Despite the name, ringworm does not involve actual worms. Instead, it’s a very contagious fungal infection in cats that easily spreads from one cat to another and from cats to humans (and vice versa).
Ringworm, medically known as dermatophytosis, is very common. Symptoms include red, scaly lesions on the nose, ears, and limbs and hair loss, says Dr Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian at The Vets. Treating ringworm as soon as you notice your cat is infected is critical. Left untreated, it can quickly spread to others, exacerbate symptoms, and potentially lead to secondary infections.
Below, we’ll reveal everything you need to know about ringworm, including what it looks like on a cat, how cats contract the infection, and the best treatments available.
What Does Ringworm Look Like on Cats?
Ringworm affects a cat’s skin, causing angry, red, scaly circles. Unlike fleas or ticks, there’s no bug or parasite you can see and remove to help resolve the infection. Dr Savageau says ringworm usually manifests in areas without much hair, such as the ears, head (including the nose), and limbs.
Ringworm infections don’t immediately show as marks, making it trickier to determine infection. “After infection, skin lesions usually appear in one to three weeks,” states Dr Preston Turano, DVM and veterinary spokesperson at Felix Cat Insurance. Once these lesions appear, make sure not to touch them, and thoroughly wash your hands immediately if you do.
So, how can you tell if your cat has ringworm or a different skin condition? Unfortunately, it’s not so clear-cut. “Differentiating ringworm from other skin conditions, lesions, or injuries can be challenging,” Dr Savageau says. She adds that the best way to confirm ringworm is through a fungal culture or exam of skin scrapings.
Besides the tell-tale lesions, Dr Savageau outlines behavioural changes that can indicate your cat has ringworm, including:
- excessive grooming
- scratching
- rubbing against objects
- discomfort
- pain
Is Ringworm Contagious?
Cat ringworm can be passed to humans, and infections present the same regardless of species. Here’s how pet parents can prevent transmission:
- Avoid touching a cat with ringworm, and wear gloves when you do need to hold them
- Keep [affected cats] away from young babies, elderly relatives, and immunosuppressed people,” states Dr Kathryn Dench, chief veterinary advisor at Paw Origins
- Vacuum daily and remove pet hair
- Change your cat’s bedding
- Disinfect your home bi-weekly with pet-friendly cleaners (more often in multi-pet households)
Is Ringworm Serious in Cats?
“The prognosis for cats with ringworm is generally good, especially with prompt treatment,” Dr Savageau reassures.
Additionally, Dr Savageau says severe or untreated infections can lead to prolonged discomfort, secondary bacterial infections, and, in rare cases, systemic illness. Chronic skin lesions are another potential long-term effect.
While ringworm isn’t deadly in cats, prompt treatment is vital to protect your cat’s wellbeing and quality of life.
How Do Cats Get Ringworm?
Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by around 40 types of fungus. While all cats can develop ringworm if exposed, some are more prone to the condition. Ringworm fungus is generally transmitted through direct contact between the cat and an infected feline or surface.
Dr Turano shares that Persian cats and kittens are more likely to develop ringworm. He says kittens are at risk because their immune systems aren’t developed enough to fight infection. Adult cats with compromised immune systems are also at greater risk of infection and experiencing more severe ringworm.
Additionally, Dr Turano says that free-roaming, outdoor cats are at a higher risk of contracting ringworms because they’re more likely to come into contact with other infected cats or surfaces. But that doesn’t mean indoor cats are free from risk.
Lastly, temperature is also a factor in transmission risk. Fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, so Dr Turano explains that cats in hotter places are at higher risk.
However, not all cats exposed to ringworm develop an infection. “If a cat comes into contact with the spores from the fungus and has healthy skin, they will not get infected,” Dr Turano explains. “There must be an abrasion or lesion for the fungus to infect the cat.”
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How Do Vets Treat Ringworm?
If you think your cat has ringworm, visit your vet right away. Dr Dench says the diagnosis involves “a combination of physical examination, the use of a Wood’s [ultraviolet] lamp, and fungal culture.”
After you get the official diagnosis, prompt treatment keeps symptoms at bay and prevents the spread of infection. Although a vaccine for ringworm is available, it’s ineffective at preventing infection in cats, so vets do not recommend it.
Lastly, avoid home remedies or treatments to resolve ringworm. Your vet will determine the best course of action depending on your cat’s age, health status, and infection severity. “In my experience, successful treatment requires a multifaceted approach,” Dr Dench reveals. The main treatment options include:
1. Medicated shampoos
Specially designed fungal shampoos can be used once or twice a week to prevent ringworms from growing. Dr Dench says these shampoos reduce fungal spores on the fur. Your vet may also recommend topical antifungal creams (such as miconazole).
Your cat won’t necessarily need to be shaved before treatment. However, Dr Dench says it can be beneficial for more severe infections and make topical treatments more effective.
2. Dips
Similar to shampoos, lime sulfur dips can tackle ringworm infections. This natural ingredient contains antifungal properties that kill infectious fungi. After diluting the lime sulfur in water, use a sponge to gently dab the mixture onto affected areas (remember to wear gloves!).
“Typically, bathing can be safely done once a week. However, lime sulfur dips might be recommended twice a week for severe cases, under the close supervision of a veterinarian,” Dr Dench explains. Remember your cat’s tolerance since overusing dips and shampoos can irritate their skin more.
3. Oral antifungal medication
Certain prescription drugs, such as itraconazole, are effective in tackling ringworm from the inside out. “Oral medication is often necessary for severe cases,” Dr Dench says. The severity of the infection will impact how long your cat needs to take medication. “On average, treatment lasts six to eight weeks,” she continues.
“[Treatment is] a labour-intensive process, requiring patience and adherence to veterinary guidance to effectively eliminate the fungus,” she adds.
How To Prevent Cats From Getting Ringworm
Monitoring your cat’s movements 24/7 is impossible to prevent ringworms. However, other measures can help reduce infection risk. Since cats with healthy skin are highly unlikely to develop ringworm, feeding your cat a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can help keep their skin in tip-top shape.
Additionally, ringworm spores can live in an environment for up to 20 months. Maintaining good hygiene and cleaning practices can prevent fungus spores from taking hold and reduce (re)infection risk.
Finally, Dr Turano says attending scheduled vet check-ups, especially when they’re kittens, can aid in the early detection and prevention of ringworm.
