| Ringworm is a very common form of skin | | | | the head or the paws. Ringworm can easily be |
| disease that is found in both dogs and cats. | | | | identified by a patch of scaly skin on the body |
| Although its name makes you think otherwise, | | | | that appears itchy and inflamed. There will also be |
| this skin disease isn't caused by any type of | | | | broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin. This |
| worm. It's actually caused by fungi known as | | | | area is very sensitive, and you should never try |
| Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissues found | | | | to touch it, as it will hurt your cat. |
| in the surface of the skin, spreading them around | | | | If you notice any of the above symptoms with |
| the skin of the animal. | | | | your pet, you should immediately schedule an |
| With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known | | | | appointment with your vet. If the vet diagnosis |
| as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all | | | | your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe |
| ringworm cases. Normally, cats will get the | | | | ointment or tablets. What he describes however, |
| ringworm disease from contaminated objects like | | | | will determine on how serious the ringworm is. If |
| bedding, clippers, or another animal that already | | | | he prescribes tablets to your cat, you should give |
| has the disease. If there are animals in your home | | | | them with meals. Ointment on the other hand, is |
| or around your house that have the ringworm | | | | normally spread into the coat, topically. You should |
| disease, your cat could very easily contract it this | | | | always use what your vet prescribes on a daily |
| way. | | | | basis, to ensure that your cat heals. The healing |
| If you have kittens or cats that are under a year | | | | process will take time, normally around six weeks |
| old in your home, you should always use | | | | or more. |
| precaution, as they are more susceptible to | | | | Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as |
| ringworm. Kittens can easily contract the disease, | | | | infectious. If you have children in the house, you |
| especially if you allow them to go outside. They | | | | should keep them away from your pet. |
| can easily come in contact with a contaminated | | | | Whenever you handle your cat, you should |
| object or another cat that has the disease. | | | | always use gloves. Ringworms are contagious, and |
| Kittens take a long time to build their immune | | | | you should always use caution. Even though it's a |
| system up, and in the meantime they are more | | | | mild disease, ringworm can result in serious |
| apt to get common disease such as ringworm. | | | | problems due to the slow recovery time and fact |
| The most common symptoms of ringworm in | | | | that it's contagious. |
| cats are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around | | | | |