Cat warts are a common cutaneous ailment that affects cats of all ages. In this article, we discuss this skin condition further.
Cat warts, also known as feline viral papillomas, is a common skin condition that affects cats of all ages. These small, benign growths can appear on various parts of a cat's body, including the face, lips, and feet, and can cause discomfort and irritation for our feline companions. While cat warts are typically not a serious health issue, if left untreated, they can be unpleasant and can cause secondary illnesses.
In this article, we will explore everything you should know about cat warts, from their underlying causes to the most effective ways to prevent and treat them.
There are two main types of warts in cats: cutaneous and oral papillomas.
Cutaneous papillomatosis in cats is the most known type and appears as small, raised, and wart-like growths on the skin, usually on the head, face, or neck. They can occur in cats of all ages but are more common in young cats under the age of 2.
On the other hand, oral papillomas show up as tiny, cauliflower-like growths in the mouth and throat. These can impede a cat's ability to eat, drink, or groom itself and can be found on the tongue, gums, and tonsils. Cauliflower warts on cats are more common in older cats and are brought on by a different strain of the papillomavirus than cutaneous papillomas.
Can Cats Get Warts?
Yes, they can. The feline papillomavirus, a highly contagious virus distributed by direct contact with an infected cat or contaminated surfaces, is the primary cause of cat warts. Cuts or abrasions in the skin or mucous membranes are entry points for the virus, which can then enter the body and infect the cells.
Factors that can increase the risk of infection include:
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Age: Older cats are less likely to get cat warts than kittens under the age of two.
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The health of the immune system: Cats who have compromised immune systems are more susceptible to viral illnesses, such as cat warts.
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Contact with diseased cats: Direct touch with an infected cat or contaminated surfaces can increase the chance of acquiring cat warts.
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Inadequate hygiene: Negligent hygiene habits, such as failing to clean food containers or litter boxes, might raise the risk of viral infections.
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Stress: Cats are more prone to viral infections when the immune system is compromised.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cat warts can vary based on the location of the growths and the gravity of the infection. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:
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Wart-like, tiny, elevated growths in the mouth or on the skin
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Discomfort or irritability, especially while handling or touching the warts
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Having trouble eating or drinking (in cases of oral papillomas)
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Excessive drooling or mouth-pawing (in cases of oral papillomas)
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Around the afflicted area, secondary infections or inflammation may occur.
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Changes in behavior or mood, particularly if the warts are causing discomfort or pain.
Treatment Options
Cat warts frequently disappear on their own without the need for treatment. However, there are a number of treatment options available if the growths are uncomfortable or are in danger of contracting an infection. These are a few typical methods for treating cat warts:
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Surgical removal: In cases where the warts are causing significant discomfort (for instance - wart on cat paws)or are at risk of becoming infected, surgical removal may be necessary. This is standardly done under anesthesia, and the warts are excised using a scalpel or laser.
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Cryotherapy: Warts are frozen using liquid nitrogen during cryotherapy, resulting in their blistering and eventual removal. The veterinarian's clinic can do this less intrusive operation.
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Immune system support: Supporting the cat's immune system through a healthy diet and supplements can help speed up the healing process and prevent the recurrence of warts.
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Topical treatments: Cat warts can be made smaller and less irritable with the use of a number of topical medications. These may include antiviral creams, salicylic acid, or other medications prescribed by a veterinarian.
Prevention Tips
To keep our feline friends healthy and comfortable, cat warts must be stopped from spreading. Here are some recommendations to help stop cat warts from spreading:
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Regular veterinary check-ups: Regular check-ups can help identify any potential health issues, including the presence of cat warts, before they become a more serious concern.
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Good hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands before and after touching your cat, can help prevent viral diseases from spreading.
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Isolate infected cats: If your cat has been diagnosed with cat warts, you must isolate them from other cats to prevent the spread of infection.
