Yeast Infections in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and More

What Are Yeast Infections in Cats?

Are you noticing itchiness, skin bumps, or red and swollen ears on your cat? If you are, they might be dealing with a yeast infection.

Yeast naturally lives on the skin and is normally kept under control by the cat’s immune system. When this defense is damaged, such as with underlying disease, yeast can overgrow and cause infection.

Yeast infections can be very uncomfortable for cats, and they can affect the skin, mouth, bladder, and ears.

The most common types of yeast infections in cats are due to Malassezia and Candida species of yeast.

They cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from intense itchiness to thick ear discharge.

Thrush is a specific type of yeast infection that causes white plaques or spots on the inside of the mouth or esophagus.

While yeast infections are not considered medical emergencies, they can cause discomfort in cats and should be treated quickly.

If a cat becomes so itchy that he is causing trauma to his skin, he should be brought to see a veterinarian immediately for the right treatment and relief.

Types of Yeast Infections in Cats

There are several types of yeast infections in cats, including:

• Otitis: This type of yeast infection causes the ears to become itchy, red, and inflamed (swollen).

• Dermatitis: A yeast infection that makes the skin itchy and flaky.

• Cystitis: Yeast that overgrows in the bladder can lead to infection and problems with urination.

• Thrush: Yeast may overgrow in the mouth and lead to this uncomfortable condition.

Symptoms of Yeast Infections in Cats

Symptoms of yeast infections in cats can vary based on the affected area of the body, but may include:

• Itchiness

• Hair loss

• Small, red skin bumps

• Dry, flaky skin

• Thickened skin

• Chewing or licking skin/paws

• Frequent scratching of ears

• Head shaking

• Red, inflamed ears

• Thick, yellow ear discharge

• Musty odor

• Brown staining on fur

• Brown discoloration of the nails

• White plaques in mouth

• Excessive drooling

• Bad breath

• Reduced appetite

• Lethargy

• Diarrhea

Causes of Yeast Infections in Cats

Cats can get infections when the yeast that is normally on their skin overgrows. This can be due to chronic disease, such as cancer or diabetes, or immunosuppressive conditions, like FIV or FeLV.

Also, if there is trauma to the skin, yeast can get in the wound and cause infection. Scratching due to allergies can lead to such open wounds.

Sometimes, if cats are being given immunosuppressive medications like steroids, their immune systems weaken and change the balance of yeast on the skin.

Any breed or age of cat can get a yeast infection.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Yeast Infections in Cats

Veterinarians diagnose yeast infections in cats with a physical exam and testing.

A physical exam allows the veterinarian to find obvious abnormalities in the cat’s appearance.

During the veterinary visit, pet parents should discuss when symptoms began, if their cat has previously been diagnosed with any diseases, and if their cat is taking any medications.

If a yeast infection is suspected, the veterinarian may do the following tests:

• Ear swab: A sample of ear discharge is collected with a cotton swab and placed on a glass slide. It is stained, then viewed underneath a microscope to look for yeast.

• Tape prep: A piece of clear tape is gently pressed onto the affected area of skin, stained, and then viewed under a microscope to check for yeast.

• Skin scrape: A dull blade is used to gently scrape skin cells onto an oiled glass slide to rule out other causes of skin conditions, such as mites.

• Urinalysis: A urine sample is checked for the presence of yeast that could be causing an infection.

• Blood work: Doing blood work on a cat can show underlying diseases, such as diabetes, that could be partly causing the cat’s symptoms of a yeast infection.

Treatment of Yeast Infections in Cats

Treatment for yeast infections in cats will include topical or oral antifungal medications.

Topical medications are put directly on the area of skin or into the ear canals.

Oral medications (taken by mouth) may be needed if the yeast infection is more widespread or causing a urinary tract infection.

Specific medications that may be prescribed include:

• Itraconazole

• Fluconazole

• Amphotericin B

• Nystatin

• Clotrimazole

• 1% iodine

Shampoos may be recommended for some cats and are generally used along with topical or oral medications for full treatment.

If a cat is taking an immunosuppressive medication such as cyclosporine, you may have to stop giving it to allow the yeast infection to heal.

The veterinarian can decide whether this step is needed, based on your cat’s condition.

Recovery and Management of Yeast Infections in Cats

Yeast infections in cats are generally curable with the right treatment prescribed by a veterinarian.

Some infections may take longer to heal depending on the cat’s overall health.

Ear infections and urinary bladder infections caused by yeast are usually treated successfully within seven to 10 days. Yeast infections of the skin or mouth may take four to six weeks or longer for full healing.

Pet parents should make sure they closely follow the veterinarian’s instructions about medications to help with a fast recovery.

Prevention of Yeast Infections in Cats

All cats need regular veterinary care to help with overall health and wellness.

Finding and managing underlying diseases early can prevent secondary yeast infections from starting.

Regular checkups also allow the veterinarian to find yeast infections in the early stages before the symptoms worsen.

Controlling allergies can reduce scratching and itching, which sometimes open the skin and allow infection to start. This may be done using topical, oral, or injectable medications.