Can i give ringworm to my cat

Ringworm in cats, also known as dermatophytosis, is caused by a fungal infection of the skin, most often caused by the fungus Microsporum canis ,according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.

The trouble with ringworm is that you really can't hide from it. Cat ringworm is caused by a fungal organism that lives just about anywhere in the environment. It is found in soil and thrives particularly in warm, humid environments. Ringworm agents aren't restricted to soil, though; the fungal spores are tiny enough that they can easily hitch a ride on blankets, clothing and fur and be transported indoors, where they can flourish as well.

Once the fungus finds a living food source, such as a cat, dog or human, it sets up shop in the hair follicle. It feeds on keratin, making hair, nails and skin its main nutritional sources.

Here is where ringworm gets a little tricky; even if a cat becomes contaminated with the fungus, it doesn't mean they will always develop a ringworm infection, which is good news for pets and pet parents worldwide, said Cornell Feline Health Center.

Once on the cat, a meticulous self-groomer may simply rid the fungus from their coat. Other competitors, such as bacteria, thriving on the cat's skin may outnumber and defeat the fungus or the fungus may survive and stick around. While some cats can be asymptomatic when they are infected with ringworm, a number will develop clinical signs of infection. This is the only part of the name that warrants credit to those who coined the disease's name: ringworm often presents itself as a circular reddish rash — a ring — on the skin of an infected cat.

Cats may begin to lose hair or develop a dull or stubby coat. Signs may progress to patchy hair loss, scaling or itchy skin and infected nails. While some diseases are rare, ringworm makes its rounds; it is perhaps the most frequently encountered infectious skin disease of cats worldwide. While it can affect any cat, kittens with less robust immune systems are more likely to develop an infection. Long-haired cat breeds are also more susceptible, along with cats in high-population settings such as catteries , cats with other systemic diseases that may weaken their immune system or cats with poor nutrition.

Yes and no. Ringworm in cats is not typically serious, but it can spread to people as well as other animals, such as dogs. Transmission occurs through direct contact between infected and uninfected individuals. It may be passed from cats to dogs to people in any number of spreading paths.

Adult humans are usually resistant to infection unless there is a break in the skin, such as a scratch, but children and the immune-compromised are especially susceptible. Seek care from your physician if you notice suspicious skin lesions similar to those described for cats.

The good news is that because human hygiene is generally more thorough than our pets', a topical antifungal cream or spray may be all that is needed for human treatment. Don't neglect the environment when dealing with a ringworm infection of either people or pets. The fungal spores may live in bedding or carpet for up to 18 months! A solution of bleach and water can be used to disinfect and kill the fungal spores: One pint of chlorine bleach ml in a gallon of water is effective on hard surfaces suitable for dilute bleach.

This is very important to prevent recurrence of the infection. No one likes giving cats oral medications; luckily, there are topical antifungal medications available in the form of creams and sprays that may be effective against ringworm.

Clipping fur and dips available at the veterinarian are also useful tools to rid the infection. Oral anti-fungal medications, such as itraconazole, are often prescribed for more widespread infections or infections that do not clear up with topical therapy. They can be flavored like tuna or other popular cat treats to ease the administration of the oral medications.

As mentioned above, environmental decontamination is always an important part of treatment to break the cycle of infection. It creates an environment that kills the ringworm fungus, while providing soothing relief for any itchiness or secondary infections caused by excessive scratching, and it does not stain or discolor fur, fabric or skin.

We hope you found this article helpful and if your cat ever gets any cuts, abrasions, ear infections or ringworm , we hope you keep Banixx Pet Care in mind. For more information on how to keep your cat happy and healthy, visit our cat page. March 26, Contents hide.

Search Submit Clear Featured Post. Recent Posts. Top Posts. Alternative Medicines. Cat Ears. Equine Colic. Featured Posts. Food Questions. For Cats. Creams and ointments —climbazole 0. Tresaderm can also be helpful as a spot treatment for healing lesions, especially on the face.

Ringworm Treatment for Cats. The oral medication Itraconazole is commonly prescribed for cat ringworm because it has fewer side effects then other options. Length of Ringworm Treatment for Cats. If other treatment options are used then 3 consecutive tests need to show that the ringworm infection is no longer there.