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Fungal Toxicosis in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 09/12/2016Updated: 01/13/2022
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What are Fungal Toxicosis?
Fungal toxicosis is a disease caused by toxins that are created by fungi and molds. The condition occurs when fungus or spores enter the body, usually through inhalation or ingestion, and create mycotoxins, which damage internal systems. The condition is also called mycotoxicosis. Fungal toxicosis is more common in warmer climates. The fungus that causes these conditions is often found on foods, grains, or bedding materials. Cats experiencing fungal toxicosis will generally require medical attention. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe and can be fatal in some cases.
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Symptoms of Fungal Toxicosis in Cats
The symptoms of fungal toxicosis can vary depending on the type of fungus and the manner in which it entered the cat’s system. In cases where the toxin is ingested, early symptoms are generally gastrointestinal in nature. If the toxin is inhaled, respiratory symptoms are more common. In most cases, continued exposure or lack of treatment results in a worsening of symptoms and can lead to neurological issues and even death.
Symptoms Include:
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Blood in feces
- Abdominal bloating
- Nasal discharge
- Bloody nose
- Sneezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid breathing
- Fever
- Confusion or abnormal behavior
- Slow growth
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Incoordination
- Tremors or seizures
- Coma
- Liver toxicity
- Death
Types
Several types of fungus can cause toxicosis in cats, including molds and mushrooms. Some varieties known to cause issues for cats and other companion animals include:
- Aspergillus mold
- Fusarium fungi
- Penicillium fungi
- Amanita muscaria or Fly Agaric mushroom
- Amanita pantherina or Panther Cap mushroom
Causes of Fungal Toxicosis in Cats
The primary cause of fungal toxicosis is ingesting or inhaling toxin-producing fungus or spores. Fungal toxicosis is more common in warmer climates and areas with high moisture or humidity. The most common cause of fungal ingestion comes from moldy pet foods, grains, corn, or nuts. It is also possible for the cat to ingest mushrooms while outdoors. Bedding like straw, cotton, or other materials can also become infested with fungus, causing both ingestion and inhalation risks. Once the mycotoxins from the fungus or spores are in the cat’s system they poison the body, resulting in observable symptoms.
Diagnosis of Fungal Toxicosis in Cats
Your veterinarian will use several diagnostic methods to determine if fungal toxicosis is the cause of your cat’s symptoms. Numerous other conditions, including bacterial infections, viral infections, and some cancers, can cause similar symptoms in cats. Be prepared to discuss your pet’s medical history, living environment, symptoms, and the timeline associated with those symptoms. Before visiting the veterinarian, check for signs of mold or fungal growth in your cat’s food, bedding, and areas where they spend a lot of time. Bring a sample of anything you suspect may have molded and come into contact with your pet.
Imaging technologies like CT scans or MRI may be used to look for changes associated with fungal infection. Veterinary staff may also analyze blood, tissue, urine, feces, and mucus for signs of fungi or antibodies commonly produced to fight fungal infections. If fungal toxicosis is suspected, testing will be conducted to identify the type of fungus and determine the extent of the damage to your pet’s bodily systems. Special attention will be paid to the liver, including diagnostic imaging and potentially biopsy, as the liver is commonly affected by mycotoxins.
Treatment of Fungal Toxicosis in Cats
Fungal toxicosis treatments vary depending on the type of fungus, how it was introduced to the cat’s system, and the symptoms observed. Fungi that have infected the respiratory and sinus system through inhalation are often treated with topical antifungals, whereas ingested fungi require oral medications. Depending on the severity of symptoms, your cat may require hospitalization. Some treatment options include:
Oral Antifungal Medication
Dosing with an oral antifungal medicine is the primary treatment in fungal toxicosis. This category of medication helps to kill off the fungus in the cat’s system, alleviating symptoms and helping stop further damage. Treatments may go on for several weeks or months. Monitoring of kidney performance may be required as antifungals can increase the risk of kidney damage.
