Many people are cat lovers because of their cuteness and soft fur. However, did you know that during this humid weather cat lovers should be wary of fungal infections in cats. Although developed by cats, the fungal infections can be transmitted to humans. So, let’s have a closer look at fungal infections in cats.

Fungal infections in cats

There are many types of fungal infections in cats. The most common type is “microsporum canis”, a fungus that lives on the skin of animals and is responsible for skin disease. The symptoms noticeable when a cat is infected include patches of hair coming off, red and dry skin, and flaky skin. Long-haired cats are more prone to fungal infections than short-haired cats as their fur accumulates more moisture.

Fungal infections in cats can be transmitted between animals and people through direct contact without there being any wound. So, just by touching, hugging, holding or sleeping in the same bed, you can be infected. Therefore, if your cat has any of the symptoms listed above, you should take it for a checkup both for your safety and that of your beloved pet.

Symptoms of fungal infections in cats

Those who contract fungal infections from cats will develop red rashes on their skin and constant itchiness. The rashes appear as circular blotches. They start out as a small circle and gradually expand into larger circles. The patient will also have flaky skin around the rashes. If the patient’s scalp is infected, it may cause patches of hair loss. Such infections can also be transmitted by touch. So, if the patient scratches the rash and then touches other parts of their body, rashes will occur in those areas as well.

Who is at risk of fungal infections in cats?

·       Children

·       Elderly

·       Those with a weak immune system

How to treat fungal infections from cats in humans

·       Mild symptoms (not many rashes)

o   Use topical antifungal medications for about three weeks until the rashes gradually disappear.

·       Severe symptoms (rashes all over the body)

o   Use both topical and oral antifungal medications for three weeks or more.

·       Scalp infections

o   Use oral antifungal medications as prescribed by the doctor along with topical or antifungal shampoo.

How to prevent fungal infections from cats to humans

·       Thoroughly wash hands and body parts that touch cats and other pets.

·       Regularly clean the appliances that cats and other pets come into contact with.

·       Clean cats and pets with anti-fungal cleaning products and blow dry.

·       Regularly vaccinate cats and pets against fungal infections.

·       Avoid touching and being in close contact with cats and other pets at all times, such as bringing cats to bed or having pets lick your face or mouth.

·       When abnormalities are found in cats or pets, they should be taken to the doctor immediately.

Cleanliness should be basic hygiene in every household. We should always keep ourselves and our cats clean so they will be free from fungus and we will be safe from it as well.

Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance customers who have mild rashes should consult a doctor online with Krungthai-AXA Telehealth service by downloading Emma by AXA application and pressing the “TeleHealth” button to confirm your policy number the first time you use it. For more details, please visit:  https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/telehealth.

References

·       Corporate Communication, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital
https://bit.ly/3UK0tac

·       King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society
https://bit.ly/3UMGWG0

·       Petcharavej Hospital
https://bit.ly/3DVnzol