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Cat Ringworm -- Symptoms of a Contagious Skin Condition

by: KurtSchmitt
Total views: 6 | Word Count: 252

The most common infectious skin disease in domestic felines, cat ringworm is a fungal infection, and not a worm at all. It is easily spread by contact.

In many cases this disease resolves itself, without treatment, within 6 to 8 weeks. Since it's very common for cats to pass this disease on, your veterinarian may prescribe treatment anyway. Cats with compromised immune systems may take longer to heal and may not heal at all without treatment.

Ringworm, known as dermatophytosis, is a fungus which feeds on keratin. Keratin is a protein found in hair, nails, and skin.

This disease gets its name from the easy to spot, round ring-like marks it leaves on the skin. The classic ringworm symptom presents as patches of hair loss which appear as circular scaly areas with raised edges.

The initial symptoms include dry, flaky skin. The most common locations for infection are the head, face, ears, tail, and paws. In addition, you may see bald areas on the legs, ears, and around the eyes.

Cats with compromised immune systems may experience more severe symptoms, including crusty lesions that may become infected, red and sore.

Cat ringworm symptoms include hair loss and broken hair in circular or irregular patterns. You may also see bumpy, scaly, red, or inflamed skin, and possibly deformed claws. The affected areas do not always itch, and some cats may experience little to no hair loss with this disease.

Only your veterinarian can diagnose cat ringworm. If you suspect your cat has this ailment, call your vet's office for guidance.

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About the Author

Author Kurt Schmitt has created a website for cat lovers and writes about cat health and illnesses like cat ringworm  

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FollowText.com » Pets-and-animals » Cat Ringworm -- Symptoms of a Contagious Skin Condition

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