A cat has crusts, itching, and red spots on the face and ears; the owner also reports itching on the abdomen. What is the recommended course of action?

A cat has crusts, itching, and red spots on the face and ears; the owner also reports itching on the abdomen. What is the recommended course of action?

• A. Scrape & culture cat lesions and see human doctor
• B. Start steroids
• C. Isolate the cat
• D. Do nothing

Answer: (A)

Contagious skin infections that can transfer from a cat to a human require diagnostic confirmation and coordination of care. The presentation of crusts, itching, and red lesions on the face and ears in a cat raises suspicion for dermatophytosis (ringworm), a fungal infection that people can catch. The best next step is to collect samples from the lesions by scraping and submit them for fungal culture (and microscopy) to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment for the cat. Involve the owner’s physician as needed to assess and treat any potential human exposure, helping prevent spread. Starting steroids would mask symptoms without addressing the infection and could worsen the situation; isolating the cat is a prudent precaution but does not replace the need for diagnosis and treatment. Doing nothing risks ongoing infection and further transmission.

Contagious skin infections that can transfer from a cat to a human require diagnostic confirmation and coordination of care. The presentation of crusts, itching, and red lesions on the face and ears in a cat raises suspicion for dermatophytosis (ringworm), a fungal infection that people can catch. The best next step is to collect samples from the lesions by scraping and submit them for fungal culture (and microscopy) to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment for the cat. Involve the owner’s physician as needed to assess and treat any potential human exposure, helping prevent spread. Starting steroids would mask symptoms without addressing the infection and could worsen the situation; isolating the cat is a prudent precaution but does not replace the need for diagnosis and treatment. Doing nothing risks ongoing infection and further transmission.