In cats, one species of dermatophyte, called Microsporum canis, is responsible for almost all ringworm infections. This species is also infectious to dogs and humans. Occasionally ringworm infections in cats may be caused by species such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The Microsporum canis fungus is responsible for almost all ringworm infections in cats. Microsporum canis is also infectious to dogs and humans, being able to spread between different species. Occasionally, ringworm in cats is caused by another type of dermatophyte, such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Ringworm is actually caused by a fungal infection, and in cats it is known as feline dermatophytosis. Cats become infected by coming in contact with fungal spores in the environment or on the coats of other infected animals. Look for patches of hair loss on your cat.Ringworm — a fungal infection that affects your dog’s skin — is a common health issue that is treatable. If you notice skin symptoms on your dog like bald patches, itchiness, or crusty skin, take your dog to the vet for a diagnosis.Those most susceptible to ringworm are kittens and cats less than one year old, who are still developing an immune system, or cats whose immune systems are suppressed, such as FIV+ cats. Longhaired cats are also more prone to ringworm than are shorthaired cats.
How do cats and dogs get ringworm?
Ringworm can be passed to your dog or cat by contact with another animal or a person who is infected with ringworm. 3 He can also be infected by exposure to contaminated objects, such as grooming utensils, bedding, and dishes. They can also be infected by fungal spores found in the soil.
Where does ringworm come from?
Ringworm isn't a worm. It's a skin infection that's caused by moldlike fungi that live on the dead tissues of your skin, hair, and nails. You can get it in any of these places -- and on your scalp. When you get it between your toes, it's what people call athlete's foot.
How contagious is ringworm from dog to human?
Yes. Ringworm is highly contagious and considered zoonotic (can be passed between animals and people). Dermatophytosis occurs when a dog is in direct contact with an infected animal or human, or has contact with items contaminated by an infected animal (e.g. grooming equipment, sharing a kennel).
What causes ring worm?
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by common mold-like parasites that live on the cells in the outer layer of your skin. It can be spread in the following ways: Human to human. Ringworm often spreads by direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
How does a cat get ringworm?
A cat can get ringworm by touching an infected animal or indirectly by touching materials like bedding and carpet that have contaminated skin cells. These spores feed off of skin, hair and nail proteins, which allow each organism to rapidly grow and multiply.
What is ringworm in dogs?
Ringworm, as the fungus is commonly called, is named for the round, raised, red ring appearance usually seen in human ringworm infections. Ringworm, scientifically known as dermatophytes, is a collection of pathogenic fungi. In dogs, 70 percent of ringworm cases are caused by the fungus Microsporum canis,...
Who is most susceptible to ringworm in cats?
The reality is that kittens (those under a year of age) and elderly (geriatric) cats are the most susceptible to ringworm followed quickly by long haired pets and immunologically compromised pets. The condition can spread like wild fire so it is important to keep it in check.
Can a cat have ringworm and not show symptoms?
If you suspect your cat may have ringworm, approach with caution, because it’s highly contagious and capable of transmitting from animal to human. It’s possible for a cat to carry ringworm spores and not show any symptoms, but most of the time the signs will manifest the same.
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