Ringworm in Cats: Recognizing Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention [Pictures]

Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis, is a common fungal infection in cats that affects the skin, hair, and nails. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by worms but by a fungus that feeds on dead skin cells. Understanding ringworm, especially what it looks like, is crucial for cat owners to ensure prompt treatment and prevent its spread. This article will provide a comprehensive guide, enhanced with detailed descriptions to help you recognize ringworm in cats, understand treatment options, and learn effective prevention strategies.

Identifying Ringworm: What Does Ringworm Look Like on Cats?

Recognizing ringworm in cats often starts with visual cues. The symptoms can vary, but typically manifest as skin and coat abnormalities. It’s important to note that ringworm in cats may not always present with the classic “ring” appearance seen in humans, which can sometimes make it tricky to identify without veterinary guidance. However, being familiar with the common signs can help you seek timely veterinary care.

Here are the common symptoms to look for when checking for ringworm in cats:

Circular Patches of Hair Loss: One of the hallmark signs of ringworm in cats is the appearance of circular areas where hair is missing. These patches may not always be perfectly round but often have a roughly circular shape. The hair loss can be patchy or more widespread.
Scaly or Crusty Skin Lesions: Accompanying the hair loss, you’ll often notice scaly or crusty skin in the affected areas. These lesions can appear dry and flaky, and the skin underneath may look irritated.
Red or Inflamed Skin: Ringworm lesions are frequently associated with redness and inflammation of the skin. The affected areas may appear pink or red and feel warm to the touch.
Broken and Stubby Hair: In areas affected by ringworm, the remaining hair may appear broken and stubby. This is due to the fungal infection weakening the hair shafts, causing them to break easily.
Changes in Skin and Fur Color: You might observe changes in the color of your cat’s fur or skin in the areas affected by ringworm. The skin might become darker or lighter, and the fur may appear dull or discolored.
Thickened Skin Patches: In some cases, ringworm can lead to thickened patches of skin. These areas may feel raised and rough compared to the surrounding healthy skin.
Excessive Grooming and Scratching: While not always specific to ringworm, excessive grooming or scratching can be a sign of skin irritation caused by the fungal infection. Your cat might be trying to relieve the itchiness and discomfort associated with ringworm lesions.
Location of Lesions: Ringworm lesions are commonly found on a cat’s head, ears, face, paws, and tail, but can appear anywhere on the body.
Nail Infections (Rare): In less frequent cases, ringworm can affect a cat’s nails, leading to rough, scaly nail bases, distorted nail shape, or even nail infections.

In more severe cases, ringworm can cause raised, nodular lesions called granulomas, which may discharge pus.

Image: Close up of scaly skin lesions, a common symptom of ringworm in cats.

It’s crucial to remember that some cats, especially long-haired breeds, can be asymptomatic carriers of ringworm. These cats show no outward signs of infection but can still transmit the fungus to other animals and humans. This highlights the importance of vigilance and prompt veterinary consultation if you suspect ringworm, even if your cat appears healthy.

Causes and Transmission of Ringworm in Cats

Ringworm in cats is caused by direct contact with fungal spores. These spores are resilient and can survive in the environment for extended periods, making ringworm a contagious condition.

Here’s how ringworm can be transmitted:

Direct Contact: The most common way ringworm spreads is through direct contact with an infected animal. This can occur in multi-pet households, shelters, or outdoor encounters.
Indirect Contact: Ringworm spores can live on surfaces like bedding, grooming tools, furniture, and carpets for up to 18 months. Cats can get infected by touching contaminated objects.
Soil: In rare cases, cats can contract ringworm from contaminated soil.
Compromised Skin: Fungal spores typically need a break in the skin, such as a scratch or wound, to establish an infection. However, cats with weakened immune systems can get infected even without skin injuries.

Certain factors can increase a cat’s susceptibility to ringworm:

Age: Kittens and senior cats are more vulnerable due to their less robust immune systems.
Environment: Warm and humid climates favor fungal growth, increasing the risk of infection. Overcrowded environments, like shelters, also facilitate the spread of ringworm.
Health Status: Cats with underlying health issues, especially those that suppress the immune system like feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), are at higher risk. Poor nutrition and stress can also weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility.
Breed: While all breeds can get ringworm, long-haired breeds might be asymptomatic carriers more often, contributing to the spread.

The incubation period for ringworm, the time between exposure and symptom onset, ranges from 7 to 14 days, but can sometimes be as long as four weeks. This means you might not see signs of ringworm immediately after your cat has been exposed.

Image: Microscopic view of fungal spores, the cause of ringworm infection in cats.

Diagnosing Ringworm in Cats

If you suspect your cat has ringworm based on the symptoms, veterinary diagnosis is essential. Veterinarians use several methods to confirm ringworm:

Wood’s Lamp Examination: A Wood’s lamp is a handheld ultraviolet light. When shined on certain types of ringworm fungus, infected hairs may fluoresce a bright apple-green color. However, not all ringworm fungi fluoresce, and false positives are possible, so this test is often used as a preliminary screening tool.
Microscopic Examination: Your vet can collect hair and skin samples from the lesions and examine them under a microscope. This can help identify fungal spores directly.
Fungal Culture: This is the most accurate method for diagnosing ringworm. Your vet will collect hair and scale samples and place them on a special culture medium to encourage fungal growth. It can take several days to a few weeks to get results, but this test identifies the specific type of fungus and confirms the diagnosis.
PCR Testing: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is a more advanced diagnostic tool that can detect fungal DNA rapidly. It’s highly sensitive and can provide faster results than fungal cultures, though it might not be available in all veterinary clinics.
Skin Biopsy: In rare, complex cases, a skin biopsy might be necessary. A small skin sample is surgically removed and examined microscopically to rule out other skin conditions and confirm ringworm.

