If you are a true cat lover, you probably already know all the diseases that your beloved pet can get.
Maybe you already use a shampoo that prevents fleas and lice.
You could be giving your animal nutritious food and all the cat toys it can want.
But did you know that ringworm could infect a cat? Ringworms are common infections in human.
These are caused by fungi that eat on Keratin, a substance in the skin, hair and nails.
A ringworm-infected cat can exhibit symptoms similar to that of humans.
Its hair can break because the fungi are living inside the strands.
The infection can create a circular bald spot.
This may get itchy and form a rash with red, raised edges and healthy skin in the middle.
Some animals may exhibit no symptoms as all.
These asymptomatic cats are more dangerous because they can easily spread the infection to people and other animals.
They may appear to be scratching an itch more than usual, but scratching itself doesn't mean there's ringworm in your cat.
Most cat infections are caused by Microsporum Canis, up to 98% of all cases.
It can also infect dogs and humans.
The other cases are caused by Microsporum Gypseum, which can infect dogs, cats, horses, rodents, cattle and swine.
Once you suspect that the cat has been infected, you should take it immediately to the veterinarian to confirm.
The doctor can then do several tests to check if ringworm is in your cat.
It can shine ultraviolet light on the hair of the animal.
50% of the Microsporum Canis kinds leave an apple-green fluorescence on the hair shafts.
A microscope test can also be done, with samples taken from your pet's fur.
If you want to know what strain of Dermatophyte has infected your animal, the vet can take a sample from your hair shaft and make a culture to find out.
Once you have determined that there is ringworm in your cat, you should begin treatment as soon as possible.
Start by cutting the animal's hair short.
Hair feeds the ringworm, and gives it more places to hide.
If the hair is shorter, it also makes it easier for topical treatment to be absorbed.
But it's best not to shave all the fur off, as it can cause wounds.
Open cuts can make it easier for the fungus to spread and thrive.
Treatment for the animal begins with an anti-fungal soap.
Use a ringworm cream with Terbinafine, Itraconazole or Fluconazole on your pet.
Your doctor will help you determine the frequency and duration of this treatment.
It's best to use a cone to prevent the animal from licking the chemicals.
Aside from the ointment, you should also bathe the animal twice a week in a diluted lime sulfur dip solution.
Oral medication would also be prescribed for the animal.
While the animal is going through treatment, it should be separated from animals and other humans.
It's cage, dish, beddings and toys should not be used for any other household pets.
These should also be cleaned with a 1:10 part household hypochlorite bleach solution to kill any ringworm spores that may live in it.
If possible, you should dispose of them as biohazards.
The hard surfaces of the house, including the part of the house where the cat stays frequently, should be cleaned with the bleach solution as well.
You should also vacuum the entire to remove any lingering cat hairs.
While ringworm dies in cold and dry places, they can live from one to two years in stray strands.
After vacuuming, dispose of the bag used, and if possible, even the vacuum cleaner.
Maybe you already use a shampoo that prevents fleas and lice.
You could be giving your animal nutritious food and all the cat toys it can want.
But did you know that ringworm could infect a cat? Ringworms are common infections in human.
These are caused by fungi that eat on Keratin, a substance in the skin, hair and nails.
A ringworm-infected cat can exhibit symptoms similar to that of humans.
Its hair can break because the fungi are living inside the strands.
The infection can create a circular bald spot.
This may get itchy and form a rash with red, raised edges and healthy skin in the middle.
Some animals may exhibit no symptoms as all.
These asymptomatic cats are more dangerous because they can easily spread the infection to people and other animals.
They may appear to be scratching an itch more than usual, but scratching itself doesn't mean there's ringworm in your cat.
Most cat infections are caused by Microsporum Canis, up to 98% of all cases.
It can also infect dogs and humans.
The other cases are caused by Microsporum Gypseum, which can infect dogs, cats, horses, rodents, cattle and swine.
Once you suspect that the cat has been infected, you should take it immediately to the veterinarian to confirm.
The doctor can then do several tests to check if ringworm is in your cat.
It can shine ultraviolet light on the hair of the animal.
50% of the Microsporum Canis kinds leave an apple-green fluorescence on the hair shafts.
A microscope test can also be done, with samples taken from your pet's fur.
If you want to know what strain of Dermatophyte has infected your animal, the vet can take a sample from your hair shaft and make a culture to find out.
Once you have determined that there is ringworm in your cat, you should begin treatment as soon as possible.
Start by cutting the animal's hair short.
Hair feeds the ringworm, and gives it more places to hide.
If the hair is shorter, it also makes it easier for topical treatment to be absorbed.
But it's best not to shave all the fur off, as it can cause wounds.
Open cuts can make it easier for the fungus to spread and thrive.
Treatment for the animal begins with an anti-fungal soap.
Use a ringworm cream with Terbinafine, Itraconazole or Fluconazole on your pet.
Your doctor will help you determine the frequency and duration of this treatment.
It's best to use a cone to prevent the animal from licking the chemicals.
Aside from the ointment, you should also bathe the animal twice a week in a diluted lime sulfur dip solution.
Oral medication would also be prescribed for the animal.
While the animal is going through treatment, it should be separated from animals and other humans.
It's cage, dish, beddings and toys should not be used for any other household pets.
These should also be cleaned with a 1:10 part household hypochlorite bleach solution to kill any ringworm spores that may live in it.
If possible, you should dispose of them as biohazards.
The hard surfaces of the house, including the part of the house where the cat stays frequently, should be cleaned with the bleach solution as well.
You should also vacuum the entire to remove any lingering cat hairs.
While ringworm dies in cold and dry places, they can live from one to two years in stray strands.
After vacuuming, dispose of the bag used, and if possible, even the vacuum cleaner.
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