The difference between scabies and fungus in cats can be seen from various sides because both do have quite a lot of differences.
Although both make the cat’s skin itchy and injured, there is a basic basis that makes the two distinguish each other.
Cat Fungus and Scabies The Same?
Cat fungus is not the same as scabies, in fact, both are diseases that have different sources of infection and different types of attack.
While the fungus is caused by spore-shaped organisms, scabies is caused by mites. They are both small, but different types.
Difference Between Scabies and Fungus in Cats
The difference between scabies and cat fungus can be clearly seen through 4 aspects that have been explained by the veterinary world.
Here are 4 kinds of differences between scabies and fungus in cats:
1. Causes of Cat Scabies and Fungus
The first difference between scabies and fungus in cats can be seen in the causes of these two infections.
First, the cause of scabies is caused by Sarcoptes scabei and Notoedres cati infections. Both are parasites referred to as mites.
For those who don’t know about mites. Mites are a type of insect that has a very micro/small size.
The shape is flat and brown in color, so it’s a bit vague because it goes into the skin tissue.
Well, this mite if it has been bitten will cause itching in the cat. Then over time, it will make the cat’s skin hurt too.
Then if the fungus is, the disease is caused by ringworm or dermatophytosis. Both of these organisms are a type of spore that can survive in an environment for years.
Therefore, if the fungus is not treated immediately, it will slowly spread throughout the cat’s body.
From the information above, we can see, these two diseases have quite clear differences. Moreover, insects and spores are two different species.
2. Infection Media of Scabies and Fungus
The second difference between Scabies and fungus in cats can be seen from the medium of infection.
For Scabies, the medium of infection can occur when the two cats interact closely with each other even though they are not touching. In addition, even if only the fur is in contact, then healthy cats can be infected.
Because the insects, can walk, they can move from the fur of one cat to the fur of a second cat. Only then looking for food in the skin tissue.
Please note, the reason this mite attacks the cat’s skin, yes to eat the cat’s skin tissue.
Meanwhile, if it is a fungus, the transmission medium is more difficult. Because spores cannot move freely like insects.
Even the cat’s long fur will be an obstacle for the spores to infect other cats.
Instead, if a newly shaved cat interacts with an infected cat, then the possibility of infection is very large.
So it’s clear, right? Regarding the medium of infection of these two diseases. But what we need to be aware of is that both diseases are equally contagious, including to humans.
3. Symptoms
The third difference between scabies and fungus in cats can be seen in the symptoms that appear. In scabies, the initial symptoms are itching in the cat so that it begins to scratch and lick body parts excessively.
Then after a few days, the infection goes into the red and scabby skin stage. Only then do the scabs dry and become like crusts.
Then regarding fungus, the initial symptom that will be caused is itching as well. The difference is that the location of the itching will be adjusted to the type of fungus that attacks.
As we know, there are many types of cat fungus. There are types that attack the ears, tail, and whole body.
Then the form of infection is also different, some make circular wounds (ringworm), and some are randomly shaped like diseases in general.
So the specific symptoms of fungus in cats are more about what kind of spores attack the cat.
4. How to Treat Scabies and Fungus
The fourth difference between scabies and fungus in cats can be seen in the way it is treated.
But this can only be seen after knowing specifically about the type of disease.
If the cat is finally identified as having scabies, then the doctor will generally give an antiparasitic or anti-scabies in the form of an injection, taken by mouth, or applied to the infected body.
Then in the recovery period, it can reach 1 month for infections that are already at a fairly severe stage.
Meanwhile, if the cat is identified as having a fungus, the doctor will usually prescribe medications such as ointments, shampoos, or antifungal creams.
So for the bath alone, you should bathe the cat with antifungal shampoo so that it can more quickly make the spores die and disappear from the skin.
Thus the article on the difference between scabies and fungus in cats.