Image: Veterinarian using a Wood’s lamp to examine a cat for ringworm, a common diagnostic tool.

Treatment Options for Ringworm in Cats

Ringworm treatment in cats typically involves a combination of approaches, including topical and oral medications, as well as environmental decontamination. Treatment duration usually lasts for at least four to six weeks, and sometimes longer, to ensure complete eradication of the fungus.

Topical Therapy

Topical treatments are applied directly to the cat’s skin lesions. They are crucial for killing fungal spores on the skin surface, reducing environmental contamination, and preventing spread. Common topical treatments include:

Antifungal Creams and Ointments: These are applied directly to the affected areas. Common ingredients include miconazole, clotrimazole, or terbinafine.
Antifungal Shampoos and Dips: Medicated shampoos containing miconazole or lime sulfur dips are used to bathe the entire cat, helping to eliminate spores from the coat and skin. Lime sulfur dips are very effective but have a strong odor and can stain fur.
Topical Sprays: Antifungal sprays can be used for localized treatment and are easier to apply to cats who dislike baths.

Topical therapy is often used in conjunction with oral medication, especially for widespread or severe infections.

Oral Therapy

Oral antifungal medications are often necessary for treating ringworm in cats, particularly for severe or persistent cases. They work systemically to stop fungal reproduction and spread. Commonly prescribed oral medications include:

Itraconazole: This is a frequently used oral antifungal for ringworm in cats. It’s effective but can have potential side effects, and blood tests may be needed to monitor liver function during treatment.
Terbinafine: Another oral antifungal, terbinafine is also effective against ringworm and generally has fewer side effects than itraconazole.
Griseofulvin: While historically used, griseofulvin is less commonly prescribed now due to potential side effects and the availability of newer, safer alternatives.

It’s crucial to complete the full course of oral medication as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence.

Environmental Disinfection

Environmental decontamination is a critical part of ringworm treatment because fungal spores can persist in the environment and cause reinfection. Disinfection measures include:

Clipping Fur: Shaving the cat’s fur, especially long-haired cats, can help remove infected hairs and improve topical treatment effectiveness. Use clippers carefully and dispose of clipped hair properly.
Thorough Cleaning: Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture to remove shed hair and spores. Steam cleaning can further help.
Disinfecting Surfaces: Clean hard surfaces with antifungal disinfectants like diluted bleach solution (1:10 dilution) or accelerated hydrogen peroxide.
Washing Bedding and Fabrics: Wash all bedding, blankets, towels, and washable items in hot water with laundry detergent and, if possible, bleach. Dry them in a hot dryer.
Grooming Tool Hygiene: Disinfect grooming tools like brushes and combs regularly.

Consistent environmental cleaning is essential throughout the treatment period and beyond to prevent reinfection and protect other pets and family members.

Image: Applying topical antifungal medication to a cat’s skin lesion as part of ringworm treatment.

Monitoring Treatment Progress

Follow-up ringworm cultures are usually performed after treatment begins to assess if the infection is resolving. Treatment typically continues until two consecutive negative fungal cultures, taken two to four weeks apart, are obtained. This confirms that the infection is fully cleared.

Recovery, Management, and Prevention of Ringworm in Cats

Successful ringworm treatment requires commitment and consistency.

Recovery and Management:

Isolation: Isolate infected cats from other pets and, if possible, limit their contact with certain areas of the house to contain the spread of spores during treatment.
Hygiene: Wear gloves when handling your cat during treatment and wash your hands thoroughly afterward to prevent transmission to yourself and others.
Follow Veterinary Advice: Adhere strictly to your veterinarian’s treatment plan, including medication dosages, application frequency, and environmental cleaning protocols.
Monitor Progress: Observe your cat for improvement in symptoms and attend all scheduled re-check appointments and follow-up fungal cultures.

Prevention:

Maintain Health: Keep your cat healthy with a balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and preventative care to support a strong immune system.
Reduce Stress: Minimize stress in your cat’s environment, as stress can weaken the immune system.
Quarantine New Pets: When introducing a new cat to your household, have them examined by a veterinarian before allowing contact with existing pets to prevent introducing ringworm or other illnesses.
Prompt Veterinary Care: Have any skin lesions or suspicious symptoms promptly checked by a veterinarian for early diagnosis and treatment of potential issues, including ringworm.
Good Hygiene: Practice good hygiene, especially if you handle animals frequently. Wash your hands after interacting with pets, particularly if you’ve been in contact with animals of unknown health status.
Avoid Overcrowding: In multi-cat households or breeding facilities, avoid overcrowding to minimize the risk of disease transmission.

Ringworm in Cats FAQs

What does ringworm look like on a cat?

Ringworm typically appears as circular patches of hair loss with scaly, red lesions. However, it can be variable and may present with other symptoms like patchy hair loss, scaly skin, or nail changes. Refer to the images in this article for visual examples.

Can ringworm spread from cats to humans?

Yes, ringworm is zoonotic, meaning it can spread from cats to humans and other animals. Practice good hygiene and consult your physician if you develop any suspicious skin lesions after contact with a cat suspected of having ringworm.

Will ringworm go away on its own?

No, ringworm usually does not resolve on its own in cats and requires veterinary treatment to clear the infection and prevent further spread. Untreated ringworm can persist for a long time and cause ongoing discomfort and contagion.

By understanding what ringworm looks like in cats, how it’s treated, and how to prevent it, you can be a proactive cat owner and ensure your feline companion stays healthy and happy. If you suspect your cat has ringworm, consult your veterinarian promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

WRITTEN BY

Katie Grzyb, DVMVeterinarian

Dr. Katie Grzyb received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2009. She continued her clinical training at…