Cats are infected by inhaling, or less commonly ingesting, infectious spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, found in soil contaminated with bat and bird feces. Though outdoor cats are more likely to encounter this type of contaminated soil, histoplasmosis is found in both indoor and outdoor cats.
How common is histoplasmosis in cats?
However, histoplasmosis is uncommon to rare in all but dogs and cats. The fungus thrives in warm moist environments and is commonly found in soil that contains bird or bat feces.
How do indoor cats get fungal infections?
Soil is the primary source of most fungi and cats can acquire these infections by ingesting or inhaling them, or through the skin (through a wound or cut, for example). Your cat can also be at increased risk if they've been exposed to animals with an existing fungal infection, or come into contact with their feces.
How long do cats live with histoplasmosis?
Unfortunately, even when treated appropriately, only about 70 percent of dogs and cats survive to six months after diagnosis — even otherwise healthy and young to middle-aged ones. This highlights the need for a better recognition of histoplasmosis, hopefully leading to earlier diagnoses and better treatment outcomes.
Is histoplasmosis contagious from cat to cat?
Histoplasmosis is a non-contagious fungal infection of dogs, cats, other domestic and non-domestic animals, and humans.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
Can cats survive histoplasmosis?Can animals get histoplasmosis?
