Did you know that your cat's ringworm is not a real honest to goodness worm? That's right cat lovers. Your cat isn't infected with a worm, but a fungus. If you're into big names the medical term is dermatophytosis. Let's keep it simple and use ringworm throughout this article. This article will give you 4 tips about your feline's ringworm.
1, Your Cats Ringworm And Your Children.
Ringworm is extremely contagious. Your cat can pass it on to your children, you and other animals. You or the kids can infect someone else or another pet. Not only can it be passed on to others, it can be spread to other parts of your body or the bodies of your child or pet.
It is imperative that you have your animal treated as soon as possible. In addition, if your child or you, are infected you should consult with your family physician. In most cases if the fungus is treated properly you will start to see improvement within the first few days.
Within 7 to 10 days there should be a complete recovery from the fungus. However, the doctor or your vet may recommend continued treatment for up to 2 or 3 weeks to make sure there is no recurrence of the infection.
2. How Can I Tell If My Cat Has Ringworm?
You should understand that in some cases there will be no outer signs of the fungus infection on some cats. However, your cat can still be a carrier and infect you, your children and your other pets. If you suspect your animal is a carrier call your vet.
If this is the case how can your cat or you be a carrier? Actually that is pretty simple to explain. The fungus can be anywhere. It can be in the grass, on the sidewalk, flowerbeds and can even be in the air ducts of your home.
During the incubation period of the fungus it develops spores, which can be picked up by your pet or you. When your animal or you move about the spores will drop off into the carpet, furniture, clothing, and bedding. Therefore the spores then can be picked up by your heating and air conditioning unit to be circulated through out your home.
3. How You Can Identify The Cats Ringworm.
First let's talk about how ringworm can be spotted on your favorite feline. In most cases you will spot the fungus on the head, around the ears or eyes or on the paws and nails of your cat.
Generally this is demonstrated by the circles of hair loss or flaky red skin in a circular form. You may notice your kitty scratching and licking the wounded area. Furthermore you may well see an increase in broken hairs and patches of flakey skin on the pets bedding, the carpeting, your clothing or your furniture.
One area you need to think about checking closely is the cat's paws. There is a variety of the fungus, which seems to concentrate in the pads of the paws or under the nail beds of your pet.
Second let's talk about how to spot it on your child's body or on your self. Very likely you will have an itchy sensation, in the area, where the fungus has penetrated the skin. As it continues to fester you will see a red circular pattern on the infected area. You may also observe dead looking skin flakes. Again you should contact your doctor in the event you see an outbreak on you or your child.
4. What Are The Treatments For Your Cats Ringworm?
At last there is some good news. Ringworm is easily treated by your vet and you. In the majority of the cases the vet may prescribe an antifungal cream and shampoo. It's usually a matter of shampooing your favorite pet every other day and applying the cream as directed by the vet.
Surprisingly enough your personal physician will recommend a very similar treatment for you or your child. It's possible they may prescribe and antifungal soap and cream. However, the doctor may just tell you to pick up the soap and cream across the counter at your local discount store or drugstore.
In conclusion you, your children and your wonderful pet can be infected by cats ringworm. But it is easily treated and cured with the proper medication.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended for any type of medical advice for you or your pet. It is intended for information purposes only. Always consult your personal doctor and your pet's vet in case of a medical problem.
Jan Roos
Visit my blog all about cats.
http://catschool.blogspot.com/
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