30 Secs to Distinguish Fungal vs. Bacterial Cat Skin In

Common skin diseases in cats are often caused by fungal or bacterial infections. Different causes require different medications for treatment, so it's crucial to avoid ineffective treatments that could potentially worsen the condition.

But for new cat owners, distinguishing between fungal and bacterial infections can be quite challenging. Don't worry! Today, we're going to teach you how to differentiate these two types of skin diseases in just 30 seconds!

Part 1: Distinguishing Fungal and Bacterial Infections in Cats

● Fungal Infections:

Initially, fungal infections usually present as circular or elliptical patches, with clear boundaries. The fur around the patches becomes rough and brittle, often shedding in clumps. These areas are covered with grayishwhite dandruff. In later stages, thickening and scabbing of the skin, known as lichenification, may occur, primarily causing dry and itchy symptoms. Ringworm is a classic example of a fungal infection.

● Bacterial Infections:

Bacterial infections typically manifest as small, raised bumps or pustules, along with redness. The affected area may have a sticky, white or yellow discharge, and it might have an unpleasant odor. Wet and itchy symptoms are common, with folliculitis and pyoderma being typical examples.

Part 2: Diagnostic Methods

1. Observe Symptoms

Initial infections can be judged by comparing the symptoms mentioned above. Conditions like folliculitis and eczema are relatively easy to identify.

2. Wood's Light Examination

Most fungal infections in cats will exhibit a green fluorescence under Wood's light, with an accuracy rate of about 70%.

3. Skin Scraping Examination

Fungal infections can sometimes be accompanied by bacterial, mite, or other pathogen infections. In such cases, a skin scraping examination at a veterinary clinic is necessary to differentiate.

ps: Don't be afraid of visiting the vet. A skin scraping examination usually costs between 50 to 80 yuan, and you can choose to only get tested and then purchase medication yourself.

Part 3: Treatment for Fungal and Bacterial Infections in Cats

● Fungal Infections:

Trim the fur around the affected area and disinfect with iodine solution.

Apply Dasatin (ketоконазол ointment) directly to the lesion, twice or thrice daily.

In severe cases, oral itraconazole, 5 to 10 mg/kg, once daily.

Administer Supervit (complex vitamin B solution) once daily to boost the cat's immunity.

● Bacterial Infections:

Rinse the affected area with saline solution. If there is purulent discharge, first disinfect with hydrogen peroxide, then rinse with saline to minimize the irritation to the skin.

Apply antibiotic ointments such as Fu'ant (zinc oxide ointment), mupirocin ointment, or erythromycin ointment, twice or thrice daily.

If necessary, oral antibiotics to control the infection, such as amoxicillinclavulanate potassium, metronidazole, or Eisuoda (cefadroxil tablets).

Part 4: Important Notes

During treatment, use an Elizabethan collar to prevent the cat from licking the affected area.

Regularly clean and disinfect the cat's living environment and daily items, maintain good ventilation and dryness, and reduce bacterial growth.

Feeding the cat more meat and supplementing with OMEGA3 fatty acids and vitamins can enhance the cat's immunity and aid in skin repair.

Cats can also suffer from skin diseases due to allergies, parasitic infections, endocrine disorders, and other reasons. It's generally not recommended to selfmedicate without first determining the type of skin disease.