What will happen if you don't treat ringworm in a cat? - briefly
If left untreated, ringworm in cats can lead to significant hair loss and skin irritation. Moreover, it can spread to other pets or humans in the household, causing a broader health issue.
What will happen if you don't treat ringworm in a cat? - in detail
If left untreated, ringworm in cats can lead to several complications and further spread of the infection. Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection that affects the skin, hair, and sometimes nails of cats. The fungus, typically Microsporum or Trichophyton species, thrives in warm, moist environments and can be highly contagious to both humans and other animals.
One of the primary consequences of not treating ringworm is the persistence and worsening of symptoms. These may include circular patches of hair loss, dandruff-like scaling on the skin, itching, and inflammation. The affected areas can become increasingly uncomfortable for the cat, leading to excessive grooming and potential self-trauma.
Another significant risk is the spread of the infection to other parts of the cat's body or to other animals in the household. Cats frequently groom themselves and each other, which facilitates the transfer of spores from one area to another. This can result in a more widespread and severe case of ringworm, making treatment even more challenging.
Human members of the household are also at risk of contracting ringworm if they come into contact with an infected cat. Children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to developing symptoms. The fungal spores can remain viable in the environment for up to 18 months, posing a long-term threat to all household members.
In addition to spreading within the household, untreated ringworm can lead to chronic infection in the cat. This means the condition may become difficult or even impossible to eradicate completely, requiring long-term management rather than a cure. Chronic infections can also increase the likelihood of reinfection and make future treatments less effective.
Furthermore, if a cat's ringworm infection is left untreated, it may develop secondary bacterial infections. These can occur due to breaks in the skin barrier caused by the ringworm itself or from excessive grooming and scratching. Secondary infections can complicate the treatment plan and require additional medications such as antibiotics.
In some cases, severe or prolonged ringworm infections can have systemic effects on a cat's health. While rare, the fungus can spread to internal organs through the bloodstream, leading to serious conditions like lymph node enlargement and even organ failure. This is more likely to occur in cats with compromised immune systems or underlying health issues.
To summarize, neglecting to treat ringworm in a cat can result in persistent symptoms, spread of infection to other animals and humans, chronic disease, secondary bacterial infections, and potentially serious systemic complications. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for the well-being of both the infected cat and those around it.