Cat Worm

Cat RingWorm

The name of this disease makes it very easy to mistake for one of the many infestations that are caused by parasitic wormlike creatures. Make no mistake, the cat ringworm is not a parasite in the cats intestines, actually it is not a worm at all. The cat ring worm is a fungus infection that affects the skin and cats usually get it from infected rodents, spores in the air or a family member. Yes, the cat ring worm is very contagious and can be transmitted between species. Luckily it is not very dangerous.

Cat ringworm - What is it?

This fungus infection is caused by wet fur and lack of hygiene. The cat ring worm, also known as Microsporum canis, is just one form of many other fungi that gives more or less the same symptoms. It is just much more common than the others. As soon as the ring worm has established itself it will start producing spores to spread the disease and as the ring worm actually can spread to humans it is crucial that you, as a cat owner, see to it that the disease does not spread.

Cat ringworm - Signs on a cat

The ring worm's appearance on an infected cat can vary a lot. While some cats won�t show any sign of infection, others will have a severe reaction. The cat might typically experience blotches on its head, ears and paws. These blotches, which are caused by the ring worm, might seem like scaly and inflamed skin that has lost most of its hair. The blotches will then start to grow slowly and as it progresses the middle of the blotch will start to heal and the hair will grow back. This is the signature of the ring worm which is where it got its name. Although itchiness might occur it is actually quite uncommon and your pet might probably not even know that it carries a disease.

Cat ringworm - Keep Fluffy out

As mentioned, the ringworm is an extremely contagious disease, it can not be stressed enough. If you have more animals or even children you should be extremely careful. The cat should certainly not be petted and the best thing would probably be not letting the cat into the house. If you are soft and can�t let your cat sleep under the open sky, at least see to it that the cat gets its own room. The hairs dropped due to the ring worm are packed with spores and as already said, it is contagious. Its not only for your own sake that this is so important, it is for the wellbeing of your family, friends, and everyone else you might come in contact with while infected.

Cat ringworm - Sign on a human

The ring worm might appear a little different on humans. Looking like raised red blotches which are a little lighter in the middle, the ring worm will cause loss of hair in the affected area. Although a rare symptom on cats, humans can experience extreme itchiness. But as you have already guessed you can not scratch it, it is contagious remember?

Cat ringworm - Treatment

There are lots of antifungal creams out there but you are looking for one containing miconazole and clotrimazole. Although you might find something similar at a pharmacy it is still better to visit a veterinarian. They will have products especially suited for treating feline friends.

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