Cryptococcal fungi are most naturally found in warm and humid environments, particularly where soil, decaying organic material, such as wood, leaf litter, compost and bird droppings are present. Dogs and cats can develop serious, even life-threatening, cryptococcal infections when they inhale the spores of the fungi, writes Sara Lawhon, DVM, PhD, DACVM.
Infections are more common in cats and have been reported in both indoor and outdoor cats. Although potentially impractical, limiting a cat’s exposure to environments with decaying plant material and bird droppings is likely to reduce the risk of infection.
Source: PHYS.ORG, March 22, 2024. Link.
The most common form of cryptococcal fungal infections in cats affects the nasal cavity and sinuses, with early symptoms including swelling of the nose and face.”