Cats are naturally stealthy creatures and excel at hiding things, including themselves. If you’ve ever tried to lure one into a carrier to take them to the veterinary hospital in NYC for a checkup, or when they’re feeling under the weather, you know how great they can be at disappearing.
However, when it comes to ringworm, even the stealthiest feline can’t completely mask the clues. The signs of ringworm in cats are often quite evident, and when left untreated, there’s a good chance you’ll start seeing signs in other pets and humans in your home.
So, how can you tell if your cat has this unpleasant fungal infection, and what can you do about it?
What Is Ringworm? Hint: It’s Not a Worm
“Ringworm” is somewhat misleading. Despite the name, it isn’t a worm at all. It’s a fungal infection brought on by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes that invade the skin, hair, and, occasionally, the nails.
The term actually comes from the telltale circular, red rash it often causes in people. In cats, it’s not always that obvious.
So, while you might picture a wriggling parasite burrowing under your cat’s skin, ringworm is a contagious skin disease. It can spread easily between cats, as well as to dogs, rabbits, and even humans. That’s why knowing the early signs of ringworm in cats is super important.
But where does the fungus come from?
Cats get these infections via direct contact with the fungus. The spores can live almost anywhere, including on surfaces, in soil, and on the skin or fur of infected animals. Cats tend to pick up ringworm in several ways, including:
- Direct contact with another infected animal, like another cat, a dog, or livestock
- Exposure to contaminated environments, like shelters, boarding facilities, or outdoor spaces where infected animals have been
- Exposure to contaminated items, like bedding, grooming tools, or collars
Most cats that develop an infection have an open wound, like a scratch, when they come in contact with the fungus. However, young kittens or older cats, neither of which has a strong, well-developed immune system, can get an infection without having an open wound. Immunocompromised cats, such as those with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), are also at a higher risk.
Other factors that increase the potential for infection include having long hair, as the dense, thick hair traps fungal spores more easily, and living in a warm, humid climate where fungus thrives for longer periods. One of the big challenges in managing ringworm is that spores can persist in the environment for months. They can live for up to 18 months on surfaces like bedding and carpet, causing infections seemingly out of nowhere.
Ultimately, all it takes is a few tiny fungal spores latching on to your cat’s skin or fur to start an infection. That’s why spotting the signs as early as possible while maintaining good hygiene practices at home is so important.
Signs and Symptoms To Watch For
Ringworm can manifest in various ways, and not every cat will exhibit the same symptoms. Some cats, especially long-haired breeds, can carry the fungus without apparent symptoms. But most of the time, you’ll notice a few telltale signs if you know what to look for.
1. Patches of Hair Loss
One of the first and most noticeable signs of ringworm in cats is bald patches. These spots appear random, or they may form roughly circular patterns. The skin underneath may appear crusty or inflamed.
Some pet parents attribute their cat’s hair loss to normal shedding, but ringworm doesn’t cause even hair loss. The fungus causes hair to break off near the skin, resulting in random patches.
2. Scaly Skin Lesions
If you notice hair loss patches on your cat and examine them closely, you may also see scaly skin lesions. These areas can be dry, flaky, and a little rough to the touch. In some cases, the scales have a grayish tint, while at other times, they look red and irritated.
3. Itching and Scratching
Some won’t seem too bothered by the infection, but others might become noticeably itchy, in which case itching and scratching could be another big clue. Constant grooming, scratching, or rubbing against furniture are all ways your cat tries to soothe their irritated skin.
4. Circular Red Spots
On pets (and people), circular red spots are classic signs. You might notice these on your cat’s ears, face, paws, or tail. The rings may appear raised, inflamed, or slightly crusty.
5. Brittle or Deformed Claws
Although uncommon, ringworm can infect a cat’s claws, making them brittle, rough, or misshapen.
It’s essential to note that it takes time for symptoms to appear in your cat after coming into contact with the fungus. In most cases, it takes a week or two for cats to show physical signs of an infection, but it may be a month before you notice that your kitty is in discomfort.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Ringworm in Cats
If you notice any signs that your cat may have ringworm, schedule an appointment for them to see the veterinarian. The diagnosis isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds, because other dermatophytoses (skin infections caused by fungi, mites, or bacterial infections) may have strikingly similar symptoms.
To make a proper fungal infection diagnosis, your vet may conduct a series of tests, including any of the following:
- Wood’s lamp examination: About half of all infections caused by Microsporum canis (the most common type in cats) will fluoresce under a special ultraviolet light. Your vet might darken the room and wave a “blacklight” over your cat’s coat. If the infected hairs glow a greenish color, it’s a strong hint that ringworm is the culprit for your pet’s symptoms.
- Microscopic examination: The vet will take a sample of hair or skin scrapings to examine under a microscope. They’ll look for fungal spores clinging to the hairs that indicate an infection.
