Ringworm in cats is a fairly common condition. Although it can be relatively easy to treat, proper care is a must to minimize your pet’s discomfort. We’re taking a closer look at what ringworm is, how it spreads, its symptoms, and effective treatment options so you can help your cat stay happy and healthy.
What is Ringworm?
Ringworm in cats is a common fungal infection that affects the skin, hair, and nails. Despite its name, it isn’t caused by an actual worm but by a fungus known as dermatophytes. These fungi thrive on keratin, a protein found in skin cells, hair, and nails, leading to symptoms like hair loss, scaly patches, and itchy skin.
Ringworm can appear anywhere on a cat’s body and is highly contagious to other animals and humans. Early detection and treatment are key to managing this condition effectively so that your cat can get back to feeling comfortable and healthy. If you need to know how to get rid of ringworm in cats, scheduling a visit with an urgent care vet is your best first step.
How is Ringworm in Cats Spread?
So, exactly how do cats get ringworm?
Ringworm is highly contagious and spreads easily among cats as well as between cats and other animals, including humans. The fungus responsible for ringworm can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal’s skin or fur. It can also spread indirectly when a cat comes into contact with objects that have been contaminated with fungal spores, such as bedding, grooming tools, or furniture. The spores are resilient and can survive in the environment for several months, increasing the risk of infection.
Cats living in multi-pet households, shelters, or those with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to ringworm. Good hygiene practices, such as regular cleaning of pet areas and thorough washing of hands after handling pets, can make a big difference in helping to prevent the spread of ringworm.
What Are the Symptoms of Ringworm in Cats?
Ringworm in cats manifests through a variety of symptoms that are often easy to spot due to their physical nature. The most common sign is circular patches of hair loss, which may appear anywhere on the body but are frequently seen around the head, ears, and limbs. These patches are typically red and scaly, with the skin sometimes appearing flaky. Cats may exhibit excessive scratching or grooming due to itchiness, which can further irritate the skin.
Aside from skin issues and cat hair loss, ringworm can also affect a cat’s nails, causing them to become misshapen or overly brittle. Another visible symptom is the presence of broken hairs around the affected areas, giving the fur a short, stubbly appearance. In severe cases, the affected skin can develop raised sores, especially if the infection is left untreated.
Some cats might not show obvious signs of discomfort but still carry the fungus, which makes observing physical changes crucial. Owners should also watch for signs of secondary infections, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus, which can occur if bacteria enter the lesions caused by ringworm.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a veterinarian for professional diagnosis and treatment.
What Happens if Ringworm in Cats is Left Untreated?
If ringworm in cats is not properly treated, it can lead to worsening symptoms and more severe skin infections. The infection might spread over larger areas of your cat’s body, causing increased discomfort and potentially leading to hair loss and scaly patches.
Also, untreated ringworm can easily spread to other pets and even humans, especially those with compromised immune systems. This makes it even more important that you bring your cat to the vet as soon as possible if you suspect they have ringworm.
How is a Cat Ringworm Infection Diagnosed?
Diagnosing ringworm in cats usually involves a combination of clinical examination and specific diagnostic tests. Veterinarians often start with a careful physical inspection to look for typical signs of ringworm, such as hair loss and scaly patches.
A Wood’s lamp test, which uses ultraviolet light to identify fungal spores, may be employed, although it only detects certain types of ringworm fungi. For a definitive diagnosis, a fungal culture or PCR test may be done on samples of hair or skin cells.
These tests help pinpoint the exact fungus responsible so your veterinarian can implement the best possible treatment plan.
Can Other Animals Get Ringworm?
Yes, ringworm can affect a variety of animals, not just cats. This fungal infection does not discriminate by species and is actually very common in domesticated animals such as dogs, as well as livestock like cows and sheep. Learn more about ringworm in dogs.
Ringworm symptoms can vary, but typically include:
- Patchy hair loss: Circular patterns of hair loss, exposing scaly and red skin beneath.
- Itchy skin: Animals may scratch, lick, or bite affected areas more than usual.
- Brittle fur: Hair around the affected area may break off easily.
Can Humans Get Ringworm?
Ringworm can also spread to humans, especially from pets like cats that are infected with the fungus. Close physical contact or handling objects that infected animals have touched can transmit the fungus.
Common symptoms of ringworm in humans include:
- Red, itchy patches: Irritated patches of skin that are usually ring-shaped (hence the name).
- Scalp ringworm: May cause bald patches and is more common in children.
- Nail infections: Can cause nails to become discolored and more fragile.
How Do You Treat Ringworm in Cats?
A veterinary professional is the best person to determine how to treat ringworm in cats, because they will thoroughly evaluate your pet to pinpoint the most suitable treatment approach. Cat ringworm treatment depends on the infection’s severity and the pet’s unique needs.
Topical Therapy for Ringworm
Topical treatments are the first line of defense against ringworm. These include medicated shampoos, ointments, or creams that contain antifungal agents. Applying these directly to the affected areas (for example, to directly treat ringworm on a cat’s nose) helps kill the fungus on the skin’s surface and reduces the spread of spores.
Oral Medications for Ringworm
In more severe cases, or when ringworm affects a large area of the body, oral antifungal medications may be necessary. These medications treat the infection from within and are essential for cases that do not respond adequately to topical therapy alone.
Environmental Decontamination
Since ringworm spores can survive in the environment for long periods, thorough cleaning and decontamination are critical. This includes washing bedding, vacuuming carpets, and disinfecting areas where your cat spends time. Specialized fungicidal sprays may also be recommended to treat less accessible areas.
How Long Will My Cat Be Contagious?
Cats can remain contagious for several weeks, even after starting ringworm treatment. It’s crucial to continue the treatment as prescribed until all symptoms have cleared and follow-up tests confirm that the fungi is gone. This will minimize the risk of spreading ringworm to other pets or humans in your household.
Preventing Ringworm in Cats
With a few basic steps, you can help prevent cat ringworm and keep your pet healthy:
- Plan for Regular Grooming and Veterinary Visits: Frequent grooming allows early detection of skin issues like ringworm. Routine veterinary checks can identify and address these problems before they worsen.
- Minimize Stress When Possible: A calm environment gives a helpful boost to your cat’s immune health, reducing the risk of infections. Engage your cat with enriching activities and maintain a consistent daily routine.
- Feed Your Cat a Nutritious Diet: Feed your cat a balanced diet that boosts their immune system. Consult your vet for dietary recommendations tailored to your cat’s specific needs.
- Keep the Living Environment Clean and Sanitary: Keep your cat’s environment sanitized. Regularly wash their bedding and toys with pet-safe cleaners and disinfect areas they frequently use.
- Avoid Contact with Infected Animals: Prevent your cat from interacting with other animals that might be infected with ringworm. Be cautious about bringing any potential contaminants into your home, especially if you’ve been in contact with infected animals.
By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can significantly lower the risk of ringworm.
Contact an UrgentVet Near You Today!
If you suspect your cat has ringworm or if you have any concerns about their health, don’t hesitate to visit your nearest UrgentVet location for expert care. Our clinics are open 365 days a year, with walk-in and online appointment options available.
With a dedicated team of experienced, compassionate professionals and the flexibility to fit your schedule, UrgentVet is here to help whenever you need us. We’re committed to providing prompt, professional care to help your feline friends feel better as soon as possible – and provide a stress-free vet visit for you and your pets.
Find your neighborhood UrgentVet and visit us today!
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