Fungal infections not only can make your cat uncomfortable, they also can have a major impact on your feline friend's overall health. Here, vets explain some of the causes, symptoms and treatments for fungal infections in cats.
Fungal Infections
Most fungi originate in soil, where they lie in wait for animals to inhale or ingest them. Parasitic fungal organisms can also find their way into your pet through the skin (via a cut, wound or another open sore), or through direct contact with an infected animal or an infected animal's feces.
Health problems and complications associated with fungal infections typically occur in cats with compromised immune systems or those that are ill, weak, or have been taking immunosuppressive agents or antibiotic drugs for a while.
Common Fungal Infections in Cats
Although there are many different types of fungi in the environment that can negatively impact your cat’s health, vets see some infections more often than others. Here are some of the fungal infections we see in cats:
- Aspergillosis
- Candidiasis
- Cryptococcosis
- Coccidioidomycosis
- Histoplasmosis
- North American Blastomycosis
- Mycetomas
- Rhinosporidiosis
- Sporotrichosis
- Phaeohyphomycosis
These infections can be concentrated in a specific part of your kitty's body or spread throughout the entire body. Though generalized fungal infections are fairly rare in cats, fungal skin infections are quite common.
Signs of Fungal Infection in Cats
The signs of infection that your cat displays will be determined by the type of fungal infection they have contracted. Below are some common symptoms our vets see in cats with the types of infections listed above:
- Lung infections
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Eye problems
- Seizures
- Bladder infections
- Skin lesions
- Weight loss
- Paralysis
- Intolerance to physical activity
- Diarrhea
- Blindness
- Anemia
- Depression
- Swelling under the bridge of the nose
- Difficulty breathing
- Bloody discharge from nose
- Cysts beneath the skin
- Cough
- Circling
Diagnosis & Treatment of Fungal Infections in Cats
Because some fungal infections are rare or regional, they can be difficult to diagnose. You can help your vet to pinpoint the fungus responsible for your kitty's symptoms by knowing your cat’s medical history and being prepared to answer questions such as when your pet began to display symptoms of infection.
A complete blood count (CBC), chemical blood profile and urinalysis will help your vet identify what’s causing your kitty’s symptoms. In some cases, a tissue sample may be taken to assist in diagnosis. Your cat will typically be anesthetized for these tests. The tissue sample will be taken during surgery, then analyzed in our lab.
Depending on the type of fungi that is causing your cat’s symptoms, your veterinarian may present different options for treatment, such as hospitalization if the fungus is transmittable to humans. This will help reduce the risk of you or your family becoming infected with the disease.
If your cat will be staying at home, your vet may provide instructions on how to prevent infections - including wearing gloves and a mask when handling your cat or changing their litter.
Your vet may be able to remove skin lesions and prescribe topical ointments to help treat the infection. If necessary, any secondary infections will also be treated with medications or IV fluids. Fungal infections can be challenging to treat. So, it's important to keep in mind that several weeks of treatment may be needed before your kitty’s health issues begin to show significant improvement.
Recovery & Prognosis
The prognosis for your feline friend will be determined by the type of fungal infection your kitty has contracted. Although prescription medication can help to clear some infections, others may have long-term health impacts or even lead to severe neurological symptoms (like those caused by North American Blastomycosis, for example).
To help your cat recover, it’s critical to attend all follow-up appointments so your cat’s recovery can be assessed. Your vet will check to see that no relapses have happened and make changes to medication if required. Report any changes in your cat’s appearance or behavior immediately.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.