Feline ringworm is caused by fungal organisms named dermatophytes. The disease usually targets cats under a year old because their immune systems haven’t fully developed. Cats with long hair also contract feline ringworm more often than short-haired cats. The disease is very infectious and can be transmitted to cats, humans, and dogs.

Forms

As mentioned earlier, feline ringworm is caused by fungi. The fungus comes in three different forms. They include Trichophyton, Microsporum Canis, and Microsporum Gypsum. The most common form that causes feline ringworm is Microsporum Canis.

Symptoms

The fungus that causes feline ringworm lives in the hair follicles. The hair shafts will eventually weaken and cause your cat’s hair to fall out. The resulting patches are usually round and are located on the limbs and head. A cat with feline ringworm may also develop dry and flaky skin. Some cats also have red and itchy skin.

Diagnosis

There are various methods used to diagnose feline ringworm. One of the most common methods is to use an ultraviolet lamp which will cause the fungus to glow fluorescent green. Another method used to diagnose feline ringworm is by using a culture. The veterinarian will remove a few strands of hair from your cat and place them in a laboratory. The fungus will grow in the lab if the hair strands were infected. The two other methods of treatment include a biopsy and a microscopic examination of some of your cat’s hairs.

Treatment

Healthy cats can get rid of feline ringworm themselves after two to four months. However, the fungus is very infectious, so it’s best to get it treated. One of the most common treatment options is to use shampoo containing lime sulfur to treat your cat. Feline ringworm can also be treated with anti-fungal drugs. If you have a long-haired cat, it may be best to clip his hair so that the treatment is more effective. If you have multiple cats in your home, you will need to treat the others also

In addition to treating a cat with feline ringworm, you will also need to treat the environment since the fungus can live without a host. You should clean down surfaces that your cat comes into contact with using bleach and water. It’s also best to vacuum often and throw away the dust bag that may contain fungi spores.

Prevention

The vaccine for feline ringworm is a three-shot course. It needs to be given to cats after they reach four months old. You should be aware that this vaccine only protects your cat against one of the three forms of the fungus that causes feline ringworm. However, you’ll be happy to know that this form is the one that affects the majority of cats.