It sounds like a parasite, but ringworm has nothing to do with creepy, crawly worms. This fungal skin infection is fairly common in cats and humans alike — your child’s school has probably seen a few cases. One reason it’s so common? It’s contagious and requires immediate treatment.
“Ringworm in cats can be a frustrating condition to treat,” says Ingrid King, a former veterinary hospital manager and the author of “Purrs of Wisdom” and The Conscious Cat. “In addition to working with your cat’s veterinarian to determine the appropriate treatment, you’ll also need to implement measures to eradicate ringworm spores from your home, which can be a very challenging process.” Here’s everything you need to know about this medical issue.
What Should You Look For?
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), you should look for patchy spots with little to no hair and a red center (a “ring,” if you will). The area may appear dry and flaky. Look particularly at your cat’s head, ears and forelimbs but any skin, hair and nails can be affected. Though these lesions start small, they can grow rapidly. As soon as you notice something that even resembles ringworm, consult your vet immediately.
Though ringworm produces a distinctive circle on your cat’s skin, you probably won’t notice any behavioral changes, says the ASPCA. Ringworm looks nasty, but it’s not especially painful or irritating to cats. Your cat probably won’t even realize he or she has it, which is a relief for cat owners!
How Can You Be Sure It’s Ringworm?
The distinctive lesions ringworm causes are easy for you or the groomer to spot — it’s hard to miss something so ugly on your pretty kitty. Only a veterinarian, however, can diagnose it. In addition to inspecting the skin, your vet may use an ultraviolet light on your cat or take a fungal culture to confirm diagnosis, says the ASPCA. In extreme cases, a vet might opt for skin biopsies or microscopic exams.
What’s the Next Step?
Early treatment is critical, says Dr. Justine Lee, a veterinary specialist in emergency critical care and toxicologist and the author of “It’s a Cat’s World…You Just Live In It.” “It typically takes 14 to 21 days at minimum to achieve a cure for ringworm, so ideally I recommend aggressive, dedicated treatment and isolation for one month. This is especially important in shelter or pet rescue situations,” she says.
After a vet diagnoses ringworm in your cat, the most common treatment is a special prescription-strength shampoo or ointment with a strong antifungal component. You’ll need to apply it several times a week. In rare cases, you may have to give your cat oral medications.
Ringworm fungus is notorious for being a tough bugger to kill, so you may continue treatment for months. In addition, your cat should be confined to a “clean room” that is regularly treated with an antifungal cleaner to prevent re-infection due to shedding.
Should You Worry About It Spreading?
Unfortunately, ringworm is contagious and can be passed between cats, dogs, and even people, according to the Centers for Disease Control. This is why isolation and frequent cleaning is essential during treatment. To prevent the spread (and initial appearance), wash your cat’s bedding and favorite toys regularly and vacuum your house to minimize fur that has been shed.
In addition, caregivers should wear gloves and protective clothing when interacting with a cat who has ringworm. Other animals should be kept away from the infected cat at all times.
There is no surefire way to prevent ringworm in cats, but keeping your cat indoors is one way to limit your pet’s access to this fungus. Checking your cat’s coat regularly is a great way to catch any symptoms early, too.
Ringworm is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be a big headache for you and your cat. However, knowing the signs of ringworm and catching it early can help pet parents manage this malady and get their pet fungus-free as soon as possible.
For more on cat health, read Care for Cat Ear Mites.
Amanda Kondolojy is a full-time freelancer with more than a decade of caregiving experience.
* This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be providing medical advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The reader should always consult a health care provider concerning any medical condition or treatment plan. Neither Care.com nor the author assumes any responsibility or liability with respect to use of any information contained herein.
