Cats And Ring Worm

Submitted By: Dr Kelly Mayo
Category: Articles · Cats · Health & Wellness · Pet Diseases          Tags: pet illnesses, ring worms

Ringworm is a very common form of skin disease found in cats. Although its name makes you think otherwise, this skin disease isn’t caused by any type of worm. Its actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes, that feeds on the dead tissues found at the surface of the skin.

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 beddings, clippers, or another animal that already has the disease. If there are animals in your home, or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract the disease.

If you have kittens or cats that are under a year old in your home, use precaution, as they are more susceptible to ringworm. Kittens can easily contract the disease, especially if allowed to go outside. They can easily come in contact with a contaminated object, or another cat that has the disease. Since it takes kittens a long time to build up their immune system, they are more apt to catch a disease like ringworm.

The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats 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 and inflamed. There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin. This area is very sensitive, and touching should be avoided, as it will hurt the cat.

If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should immediately 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 serious the ringworm is. If he prescribes tablets to 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 labeled as 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. Even though its a mild disease, ringworm can result in serious problems due to the slow recovery time and fact that its contagious.