How do cats get ringworm?

** Cats get ringworm mainly through direct contact with cats suffering from ringworm, or indirect contact with items used by sick cats. Ringworm is a fungal skin disease that is transmitted by contact. The pathogenic fungi of ringworm mainly include Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, which can infect other cats and humans. If you have multiple cats at home, it is necessary to isolate the sick cats and raise them separately. When applying medication to the sick cat, the owner also needs to pay attention to personal protection to avoid infection.

Firstly, cats get ringworm mainly through contact, such as healthy cats directly contacting sick cats or indirectly contacting items used by sick cats. It is necessary to isolate the sick cats and raise them separately, and disinfect the living environment and items used by the sick cats. For cats with severe ringworm, internal medication or simultaneous internal and external medication is required. Commonly used drugs for treating ringworm include those containing itraconazole, ketoconazole, or terbinafine hydrochloride.

Secondly, after cats get ringworm, they will experience skin itching, crusting, and hair loss. The characteristic symptom is the appearance of well-defined bald circular patches on the skin. Typical lesions are usually found on the face, ears, limbs, and trunk of the sick cat. Ringworm often spreads rapidly in an irregular or diffuse manner, and timely intervention and treatment are required. During treatment, the cat should wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from licking the medication or spreading the fungus throughout the body by licking.

Lastly, cats get ringworm mainly due to damp living conditions, not drying off after bathing, and having a low resistance. It is necessary to ensure a dry and clean living environment for cats daily, and frequently disinfect and maintain it. It is also important to feed the cat a complete pet food to enhance its immune system. Additionally, feeding cats lecithin and vitamin B can improve their skin resistance.