Antifungal Sinus Infusion
This treatment is most often used in cases where the fungus has been introduced through the respiratory system. This treatment is common with Aspergillus molds. Under anesthesia, a breathing tube is inserted, and the sinuses are blocked. Veterinary staff will then flood the sinus passages with a topical antifungal solution. The treatment will take over an hour to complete and may require multiple applications.
Gastric Lavage and Suction
Often referred to as 'pumping the stomach', this treatment is used to remove any ingested toxic material after a recent ingestion. This treatment is commonly used if toxic mushrooms have been ingested, but may also be used in the case contaminated food is suspected. The greatest risk is gastrointestinal distress.
Intravenous (IV) Fluids
Fluid therapy may be used to prevent dehydration, provide essential nutrients, and administer medications. IV fluids will be used in cases where vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite has occurred. This practice carries a low risk of side effects.
Symptomatic Treatments
Other treatments or medications may be prescribed to treat the various symptoms associated with fungal toxicosis. Treatments for seizures, pain, or fever are common. Your veterinarian may also recommend dietary changes.
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Recovery of Fungal Toxicosis in Cats
If fungal toxicosis is treated promptly and further exposure is prevented, the prognosis for recovery is generally good. In severe cases or those with long term exposure, permanent internal damage may occur. To prevent further exposure, remove and dispose of moldy foods and bedding materials. Thoroughly clean the cat’s living area to ensure any potential sources of fungus or mold have been eliminated. In the event your pet ate mushrooms found outdoors, take care to get rid of any mushrooms you observe in areas your cat frequents and have your cat checked over by a vet right away. Be sure to follow all of your veterinarian’s instructions, including continued dosing of medications. If dietary changes were recommended, ensure that your cat is receiving the proper nutrition that they need to recover. Continue to monitor your pet and seek veterinary assistance if symptoms worsen, return, or do not get better.
Fungal Toxicosis Average Cost
From 544 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$800
Top
Fungal Toxicosis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Mixed breed
Budder, Gossamer, Shades
11 Years
12 found this helpful
12 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Eye Watering
Cuts
Chewing Fur Off
My cats have been exposed to Aspergillus and Penicillium in our home for 3 months. We’re moving this week. How should they be groomed/what can I do to ensure they don’t get sick as a result of toxins, etc. in their fur? Thank you!
July 18, 2018
12 Recommendations
Both Aspergillus and Penicillium are opportunistic and may not develop into illness, once you’ve moved house speak with your Veterinarian to do a toothbrush culture to determine whether there are spores present on the fur and they will recommend an appropriate shampoo/dip to treat with. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 19, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Mix
Budder, Gossamer, Shades
11 Years
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Eye Watering
Cuts
Biting Furr Off
Irritably
My cats have been exposed to Asperillgus and Penicillium in our home for over three months. For two of those three months I was also living there, but after a trip to the ER I moved into a hotel. The only reason I didn’t bring the cats with me to the hotel is because I was told it wasn’t necessary, that Aspergillus and Penicillium very rarely harm cats and that there would be clear signs if it were harming them (our cats exhibit some symptoms of fungal toxicosis, asperillgosis, etc. but the vet we saw dismissed them as symptoms of anxiety). Which, from what I’m now reading, it sounds extremely harmful. So for the past month, we’ve been staying in the hotel while house hunting for a safe place for all of us and the cats have been living in the molded apartment. But now having done more research on the topic recently, I’m worried. We plan to move into our safe new home within the next week or so, hopefully even sooner but if need be I can move them into the hotel with me right now. My questions are, 1. How serious is the health risk for my cats, after having been there for three months total? 2. What tests should a vet do to determine if they have any sort of health issue as a result of this exposure? Thank you 💖💖
July 17, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
Fungal respiratory disease is possible if the cats were in that environment for that long, and one test that your veterinarian can do would be to take x-rays and evaluate their lungs for a fungal pattern in their lungs. The signs that they are showing could be from anxiety due to the move, too.
July 17, 2018
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Fungal Toxicosis Average Cost
From 544 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$800
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