- Facts

1.     Problem Definition:

Feline ringworm or dermatophysis is a misnomer. It has nothing actually to do with worms, but it is a simple fungal infection. In cats, this infection is prevalent in the dead layers of hair, skin and nail. The fungus uses these dead tissues as a source of their nutrition.

2.     Symptoms:

Small, irregular patches of hair loss are found on the cat's body, sometimes they will be itchy and with time, these patches can spread to larger areas. The spread of these patches will be mostly divergent, i.e. they will begin at a particular point on the skin and then radiate outwards in a circular manner. However, irregular ringworm patterns are also observed.

3.     Duration of Problem:

Infected cats may remain contagious for 4 to 5 weeks if immediate treatments are taken. Ringworm, if untreated can persist for a long time without getting complicated further, except in the severity of the itching. Even after treatment, there may be spores of fungi that remain alive and may cause a second attack.

4.     Exposure:

Ringworm can transfer from cats to humans and even from humans to cats. Though adult humans are more fortified against this disease, children and other small pets can get affected further. All contact with the affected pet must be minimized.

 - Prevention & Treatment

1.     The Treatment:

Griseofulvin is the most effective antibiotic used against feline ringworm. It is a drug tablet, which concentrates itself deep in the skin follicles and helps in reducing infection of active fungus. If you are not able to give tablets to your pets, then you must consult the vet for alternative methods.

2.     Prevention:

Few measures could be taken to prevent your pet from this fungal infection. Baths should be given using antifungal shampoo every alternate day as per the schedule. Lime sulfur dip is also advisable once in a week for deep cleansing of pets skin.

3.     Precautions:

Prevent your pets from going to germ-infested places and getting in contact with other disease prone pets. Clean its abode with a chlorine bleach solution regularly. Clean the crate and food bowls as ringworm fungus won't live on the body of the cat only; but its spores will also spread to its belongings.

4.     Helpful Supplies:

Always keep your pet's thermometer handy.

 - Concerns

1.     Level of Seriousness:

Feline ringworms is not at all a serious disease as it can be cured easily with one or two dosages of the antibiotic.

2.     Lasting Consequences:

After the treatment is over feline ringworm will be cured, but there could be a carrier state where some fungal spores are still alive if the treatment is not effective enough.

3.     Genetics:

Though there is some indication of genetic factors at play, there is no conclusive evidence.

4.     Lifestyle Accommodations:

Lifestyle changes drastically when the pet is being treated, as it would no longer get the physical affection from its masters. But once it is done with, life will return back to normal.

5.     Expense:

It could take up to $300 to cure this fungus along with your vet's prescriptions and testing.