Feline Ear Fungus Infection: Causes and Treatments

Feline Ear Fungal Infection: Reddish Lesions Appear

Symptoms of Fungal Ear Infection in Cats

When a cat's ears are infected with fungi, the first signs often include the cat shaking its head or scratching its ears frequently. This behavior is a clear indication of the fungal infection. If left untreated, the area affected by the infection can become scratched and broken, leading to skin irritation.

Fungal infections, such as ringworm, are particularly itchy for cats, which can result in scabs forming over the broken skin or an abundance of dandruff before the skin breaks. The infected areas may also develop reddish patches or even experience hair loss.

If a cat is infected with fungi, it suggests that its living environment is abundant with fungi or that it has come into contact with other infected cats. It's crucial for pet owners to isolate any other pets in the household immediately and to sanitize the environment to eliminate the source of the infection.

Partial Hair Loss on the Side of a Cat's Ear Due to Fungal Infection

Treatment for Fungal Ear Infection in Cats

Fungal infections in cats are commonly referred to as ringworm. To effectively treat this, it's important to first sterilize the area before applying medication. Disinfection can be achieved using iodine, or if iodine is not available, a product like Fenoldopam spray can be used. Fenoldopam not only sterilizes but also treats skin diseases, making it an ideal choice for treating fungal infections in a cat's ears. If the cat has ringworm all over its body, a cream like Fenaltropine ointment may be necessary. Using these two medications together can effectively cure the ringworm and skin disease.

Once the ringworm has cleared, the cat's fur will gradually grow back. To enhance the cat's skin health and promote lustrous fur, owners can supplement their pet's diet with Vitamin B and other nutrients, which aid in the quick restoration of skin elasticity and hair growth.

Important Reminder:

All items that the cat has come into contact with should be disinfected. Simply wash these items and leave them out in the sun for two days to sterilize them. As ringworm is a fungal skin disease, pet owners should wash their hands after handling the cat to prevent the spread of the infection and the development of skin diseases in themselves.