Moreover, he points out, ringworm is a zoonotic disease—it can be passed from an infected cat to a human who comes in contact with it. Thus, the condition can pose a significant threat to people as well as to cats.
How likely is it to get ringworm from a cat?
Other studies have shown that in 30%-70% of households in which a cat develops ringworm, at least one person will develop the condition. Young children, the elderly, and people whose immune function is compromised for any reason are most susceptible to the infection.
Can cats give owners ringworm?
Ringworm infections are likely to occur during hot and humid conditions, crowding (such as found in shelters and catteries), poor management practices and mixing new animals on arrival. Ringworm spreads rapidly. It is a zoonotic disease which means that it can spread from cats to humans.
Can you get an infection from a cat licking?
Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection spread by cats. The disease spreads when an infected cat licks a person's open wound, or bites or scratches a person hard enough to break the surface of the skin.
Can I touch my cat if it has ringworm?
Yes. Ringworm is contagious and can spread between cats and humans but only through open skin such as scratches, abrasions, or other skin wounds.
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