“It definitely looks like some kind of fungus.” The doctor put down the magnifying glass after looking at the knee, then threw away his disposable gloves. “Most likely, your cats have passed along ringworm to you.”
What is ringworm?
Lots of people shudder when they hear the word ringworm because they assume small worms invade the skin. Not true. According to Vetinfo.com, ringworm – or dermatophytosis – is a skin infection involving a fungus. It can affect your cat’s hair, skin and nails.
Ringworm in cats is contagious to other cats, dogs and human beings. Any person with a compromised immune system is at elevated risk for contracting it.
Causes of ringworm in cats
Several types of fungi found around the world can cause ringworm. However, peteducation.com reports that most cases in cats and dogs are the result of three species: Microsporum canis, Microsporum sypseum and Trichophyton. The fungus can occur in either an infected cat or its living area.
Once the cat sheds ringworm spores into the environment, the tiny particles can live for up to two years. The fungus loves a warm and humid environment. Anything that comes into contact with your cat or its hair – bedding, brushes, furniture and toys, for example – can be a culprit that spreads the fungus.
Quite often, a cat is an asymptomatic carrier. In that case, your pet can carry and shed the organism for ringworm without showing any symptoms of having the fungus. If your vet suspects your cat is a chronic asymptomatic carrier, he or she will routinely culture your pet to find out for sure.
Transmitting the fungus
Cats, dogs and human beings all pick up this contagious condition as the result of direct contact with the fungal spores. Because the spores can live for up to 24 months, your cat might pick up ringworm while boarding at a kennel or visiting the vet or a groomer months earlier. If the cat is an asymptomatic carrier, you could end up with a nasty case of ringworm even though your pet shows no signs of it.
Most healthy adult cats have developed some resistance to the fungus. It most often infects kittens up to a year old as well as cats who are ill or have a compromised immune system from medications such as steroids.
Other cats in the high-risk category include those that are senior in age, malnourished or free-roaming. Cats suffering from infestations of parasites or viral infections are prime candidates. Genetics might also play a role, since experts believe Persian cats appear more susceptible than average to the fungus.
Seeing the vet
If anyone in the family develops signs of ringworm, it’s important to promptly see a doctor for a diagnosis. After ringworm has been confirmed in a human member of your family, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for advice on exams for any cats in the home. If no round lesions are visible, the vet can examine a cat’s hairs under a microscope or use a special black light known as a Wood’s lamp to detect the types of ringworm that show up as fluorescent.
While finding out the exact causes of ringworm in cats is impossible for every outbreak, it’s helpful to your vet if you compile a list of recent potential exposures.
Sources:
Vetinfo.com site
peteducation.com site
Reference:
- Vetinfo.com site
- peteducation.com site
