so likely to be infected even if it comes into contact with ringworm. Kittens and old or sick cats are more at risk and you may want to keep them inside more often.

Symptoms of feline ringworm

Symptoms of ringworm in cats include rough or broken hairs or hair loss, especially around the head and paws. There will usually be a patch of scaly skin that is inflamed and sensitive.

Feline ringworm can be treated by either oral medication or ointment, depending on the severity of the case. Follow your veterinarian's instructions. It is very important that treatment is given regularly over a long period. It can take 6 weeks to eradicate ringworm. Do not miss a day or stop just because your cat's skin looks better.

While you are treating your cat for ringworm you should also wash the cat's bedding regularly and clean hard surfaces around the house with a mild solution of bleach. The fungus is killed by heat so washing or drying fabrics at high temperatures is effective. You will also need to vacuum carpets and upholstery often to pick up the fungal spores. Always wear gloves when handling your cat and its bedding, and do not let children touch the cat.

If you have other pets you will need to take them to the veterinarian to be checked too, even they do not show symptoms of ringworm. Some animals can carry the fungus without being affected by it themselves, and if they are not treated then your infected pet may contract it over and over from your apparently unaffected pets.

Ringworm is not a fatal infection but it is irritating and can be difficult to get rid of, and there is a risk of the cat passing it on to you and your family. It is possible that you could pick it up from your cat and if you have kids, they can get it quite easily.

So you will want to be sure that any pets infected with cat ringworm are diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.