Ringworm, which is also called trichophytosis, dermatophytosis or microsporia, can occur in cats. The disease is contagious and very dangerous to humans. Most often it manifests itself in kittens under one year old, animals or people with weak immunity.
Lichen is a fungal disease. In an animal with good immunity, it occurs very rarely, although the fungus itself can be on the skin and coat for years. The body of a healthy cat prevents the fungus from spreading.
How does shingle infection occur?
Lichen, which manifests itself in cats, is dangerous to humans if they have a weakened immune system. The fungus is spread by spores that are only visible with a microscope. In cats that catch mice, ringworm may develop after a hunt, as rodents are also susceptible to infection. Spores can be airborne, deposited on furniture, walls, floors, linen and clothing. An infected cat did not necessarily come into contact with the carrier - it could walk on the grass where the infected dog or another cat lay, or even rub against the owner's jacket.
A sick animal must be isolated - the lichen cannot be removed quickly. It is advisable for a person in contact with a cat to protect themselves from infection - for this, during contact with a sick animal, it is necessary to wear surgical gloves, shoe covers and a gown. This is especially necessary if there are small children in the house.
Lichen symptoms
How the lichen will look in a cat depends on the resistance of its immunity and the degree of infection. These can be round bald patches with a flaky surface. The spots can be grayish or yellowish in color, sometimes they itch, and the cat begins to scratch them with her claws. External signs of lichen in animals are areas with "broken off" hairs, which gradually expand. Lichen in cats manifests itself in different ways - it can be evidenced by small spots on the face and ears, or large areas without hair. Therefore, owners should be wary at the sight of any receding hairline.
There are also cases when an infected animal does not develop a disease - the elbows will simply become bald. But it is still necessary to go to the veterinarian - if the immunity drops a little, the fungus will immediately spread to the sides, forming bald spots. It should be borne in mind that spores will crumble even from very small areas.
If everything is clear with the external signs of the disease, others are more difficult to recognize. A healthy cat may not even respond to an infection. Some animals may itch more intensely than usual, while others may have irritated skin, pimples or nodules.
A trip to the veterinarian is in any case obligatory - only he is able to make an accurate diagnosis. Lichen symptoms are similar to other skin conditions, and it is simply unwise to postpone a visit to the doctor.
