How to prevent and treat ringworm in cats

Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes symptoms like patchy hair loss, skin lesions, and dry, flaky skin. The infection is common and highly contagious between mammals, including cats, dogs, and humans. If your cat has ringworm symptoms, read on to learn:

• How cats catch ringworm
• How ringworm in cats is diagnosed and treated
• What pet parents can do to prevent ringworm infections

Cats get ringworm from direct contact with ringworm fungal spores. This can be through direct contact with an infected animal or through spores shed by infected animals into the environment. Cats do not need to touch an infected animal to catch the infection. Treatment for ringworm involves antifungal medication, isolating the affected cat, and thoroughly cleaning the home. Antifungal treatment, whether oral medication or topical treatment, must be recommended or prescribed by a veterinarian after an accurate diagnosis has been made. Pet parents should try to isolate the affected cat as much as possible and thoroughly clean the home to prevent others from catching the infection as their cat recovers.

Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a fungal infection that can affect a cat’s skin, hair, and nails. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm or parasite. Ringworm is highly contagious and a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread between animals and humans. Infections are common in cats, dogs, and people. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis of ringworm and to treat the infection, even if it’s not bothering the cat, to prevent it from spreading to other animals and people in the household. Any cat can catch ringworm, but cats with other skin infections, open sores or cuts, or weak immune systems are most at risk.

Symptoms of ringworm in cats

Clinical signs of ringworm in cats include:

• Bald patches, or patches of thinning or broken hairs
• Scaly, dry, or flaky skin
• Red skin or rash
• Skin lesions
• Excessive grooming
• Itchy skin (uncommon)

Ringworm lesions in cats do not typically have the circular, ringed appearance seen in humans. Unlike other skin issues, itchiness is an uncommon symptom despite the appearance of inflamed, flaky, or crusty skin lesions. Cats with ringworm can be asymptomatic or not show obvious symptoms but still carry and spread infectious fungal spores. An accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian is necessary to determine appropriate treatment, as many other common skin conditions have similar symptoms.

How indoor cats can get ringworm

Ringworm infections are spread through direct contact with spores from an infected animal’s skin and hair. Spores can live on skin flakes and hair that are shed into the environment. “Ringworm spores are very hardy and can survive in the environment for many months,” explains Dr. Jamie Lecky, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. “Cats do not need to have direct contact with an infected animal to catch ringworm, only the animal’s shed skin cells and infected hair.” This means an indoor cat can contract ringworm from direct or indirect contact with:

• Other pets in the home who have the infection
• Humans with ringworm, whether from their own pet or otherwise
• Infected animals outdoors (e.g., through a window screen or open window)
• Infected animals in apartment complexes, groomers, vet offices, and other areas with animals
• Inanimate objects that have come into contact with spores (e.g., clothing and shoes)

When a cat presents with skin issues and hair loss, a vet will typically do a physical exam and recommend diagnostic tests, such as:

• Microscopic examination of hair samples and skin scrapings (cytology)
• Fungal culture
• Blood tests
• Skin biopsy
• Examination of skin with a UV light (Wood’s lamp)

Some ringworm spores can glow under an ultraviolet lamp called a Wood’s lamp, which can aid in diagnosis.

Once diagnosed, treatment for ringworm may include:

• Clipping hair around lesions
• Oral or topical antifungal medications
• Isolating the affected cat
• Disinfecting the home

A big part of ringworm treatment involves removing fungal spores from the environment. This helps prevent the spread of ringworm to others in the home in addition to preventing reinfection. Thoroughly cleaning the home may involve:

• Vacuuming floors, upholstery, curtains, and other soft surfaces
• Mopping hard floors
• Carpet shampooing with a disinfectant
• Disinfecting hard surfaces, including pet carriers, toys, and grooming tools
• Washing bedding, pet beds, soft toys, blankets, and other soft items

Ringworm can take multiple weeks to months to fully resolve. Frequent, thorough home cleaning is necessary for effective treatment. Isolating the affected cat as much as possible will help prevent the spreading of spores. A virtual vet appointment can help by offering advice on giving oral or topical treatments, home decontamination, and supporting your cat through treatment.

Can I treat my cat’s ringworm at home?

Once ringworm is diagnosed by a veterinarian, the majority of treatment takes place at home. Ringworm infections rarely require hospitalization unless there’s another medical issue. In addition, treatment for ringworm can take many weeks to months.

A definitive diagnosis of ringworm is necessary before attempting treatment. There are many other skin diseases with similar symptoms that require different treatment methods. You should only treat a cat’s ringworm infection with medications recommended or prescribed by a veterinarian. Natural treatments or home remedies are unlikely to provide adequate treatment and may be harmful. It’s important to effectively treat ringworm promptly to prevent it from getting worse or spreading to other pets or people.

Keeping a cat indoors and away from outdoor cats and wildlife is the best way to prevent a feline ringworm infection. Regularly cleaning the home can remove any fungal spores brought indoors by people or pets that go outdoors. Using year-round flea prevention will help prevent other common skin issues, such as flea allergy dermatitis, that can increase the risk of contracting ringworm. Skin conditions that cause itchiness can lead to open sores and lesions on the body that are more vulnerable to ringworm spores. Regular vet checkups won’t prevent ringworm infections, but vets may be able to catch an infection before it shows symptoms.

How can I treat my cat’s ringworm at home?

The treatment of ringworm in cats requires topical or oral medications prescribed by a veterinarian. These antifungal medications are given at home and are the most effective way to treat ringworm and prevent it from spreading to other people and pets. Natural treatments or home remedies are unlikely to work and may be harmful.

How can ringworm be prevented in cats?

Ringworm can’t be completely prevented, but you can minimize the chances of infection by keeping your cat indoors, regularly cleaning the home, and keeping your cat on year-round flea prevention. Indoor cats are less likely to be exposed to ringworm spores, and regular cleaning gets rid of any fungal spores that were carried inside by people or other pets. Parasite prevention prevents other common skin issues, such as flea allergy dermatitis, that can lead to open sores and cuts from scratching. Wounded skin is more likely to contract ringworm than healthy skin.

How did my indoor cat get ringworm?

Indoor cats are less likely to get ringworm than outdoor cats because they’re less exposed to other cats, wildlife, and soil that may carry ringworm spores. However, cats do not need to have skin contact with an infected animal to get ringworm. Infected pet hair and skin flakes can be shed by other pets in the home or in areas such as groomers and veterinary clinics.

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.