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Vaccination: A vaccine is available for feline papillomavirus, which can help totally minimize the risk of developing cat warts.
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Boost the immune system: Supporting your cat's immune system through a healthy diet and supplements can help minimize the possibility of developing viral infections.
We can help prevent cat warts and other viral illnesses in our cats by using these preventative steps. However, ensure that your cat receives the proper care and treatment by consulting with your veterinarian if you observe any strange growths or changes in its behavior or health.
What is the treatment for warts on cats?
Warts in cats, commonly referred to as cutaneous papillomas, are typically benign growths caused by a viral infection known as the wart virus. The most common cause of warts in cats is a viral infection that affects cell division, leading to raised growths or skin warts. These benign tumors can occur anywhere on the cat's skin but are often found around the neck, face, and oral cavity. While warts are generally non-cancerous, they can sometimes be confused with more serious conditions like squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to have any unusual growths evaluated by a veterinarian.
Treatment options for cat warts vary based on the severity and location of the warts. For benign tumors that do not cause discomfort, observation might be the best course of action. However, if the warts interfere with the cat's quality of life or begin bleeding, surgical removal may be necessary. Surgical excision is effective in removing warts completely, especially when paired with a biopsy, to ensure they are not cancerous. For smaller warts, cryotherapy, which involves freezing the warts off with liquid nitrogen, can be an effective treatment. In some cases, fine needle aspiration may be used to analyze the wart's cells to rule out malignancy.
Is it normal for a cat to have a wart?
While it is not exceedingly common, it is not unusual for cats, particularly older cats or those with compromised immune systems, to develop warts. These skin warts are often benign growths caused by a viral infection that can affect other species as well. Cats with immunosuppressive conditions are at a higher risk of developing warts. It is important to monitor any raised growths or skin tags on a cat, especially those that resemble plaque-like lesions, as they could potentially indicate a more serious condition such as squamous cell carcinoma. Infected cats, particularly outdoor cats, are more susceptible to warts due to direct contact with other infected animals or environments.
What causes common warts and treatment?
Common warts in cats are primarily caused by a viral infection, specifically a species-specific papillomavirus. This virus leads to rapid cell division in the affected area, resulting in the formation of skin warts. The most common cause of warts in cats includes direct contact with infected cats or contaminated surfaces. Cats with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to developing these benign growths. Outdoor cats, in particular, are at higher risk due to their increased exposure to potential sources of the virus.
Treatment for common warts in cats depends on their size, number, and location. For benign warts that do not cause discomfort or health issues, monitoring the cat's warts and ensuring they do not grow or become problematic may be sufficient. Surgical removal is often recommended for warts that cause discomfort or have a high risk of becoming infected. In cases where warts are located in sensitive areas like the oral cavity, oral papillomas might require specific treatments to prevent them from interfering with the cat's ability to eat. Supporting the cat's immune system through a balanced diet and supplements can also aid in preventing subsequent infections and promoting overall health.
How to remove filiform warts?
Filiform warts are long, narrow warts that typically appear on the neck, face, or other parts of a cat's body. These warts, caused by a viral infection, can be particularly bothersome due to their location and potential for irritation. The best course of action for removing filiform warts involves several methods, often determined by a veterinarian based on the wart's characteristics and the cat's overall health.
Surgical removal is the most effective way to remove filiform warts, especially if they are causing discomfort or are prone to bleeding. This procedure involves the complete excision of the wart, ensuring it does not recur. For less invasive options, cryotherapy can be employed to freeze the wart off using liquid nitrogen. In some cases, fine needle aspiration might be used to analyze the cells of the wart, ensuring it is not malignant. Topical treatments, though less common for filiform warts, might be used to treat the affected area. Additionally, boosting the cat's immune response through proper nutrition and care can help prevent the recurrence of warts and subsequent infections. It is important to have any skin lesions or raised growths evaluated and treated properly to maintain the cat's health and quality of life.
