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Cat Ringworm Symptoms and Treatment

You may think that ringworm is caused by a worm. Actually, it is a fungus that can infect the skin of cats, dogs, humans, and other animals. The most common type is Microsporum Canis although there are others. Ringworm can be contracted by contact with infected animals or in their living area. Some types are even found in the soil. Find out cat ringworm symptoms and treatment.

Many methods of transmission are possible. Your cat could get into a fight with another feline that has it, share a sleeping place with an infected animal, or even catch a diseased mouse or rat. Preventing ringworm in outside cats is difficult beyond providing good nutrition for your pet. Healthy adults with strong immune systems are less likely to contract it. Old, sick or young kitties are more likely to catch the disease.

Cat ringworm symptoms include broken hairs, rough hairs, or even loss of hair. This usually especially pronounced around the head and paws. Often, you will find places with scaly skin that is inflamed.

Ringworm treatment methods include either oral medication or topical ointments. Be sure to visit your vet and follow his or her instructions. Treatment can take up to six weeks, so be sure to not miss any doses even if the condition seems to be improving or gone.

Since ringworm is contagious, be sure to wash the cat's bedding frequently, and use a mild bleach solution to clean hard surfaces in your home. As heat kills the fungus, washing and drying items at high temperatures is helpful. Vacuum carpet and upholstery frequently to remove any fungal spores.

Be sure to don gloves when touching the cat or places that it has been. Forbid your children from touching the animal until cleared by your vet. Since other pets can be infected with ringworm and not have symptoms, you will need to have them all examined by your veterinarian. Otherwise, your symptomatic feline could keep catching the disease over and over again.

Fortunately, ringworm is more of a nuisance than a major threat to your pet's health. Since the disease can be transmitted to humans and other pets, you will want to be on the watch for cat ringworm symptoms and seek treatment immediately if suspect an infection.