Little Tabby had a rough start to life. She was found at five weeks of age as a stray kitten. Poor little Tabby had lost about 80% of her hair due to a ringworm infection. Ringworm is not a worm at all but actually a fungal infection. It typically affects animals with low immune systems like kittens and undernourished adults. It is also zoonotic, meaning it can be transferred to humans.

Ringworm appears in a circular patch of hair loss. While it is treatable it takes a lot of effort and some expense. Luckily Tabby found her way to Marisa, one of our wonderful nurses who cared for her. Tabby was treated for eight weeks with tablets, washes and anti-fungal creams and had to be kept isolated from other animals during this time. She made a full recovery and now has a new home where she is very happy and healthy. It takes a lot of effort to raise stray kittens and care for them during their illness but it is due to the dedication of foster carers such as Marisa that so many make it and go on to live happy full lives.

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• Zoonoses - Healthy pets, healthy people