Cat fungus: symptoms and how to protect yourself

Anyone who strokes a cat infected with cat fungus can contract the skin disease themselves. Children in particular are vulnerable because they touch their faces a lot. We tell you what you should know about the fungal spores.

Patting a cat on the street is the highlight of a walk for some. But beware: stray cats (often found in the Mediterranean region) and farm cats can be infected with the contagious cat fungus. The fungus also spreads to humans, causing annoying ailments.

The disease is transmitted by the spores of the fungus Microsporum Canis and causes a so-called dermatophytosis, i.e. a skin disease, in cats. Although “canis” actually means “dog”, the fungus is particularly common on the skin and fur of cats. It lives by breaking down keratin, which is found both in the upper layers of the skin and in the hair.

Possible symptoms in cats

You don’t always see the fungus in cats: only cats with a weakened immune system show symptoms, and they can only be seen with a close look. Even people with a strong immune system rarely contract cat fungus. However, caution is advised, especially with children, as they often touch their faces and their child’s skin is not able to fight the fungus.

The most common symptoms of cat fungus in cats include:

• The fungus occurs mainly in the area of ​​the head. There the fur can look thin and dull.
• The cat scratches excessively because the fungus causes itching.
• Circular and patchy coat loss
• Inflammation of the skin on the bald surfaces
• claw inflammation

Rarely, well-groomed house cats can also suffer from cat fungus. A visit to the veterinarian is essential in this case. The cat is then usually given an antifungal drug that is injected or administered orally. In addition, shampoos or ointments are also used.

Symptoms and diagnosis of cat fungus in humans

When a person contracts cat fungus, they often develop visible symptoms. According to the Apotheken-Umschau, the most common signs include:

• If the scalp is affected, the cat fungus causes round spots with razor-short hair, as the hair breaks off just above the skin’s surface. Bare areas often form from this.
• Redness with white flaking may form on the scalp.
• In humans, too, cat fungus is often accompanied by severe itching.
• Rarely, yellowish blisters or pustules can also develop.

Although cat fungus most commonly affects the scalp in humans, it can also spread to the face or other areas of the skin and progress to the scalp. On the skin (for example, on the face), at first it resembles an insect bite. Gradually, the area turns into an itchy redness with a whitish coating (as if dusted with flour). Eventually, nodules and water blisters will develop. Such spots can occur singly or multiple times.

Dermatologists make a diagnosis by examining hair and skin samples under a microscope and creating a fungal culture. UV lighting can provide the first clues: under the UV light, the fungus glows greenish-yellow.

Cat fungus: protection and therapy

The best way to protect yourself from cat fungus is to stay away from stray cats. If you have nevertheless had contact, you can reduce the risk of infection by washing your hands thoroughly after petting or rubbing them with a disinfectant.

If the cat fungus breaks out, the therapy is lengthy and complex:

• All family members (including pets) must be screened for the fungus. If the infection goes undetected, there is a risk of a ping-pong effect, in which everyone keeps infecting each other.
• According to the Apotheken-Umschau, sick people have to undergo a combination therapy in which antifungal agents and ointments/shampoos are used for several weeks to months. (Important: wear gloves when applying to avoid infecting healthy skin).
• Those affected should change socks, stockings and underwear every day and wash at 60 degrees or hotter.
• Contagious children should stay away from school or kindergarten after consultation with the doctor.
• According to the Apotheken-Umschau, anyone who neglects a visit to the dermatologist and the therapy for too long risks permanent bald spots on their heads.

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