|
feline ringworm
Both dogs and cats are prone to suffer from ringworm a common skin disease. Despite its name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It's actually caused by a kind of fungus known as a dermophyte. These fungi feed on dead tissue on the surface of the skin, and are related to the fungi that cause athlete's foot in humans. In ninety-five percent of all feline cases of ringworm, the fungus responsible for the disease is one called M Canis.
Most cats get this disease from objects that have come into contact with another infected animal. These could include bedding, nail or hair clippers, or the animal itself. If there are animals around your house, or in your home that have ringworm, your cat could be the next one to come down with this disease. Kittens or cats less than a year old are the most vulnerable to ringworm, and can easily contract it if allowed outside. Outdoors, there are many different vectors through which your cat could acquire ring worm. It takes a long time for a kitten's immune system to become reliable enough to fend off this common disease.
Ringworm causes inflammation and itching. In cats, this means that the most common symptoms are rough patches in the coat, or broken hairs. Hair loss around the pays and head also signify ringworm. This disease can also be seen as a scaly patch of skin, surrounded by broken or damaged fur. This area will probably be quite sensitive, and thus should not be touched. If your cat presents any of these symptoms, immediately take them to the vet. Ringworm isn't dangerous, but it can be irritating, and can spread to humans.
If your pet is diagnosed with ringworm, he'll probably prescribe either tablets or topical ointment. Which medicines your cat will take will depend on the seriousness of the ringworm infection. Should your cat need to take a pill, try giving them at meals. Ointment, on the other hand, can simply be applied directly to infected areas. Be sure to continue to administer medication even if symptoms subside early. Otherwise your cat could have symptoms return later. It usually takes around six weeks to clear up a case of ringworm.
Cats that have ringworm can communicate it to other pets and to humans. This means that you should wear gloves when handling your cat until the infection is cleared up, and keep other people, especially children, at a distance. Even though this is a relatively harmless disease, it can spread easily, and the itching from it is annoying. Clearing up a case of ringworm takes a long time. Therefore, it's best to avoid it entirely.
|
• Cat Can Bond With Their Owners
• cats bad breath
• Choosing a Cat Breed
• Common Cat Health Problems
• feline ringworm
• How to Deal With Cat Allergies
• How to Give Your Cat a Pill
• Kidney Disease In Cats
• Liver Disease in Cats
• Lyme Disease Cats
• siamese cat temperament
• Some Information on Cat Breeds
• symptoms of feline diabetes
• Understanding Cat Behavior
|
