Managing dermatophytosis in cats — a fungal skin infection with welfare and zoonotic implications.
Feline ringworm causes welfare impairment through skin inflammation, alopecia, and the intensive treatment regimen required. Dermatophyte infection causes circular, scaly, inflamed patches with hair loss. While lesions are not always pruritic, they are uncomfortable — cats groom affected areas excessively, potentially spreading spores and introducing secondary bacterial infection.
The treatment period represents a significant welfare burden. Systemic itraconazole or terbinafine must be administered for 4-8 weeks. Twice-weekly antifungal shampoo bathing is stressful for many cats. Environmental decontamination — vacuuming, surface cleaning with bleach, washing bedding — is essential but disruptive. Cats may need to be confined during treatment to prevent spread, restricting normal behaviour.
The zoonotic significance adds urgency to welfare-focused management. Ringworm lesions on humans — particularly children and immunocompromised individuals — cause itchy, inflamed circular rashes. Prompt diagnosis and treatment protects both feline and human welfare simultaneously.