ABSTRACT Background Dermatophytosis is an infectious skin disease caused by fungal organisms collectively known as dermatophytes. In cats, the most commonly isolated dermatophyte is Microsporum canis . Known predisposing factors include young age, long hair coat, lifestyle, warm geographical locations and Persian breed. Hypothesis/Objectives The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of dermatophytosis in cats of different breeds in a dermatological referral practice in Italy over a 9 year period, highlighting clinical and breed‐related differential features. Animals 1457 cats of different breeds, 54 of which were affected by dermatophytosis. Materials and Methods Cases of feline dermatophytosis diagnosed between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2024 were searched. Cases were included based on availability of signalment, clinical presentation and confirmation of diagnosis with positive microscopic examination of hair shafts and/or Wood's lamp examination and positive fungal culture. Results The prevalence of feline dermatophytosis in our sample was 3.7%, with M. canis identified in all cases. Dermatophytosis was more frequently diagnosed in Persian cats (14 of 66, 21.2%) and Persian‐related breeds, including British shorthair (10 of 39, 25.6%), exotic shorthair (two of 22, 9.1%) and Scottish fold (two of 20, 10%). Among Domestic short hair (DSH) cats, the prevalence was 2.1%. Young age was a predisposing factor and in pure‐bred kittens contagion most likely occurred at the breeder's facility. Pruritus was reported in 63% of the cats. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance The disease was frequently diagnosed in Persian cats and Persian‐related breeds. Cats aged < 1 year are predisposed. Pruritus is common, regardless of the breed.
Colombo et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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