Systemic fungal infections occur when fungal spores (like microscopic seeds) enter a cat's body.
Pathogenic spores are found locally outside and usually enter the cat's body through the respiratory tract.
Cryptococcosis in cats is the most common cause of systemic fungal infections, although fungal diseases are rare overall in the species.
In this article you will learn everything you need to know about cryptococcosis in cats.
Key takeaways
- Cryptococcosis is the most common systemic fungal infection in cats, usually acquired by inhaling spores from bird droppings or decaying plant matter.
- Symptoms vary depending on the part of the body affected and may include a swollen nose, sneezing, neurological signs, or skin nodules.
- Treatment involves long-term antifungal medications, and early diagnosis improves outcomes, although recovery may take several months to a year.
What is cryptococcosis in cats?
Cryptococcosis in cats is a systemic infection caused by a fungal organism Cryptococcus.
Most cats are exposed by breathing in fungal spores found in rotting plants and bird droppings.
The fungus can localize in a cat's nose, nervous system, skin, or bloodstream (systemic) and cause several symptoms.
However, the nasal form of cryptococcosis is more common in cats.
Cryptococcosis is not generally considered a medical emergency, but making a diagnosis and starting treatment quickly usually leads to a better long-term prognosis.
Symptoms of Cryptococcosis in Cats
Since cryptococcosis in cats can affect different parts of the body, symptoms may vary.
Common signs of cryptococcal fungi in cats include:
Causes of cryptococcosis in cats
Cryptococcosis in cats is caused by Cryptococcus mushroom. Cryptococcus neoformans And Cryptococcus gattii are the most common species of this fungus that cause illness in cats.
Cryptococcosis in cats is most common along the Pacific coast of the United States, California, Oregon, and Washington state.
The fungus grows naturally in decaying plant matter. It is often present in the droppings of several bird species, with pigeons being the most common carriers.
Cryptococcal spores pass harmlessly through their intestines and grow and grow in their feces. In fact, cryptococci can live in pigeon droppings for two years if conditions are favorable.
How Vets Diagnose Cryptococcus in Cats
After a thorough examination, your veterinarian will recommend specific diagnostic tests to determine if your cat has cryptococcosis.
Many veterinarians will start with routine blood tests and imaging, such as x-rays, to rule out other, more common illnesses.
If cryptococcosis is suspected, several diagnostic tests can help your veterinarian make a diagnosis.
Selection will be based on your cat's symptoms and your veterinarian's preferences. The following tests are commonly used to diagnose cryptococcosis in cats:
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Latex agglutination test (LAT): This test uses bodily fluids, such as blood or urine, to look for Cryptococcus antigens. The presence of Cryptococcus The antigen present in your cat's blood, urine, or spinal fluid helps diagnose cryptococcosis.
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Cytology: Your veterinarian can collect secretions from your cat's nasal cavity and examine them under a microscope for fungal organisms. Finding the organism on the slide constitutes a diagnosis of cryptococci. However, the absence of cryptococci does not mean that your cat does not have a cryptococcal infection. This test is an inexpensive way to screen for cryptococcosis.
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Fungal culture (mycology): Cryptococcosis, particularly the nasal form, can be localized to a single area of ​​your cat's body. This can lead to a negative test result if a sample is taken elsewhere in the body. In these cases, samples may be submitted to a laboratory for fungal culture to see if the organism will grow on a petri dish. The sampling area will depend on your cat's clinical signs. For example, if your cat has nasal swelling and sneezing, a nasal swab may be used. Urine is also commonly collected and subjected to fungal culture.
Some tests may require mild sedation to collect a good sample, so collect your cat's food and water bowls before midnight the day before their appointment. It is safest for your cat to have an empty stomach before being given a sedative to avoid vomiting.
Treatment of cryptococcosis in cats
Cryptococcosis in cats is curable. The infection responds well to treatment when cats have mild symptoms and the infection is detected early.
Cats with more severe neurological symptoms or signs have a more guarded prognosis. Cats who also have feline leukemia (FeLV) may not be cured and treatment may be aimed at making them more comfortable and extending the time they have left.
It is important to note that treatment for cryptococcosis takes several months and requires monitoring and frequent follow-up appointments with your cat's veterinarian.
Repeat blood tests and antigen tests will be necessary to ensure that your cat tolerates the medication and that the infection improves.
Treatment is generally continued for at least two to four months after the cat tests negative.
Cryptococcosis is treated with a combination of medications.
In addition to an oral systemic antifungal medication that can be administered at home, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, or ketoconazole, your veterinarian may prescribe amphotericin B, which is often given as an infusion over several hours in a hospital setting.
If this is the case, you will need to bring your cat to the clinic several times a week for treatment.
Before drug treatment, some cats may require surgery to remove masses or nodules where the fungus has accumulated.
Recovery and Management of Cryptococcosis in Cats
Cats can recover from cryptococcosis and lead normal lives, especially when the infection is detected early. Recovery can take up to a year, as cats typically require treatment over several months.
While your cat is undergoing treatment, monitor him closely for any side effects of the medications, such as decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea.
If side effects occur, your veterinarian may decide to adjust the dose of the medication or prescribe additional medications, such as an anti-nausea medication (like Cerenia) or an appetite stimulant (like Mirataz).
Talk to your veterinarian if your cat does not respond well to treatment.
If your cat has had surgery in addition to medical treatment, consider using a recovery collar or recovery suit until the incision has healed.
Prevention of cryptococcosis in cats
The easiest way to reduce your cat's risk of contracting cryptococcosis is to keep them indoors.
Since fungal infection is spread by spores found outdoors in decaying plant matter and bird droppings, preventing your cat from accessing these items can significantly reduce their risk of contracting the infection.
Cats are much more susceptible to cryptococcosis than other species. There are reports of indoor cats becoming infected after fungal spores were spotted in the house by housemates going out.
Removing your shoes at the door and wiping your dog's paws before he enters can help further reduce your cat's risk of exposure to Cryptococcus spores.
FAQs About Cryptococcosis in Cats
What are the symptoms of cryptococcosis in cats?
Symptoms of cryptococcosis vary depending on which part of the cat's body is affected by the fungal infection. Common symptoms include a swollen nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing, balance problems, swollen lymph nodes, and decreased energy and appetite.
Is cryptococcosis in cats contagious to humans?
Although humans can also contract cryptococcosis after inhaling fungal spores, the infection is not considered contagious. Cryptococcosis is not spread from infected cats to humans.
How does an indoor cat get a fungal infection?
An indoor cat can be infected with Cryptococcus if infectious spores are detected indoors on their parents' shoes or on the paws of other housemates who go out, such as dogs. Although not common, cats are much more susceptible to illness than other species.
How does a cat get crypto?
Cats contract cryptococcosis by breathing in fungal spores, which are most commonly found in decaying plant matter and in piles of bird droppings, especially pigeons.
