Contagious Feline Skin Problems

Contagious feline skin problems can make your cat uncomfortable and itchy. They can also lead to health issues like hair loss and excessive licking. Outdoor and indoor-outdoor cats are especially vulnerable to these infections since they are more likely to come into contact with other infected animals.

  1. About

    • The most common contagious skin problems in felines result from mites, fungus and other parasitic infections. Households with multiple cats need to be especially vigilant since infections spread easily and can be difficult to get rid of.

    Types

    • There are different types of mange, all caused by infestations of microscopic mites. Feline scabies occur when your cat is infested with Notoedres cati mites. The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health warns that this type of skin problem is extremely contagious. Cheyletiella blakei mites cause walking dandruff, are very contagious and can infect humans as well as other pets. Ear mites affect the skin of your cat's ears. They're caused by Otodectes cynotis mites.

      Ringworm is a highly contagious skin infection caused by a fungus. People, as well as cats, are susceptible to ringworm.

    Identification

    • Identification of contagious skin problems in cats is usually uncomplicated. Ringworm causes round patches of scaly skin with dark centers. These infections occur most commonly on the face, tips of your cat's ears, tail and paws. Veterinary diagnosis depends on a fungal culture.

      You can identify walking dandruff by watching for movement of the dandruff-like mites on your cat's skin. This is usually accompanied by scaling around your cat's hind legs and itching that can range from nonexistent to severe.

      Ear mites are easily identifiable by the grainy, dirt-like residue left in the ear and by the way cats scratch at the area. Cats may also shake their heads.

      Feline scabies causes your cat's hair to fall out and his skin to become crusty along the head, neck and ears, though according to the Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health, an infection can spread along your cat's whole body.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Preventing contagious skin infections requires keeping a clean environment and limiting the access your cat has to the outdoors and other animals that may carry infections. Treatment for mites typically involves treating the environment, including thoroughly laundering pet bedding; regular dips in medications such as lime-sulfur or pyrethrins; and for ear mites, drops that you put in your cat's ears.

    Considerations

    • Contagious feline skin problems are easier to prevent than to treat. If you suspect a cat has an infection, immediately separate her from other pets and arrange a visit to a veterinarian.

      Also keep in mind that many skin infections can spread to people. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling any potentially affected cats.