4 Tips About Cats Ringworm And Your Children
Did you know that your cats ringworm is not a real honest
to goodness worm? That's right cat lovers. Your cat isn't
infected with a worm, but a fungus. If you're into big names
the medical term is dermatophytosis. Let's keep it simple and
use ringworm throughout this article. This article will give
you 4 tips about your feline’s ringworm.
1. Your Cats Ringworm And Your
Children.
Ringworm is extremely contagious. Your cat can pass it on to
your children, you and other animals. You or the kids can
infect someone else or another pet. Not only can it be passed
on to others, it can be spread to other parts of your body or
the bodies of your child or pet.
It is impetrative that you have your animal treated as soon
as possible. In addition, if your child or you, are infected
you should consult with your family physician. In most cases if
the fungus is treated properly you will start to see
improvement within the first few days.
Within 7 to 10 days there should be a complete recovery from
the fungus. However, the doctor or your vet may recommend
continued treatment for up to 2 or 3 weeks to make sure there
is no reoccurrence of the infection.
2. How Can I Tell If My Cat Has
Ringworm?
You should understand that in some cases there will be no
outer signs of the fungus infection on some cats. However, your
cat can still be a carrier and infect you, your children and
your other pets. If you suspect your animal is a carrier call
your vet.
If this is the case how can your cat or you be a carrier?
Actually that is pretty simple to explain. The fungus can be
anywhere. It can be in the grass, on the sidewalk, flowerbeds
and can even be in the air ducts of your home.
During the incubation period of the fungus it develops
spores, which can be picked up by your pet or you. When your
animal or you move about the spores will drop off into the
carpet, furniture, clothing, and bedding. Therefore the spores
then can be picked up by your heating and air conditioning unit
to be circulated through out your home.
3. How You Can Identify The Cats
Ringworm.
First let’s talk about how ringworm can be spotted on your
favorite feline. In most cases you will spot the fungus on the
head, around the ears or eyes or on the paws and nails of your
cat.
Generally this is demonstrated by the circles of hair loss
or flaky red skin in a circular form. You may notice your kitty
scratching and licking the wounded area. Furthermore you may
well see an increase in broken hairs and patches of flakey skin
on the pets bedding, the carpeting, your clothing or your
furniture.
One area you need to think about checking closely is the
cat’s paws. There is a variety of the fungus, which seems to
concentrate in the pads of the paws or under the nail beds of
your pet.
Second let’s talk about how to spot it on your child’s body
or on your self. Very likely you will have an itchy sensation,
in the area, where the fungus has penetrated the skin. As it
continues to fester you will see a red circular pattern on the
infected area. You may also observe dead looking skin flakes.
Again you should contact your doctor in the event you see an
outbreak on you or your child.
4. What Are The Treatments For Your Cats
Ringworm?
At last there is some good news. Ringworm is easily treated
by your vet and you. In the majority of the cases the vet may
prescribe an antifungal cream and shampoo. It’s usually a
matter of shampooing your favorite pet every other day and
applying the cream as directed by the vet.
Surprisingly enough your personal physician will recommend a
very similar treatment for you or your child. It’s possible
they may prescribe and antifungal soap and cream. However, the
doctor may just tell you to pick up the soap and cream across
the counter at your local discount store or drugstore.
In conclusion you, your children and your wonderful pet can
be infected by cats ringworm. But it is easily treated and
cured with the proper medication.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended for any type of
medical advice for you or your pet. It is intended for
information purposes only. Always consult your personal doctor
and your pet’s vet in case of a medical
problem.
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