Dermatophytosis in Cats

A fungal skin infection causing circular hair loss and dandruff. A zoonotic disease (transmissible to humans) that spreads easily in multi-cat environments.

Vet Supervised

Symptoms

Circular hair loss
Dandruff/scabs
Skin redness
Nail deformity
Mild itching

Related Symptom Pages

Hair Loss Dandruff Excessive Scratching

Causes

Microsporum canis (most common causative fungus)
Contact with infected cats
Contaminated environment

Diagnosis

Wood's lamp examination

Fungal culture

Skin scraping

PCR testing

Treatment

Antifungal medication (itraconazole)
Medicated baths
Thorough environmental decontamination

Prognosis

Cures in 4-8 weeks with proper treatment, but recurs if environmental decontamination is incomplete.

Severity: Medium

Prevention

Test new cats
Maintain clean environment
Support immune health

SymptomsRingworm in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment & How to Prevent Human InfectionRead article SymptomsCat Skin Problems: Itching, Hair Loss & Dandruff CausesRead article SymptomsCat Hair Loss: Causes of Abnormal Shedding & SolutionsRead article

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