Your Cat and Ringworm
Ringworm is a very common skin disease that can affect both dogs and cats. Although its name might make you think otherwise, this skin disease isn’t caused by any type of worm at all.
Ringworm is actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes. This fungus feeds on dead tissues found in the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal.
With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases. Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like clippers, bedding, or another animal that already has the disease. The ringworm fungi also can be picked up from your yard. If there are animals in your home or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract it this way.
If you have kittens or cats that are under a year old in your home, you should always use precaution, as they are more susceptible to ringworm. Kittens can easily contract the disease, especially if you allow them to go outside. They can easily come in contact with a contaminated object or another cat that has the disease.
Young cats and kittens take time to build up their immune system and in the meantime are more apt to get a common disease such as ringworm.
The most common symptoms of ringworm are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around the head or the paws. Ringworm can easily be identified by a patch of scaly skin on the body that appears itchy, red and inflamed. There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin. This area can be very sensitive, and you should never try to touch it, as it can hurt your cat.
If you notice any of these symptoms with your cat, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet. If the vet diagnosis your cat with ringworm, he or she may prescribe ointment or tablets. What he describes however, will determine how serious the ringworm is.
If he prescribes tablets for your cat, you should give them with meals. Ointment on the other hand, is normally spread into the coat, topically. You should always use what your vet prescribes on a daily basis, to ensure that your cat heals. The healing process will take time, normally around six weeks or more.
Cats that have ringworm should be considered infectious. If you have children in the house, you should keep them away from your pet. Whenever you handle your cat, you should always use gloves. Ringworms are contagious, and you should always use caution when handling your animal.
Even though it’s a mild disease, ringworm can result in serious problems due to the slow recovery time and fact that it’s contagious.
