Cats And Ring Worm
Ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungus (plural: fungi). Because the lesions are often circular, ringworm was once thought to be caused by a worm curling up in the tissue. Ringworm has nothing to do with any type of worm. Ringworm is a really basic form of skin disease that’s found in some dogs and cats. Though its name makes you think differently, this skin disease isn’t caused by any type of worm. It’s really caused by fungi called Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissues found in the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal.
With cats, there’s a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that’s found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases. Generally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like bedding, clippers, or some other animal that already has the disease. If there are animals in your house or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract it this way.
If you’ve kittens or cats that are under a year old in your house, you should always use precaution, because they’re less protected to ringworm. Kittens may easily contract the disease, specially if you allow them to go outside. They may easily come in contact with a infected object or another cat that’s the disease. Kittens take a long time to build their immune system up, and in the meantime they’re more apt to get common disease such as ringworm.
The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around the head or the paws. Ringworm may easily be known by a patch of scaly skin on the body that appears itchy and inflamed. There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin. This area is very sensitive, and you should never try to touch it, as it will hurt your cat.
If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should instantly schedule an appointment with your vet. If the vet diagnosis your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe ointment or tablets. What he describes however, will determine on how dangerous the ringworm is. If he prescribes tablets to your cat, you should give them with meals. Ointment on the other hand, is generally spread into the coat, topically. You should always use what your vet prescribes on a regular basis, to ensure that your cat heals. The healing process will take time, generally around six weeks or more.
Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as infectious. If you’ve 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. 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.
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