- Fungal culture: This method is the gold standard for a definitive diagnosis. The vet will place a few hairs or skin samples in a special medium that encourages fungal growth. It can take up to three weeks to get an answer, but the results are highly accurate.
- PCR test: Some clinics offer molecular tests that detect fungal DNA quickly. These tests are common for stubborn or difficult cases where other tests fail to yield conclusive results.
Treatment Options for Cats With Ringworm
If the vet diagnoses ringworm, don’t panic. The condition is treatable, and the majority of cats recover completely with a few weeks of treatment. That said, you do need to be patient, as it can take just as long for your pet to show visible improvement.
Ringworm will not resolve on its own without treatment. Left to its own devices, it could lead to widespread infections, secondary bacterial infections (from scratching and open sores), and general discomfort. Severely infected kittens can also experience poor growth or secondary health complications, so don’t neglect to nip it in the bud.
Most vets recommend a combination of topical and systemic treatments to tackle the fungus head-on. Aggressive treatment ensures that the symptoms will subside and not return; stopping treatment too soon or only treating the visible patches won’t eliminate the fungus.
Topical Treatments
Most cats require daily applications of antifungal creams or ointments to manage ringworm; the most common options include products containing miconazole, terbinafine, and clotrimazole. Bathing your cat with medicated shampoos twice a week can also help kill the fungus. Lime sulfur dips smell awful, but they’re very effective at killing the spores that cause ringworm.
In some cases, your vet may recommend shaving the cat to control the infection. You may only need to remove hair from a few areas to treat a minor infection, but if the infection is widespread or you have a long-haired breed, removing all the fur may be the most effective way to eliminate the spores.
Topical treatment typically takes four to six weeks; however, some animals may require treatment for several months. In any case, it’s critical to complete the prescribed regimen in its entirety to ensure that you kill all the spores and prevent the infection from worsening. This is the only way to keep the spores from spreading to other animals or their immediate environment.
Oral Medications
Some cats require oral antifungal medications, such as itraconazole or terbinafine, to manage severe or persistent cases. These treatments help eliminate the infection from the inside out. They prevent the fungus from reproducing and spreading, allowing topical medications to be more effective.
Environmental Cleaning
Treating your cat’s ringworm infection is only half the battle. Remember, the fungus spores can remain dormant on surfaces for up to 18 months, so it’s essential to thoroughly clean your home to eliminate lingering spores and reduce the risk of reinfection or infecting people and other animals in your home.
Veterinarians recommend isolating cats with ringworm as much as possible, confining them to areas of your home that are easy to clean. And as difficult as it may be, it’s best to limit your physical contact with the animal. If you can’t resist petting your furry best friend, always wash your hands thoroughly and avoid any contact with broken skin.
Doing the following regularly can help keep your home spore-free and aid your infected cat’s recovery:
- Vacuuming and washing the floors in the rooms your cat can access daily
- Cleaning surfaces with a diluted bleach solution, which kills the spores
- Washing pet bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water; consider replacing your pet’s bedding if practical
Ringworm Is Contagious to Humans, Too
Ringworm isn’t just a feline problem. It’s a contagious skin disease that can hop from your cat to you and your family, as well as other animals inside your home. The last thing you want is to have a house full of people and pets with skin infections, so recognizing the signs of ringworm in cats helps prevent a whole lot of trouble.
In humans, it usually appears as red, itchy, ring-shaped rashes on the skin. Children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible. While your doctor will make an official diagnosis, you can usually treat the condition with over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments; only the most severe cases need prescription oral medications.
How To Prevent Ringworm
There is no vaccination or other preventive treatment for the fungus in cats. And while you can’t 100% guarantee that your cat will never encounter it, there are steps you can take to lower the odds:
- Keep new pets quarantined: If you bring a new animal into the home, keep them separated from your other pets for a few weeks. Watch closely for any hair loss patches or scaly skin lesions.
- Practice good hygiene: Regular grooming and occasional baths can help you identify potential problems with your cat early. Wash your hands after handling animals.
- Disinfect regularly: If you’ve had an outbreak before, be extra vigilant about cleaning bedding, brushes, and surfaces regularly.
- Limit contact with strays: Outdoor cats, strays, and shelter animals are more likely to carry ringworm. Be cautious about letting your cat roam.
- Boost your cat’s health: A strong immune system can help fight off fungal infections before they take hold. Maintain good nutrition, regular veterinary check-ups, and parasite control.
Make an Appointment at the First Sign of Ringworm
A fungal infection can make your cat itchy and miserable. Learning to recognize the signs of ringworm in cats helps you act fast to get them the care they need to stay healthy. With the right treatment plan and a little patience, your cat can make a full recovery and enjoy a long, happy life.
Not skipping cat wellness visits is also important to keeping your cat (and your entire household) as healthy as possible. If your pet needs a checkup, make an appointment at Hudson Animal Hospital by calling 212-706-4088 to get them the care they need.