Management of dermatophyte infections in catteries and multiple-cat households.

Successful elimination of dermatophytosis from cats requires clipping of the haircoat, weekly or twice-weekly antifungal dips, and systemic antifungal therapy. In addition, the environment should be repeatedly decontaminated with an appropriate chemical, for example, household bleach. Successful treatment may take weeks to months depending on the circumstances. Monitoring response to therapy is best done via toothbrush-culturing techniques and inoculation of the bristles onto fungal culture media. Currently, there is no successful fungal vaccine, and prevention of reinfection can be difficult and requires careful quarantine measures.