Cat's Foot Fungus Infection: How to Treat Swollen Paws?

In our daily lives, our beloved feline companions can also face a variety of health issues, one of which is a common fungal infection. Fungi can not only affect a cat's face, limbs, and tail, but they may also impact the claws, leading to redness, itching, and even an unpleasant odor.

So, what should we do when our cat's claws are infected with fungi? Let's delve into this matter.

Understanding the Symptoms of Fungal Infection in Cats' Claws

Cats' claws can be infected by various fungi, such as Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Malassezia, which thrive in damp, warm environments. If a cat's living space is dirty and humid, the risk of infection increases.

The symptoms of fungal infection in a cat's claws include:

1. Redness, itching, and hair loss around the claws.

2. The cat may frequently lick or chew its claws, leading to damp fur.

3. After skin damage or infection, the affected area may secrete pus or blood.

How to Treat Fungal Infection in Cats' Claws

1. Trim the fur around the affected area to expose the skin completely, and to prevent bacteria, dust, mites, and fungi from repeatedly infecting the wound.

2. Use antifungal shampoos to clean the affected area, such as 24% lime sulfur or 0.2% econazole solution. Always dilute these solutions before use to avoid skin irritation. For mild infections, a weekly wash may suffice, while severe cases may require biweekly treatments, each lasting about 15 minutes. Dry the area thoroughly after washing.

3. Apply antifungal medications to the skin lesions daily, such as Dapsone (miconazole nitrate ointment) or Pimite (terbinafine hydrochloride spray), twice to thrice a day. After applying, ensure that your cat wears an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from excessively biting or licking the affected area or ingesting the medication.

4. For deeper infections, consider oral itraconazole, taken once daily at a dosage of 510mg/kg. This should be administered for one week followed by a week off. However, this antifungal can harm the cat's liver, so it should not be taken longterm and is not suitable for kittens under three months of age.

5. Clean your cat's living supplies and daily activity areas promptly, and regularly disinfect the environment to provide a dry, clean, and wellventilated space, reducing the risk of reinfection.

6. Feed your cat supplements like Supradine (a vitamin B complex) and fish oil to aid in skin inflammation reduction, decrease hyperpigmentation, and promote skin repair, thereby enhancing the cat's skin immunity.

Of course, if you're unsure whether the infection is fungal, it's crucial to visit a veterinary clinic for a proper diagnosis before starting any treatment.

Fungal infections can take a long time to treat, so patience is key. Additionally, fungi can also infect humans, so always take precautions when handling your cat, such as wearing disposable gloves and washing your hands immediately after contact.