Cat yeast infection symptoms are detectable. However, these are similar to other conditions, so the symptoms may indicate other allergies or fungal infections and diseases. A vet can diagnose your cat.
Causes of Cat Yeast Infection
Yeast infection in cats may be caused by a number of existing diseases that will weaken the immune system.
The use of antibiotics may also kill the harmless bacteria, and cause an imbalance and a yeast infection. Other types of medication such as flea and heartworm drugs may lead to a yeast infection.
Yeast infection can be caused by an imbalanced diet, thyroid problems, pregnancy or lactation.
Extreme Itchiness
A yeast infection causes extreme itchiness in cats, so they will scratch and lick themselves more than usual. The infection may be localized in the ear canal, in between the paws, in the rectum or in females, in the vagina.
Hair Loss
Yeast infection causes irritation on the skin and this will lead to hair loss. The excessive scratching and licking will also cause hair loss.
Skin Redness
Affected areas will appear red, and even have rashes and lesions in more serious cases. It is important to detect the infection and treat it, to prevent the cat from scratching and causing more problems.
Dandruff
Malassezia is one of the most common yeast organisms that can cause yeast infection in cats. Malassezia in excess will also cause dandruff, irritations and hair loss.
Chin Acne
Malassezia needs fat to be able to develop; usually it finds fat on cat's facial skin, upper body and scalp. If there is a surplus of this type of yeast, it will cause chin acne that requires a lengthy treatment.
Seborrhea
Seborrhea is the excessive secretion of the sebaceous glands. This may be a consequence of thyroid problems and is also a symptom of feline yeast infection. Seborrhea causes oily or dry skin and coat, and the cat will have an unhealthy look, with scaly and crusty skin. Seborrhea may result in hair loss, because it causes the hair to be easily pulled out.
Other symptoms of feline yeast infection include fatigue, irritability and sometimes a secretion with a foul odor. Coughing and sensitivity to noise and light may also occur in rare cases of cats with yeast infection.
Yeast Infection Treatment
The treatment of yeast infection may be problematic because the yeast organisms thrive in moist areas. However, a treatment combining shampoos, ointments and anti-fungal medication can solve the problem.
Shampoos for yeast infection contain miconazole nitrate, chlorhexidine or ketoconazole.
The treatment is lengthy. Make sure not to discontinue it as soon as you see that the symptoms are gone. Keep up the treatment for as long as your vet prescribes it.