Dec 19, 2024
Ringworms in cats, despite the name, are not caused by any type of worm. Ringworm is caused by fungi that infect a cat’s fur, skin, and claws. Kittens and senior cats with weak immune systems are more prone to getting infected by ringworms.
Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by fungi that feed on keratin, a protein found in the outer layers of the cat's skin, fur, and claws.
The name “ringworm” comes from the appearance of ring-shaped lesions that appear on the skin. This infection can be uncomfortable and inconvenient because it can spread to humans and other pets.
As a pet owner, you must know how cats can get ringworms. By understanding the causes, you can help prevent infections and get your cat treated for ringworms promptly when you notice the symptoms.
The Causes of Ringworms in Cats
Cats can easily get ringworms through direct contact with the fungi from infected hosts, carriers, or surfaces. To prevent infection, you must first know the common causes of ringworms in cats.
Direct Contact with Infected Animals
Ringworm is highly contagious and can easily spread through direct contact with an infected animal. This can happen when a cat physically touches another cat or dog that’s infected.
A cat can also acquire the infection when being groomed together with an infected cat or in common environments like a pet daycare or boarding facility.
Environmental Contamination
The fungus that causes ringworms in cats can spread spores that can survive up to 18 months on surfaces. Your cat may pick up the infection where an infected animal may have played or slept.
Some examples of common areas where ringworm contamination may happen include shelters, daycares, grooming salons, and multi-pet households.
Contaminated Objects
Surfaces are not the only places where fungus spores can thrive. Your cat can also pick up the fungi from objects that were used by an infected animal.
Some examples of these items are bedding, blankets, towels, grooming tools, toys, and carriers. Any object that has been in contact with an infected cat can be contaminated by the fungus.
Infected Humans
Humans are less likely to show symptoms of ringworm, but the fungi can infect them and be carriers of the infection to their cats. Poor hygiene can increase the chance of a human getting ringworms, which can be passed on to animals.
Risk Factors for Ringworm Infection
The risk of your cat getting ringworm depends on different factors. Understanding these risks is important in knowing how cats can get ringworm infection. Here are the factors that increase the chances of your cat getting infected.
Living Conditions
Cats in poorly maintained spaces are more likely to come into contact with ringworm, which increases the chances of its contractions.
Overcrowded and unsanitary environments, such as shelters, multi-cat households, and daycares, can create conditions that can stimulate the spread of ringworm.
Health Condition and Age
A cat’s immune health is important for fending off infections. Cats with compromised immune systems, whether due to illness, stress, or medications, are at a higher risk of getting infected.
Kittens and senior cats may be more prone to ringworm infections due to their weaker and compromised immune systems. Since young cats’ immune systems are still developing, these are the most vulnerable years of a cat’s life.
Frequent Animal and Human Interactions
Frequent interactions with people and other animals can significantly increase the risk of ringworms in cats. Those who are usually in daycares and boarding facilities, as well as those who love to roam outdoors, are at high risk.
Welcoming visitors to your home often can also increase the risks of ringworm infection in your cat. You may not know if your guests have ringworm or have gone through areas where fungus spores have been spread, so your cat may accidentally get infected.
Stress and Environmental Changes
Stress may also cause your cat to get ringworm infection because it can weaken your pet’s immune system. Some common stressors include drastic changes in your pet’s living space, the introduction of new pets, and disruptions in your pet’s routine.
Lack of Preventative Care
Cats that don’t get regular vet checkups and grooming can be at higher risk of contracting ringworms. Vets can detect signs of ringworm infection and can give guidance and treatments promptly when they find early symptoms.
Poor hygiene maintenance, such as failure to regularly groom pets or sanitize toys and bedding, also contributes to ringworms in cats.
Symptoms of Ringworm in Cats
Identifying ringworms in cats can be challenging as these symptoms can differ from one cat to another, depending on various factors. Some cats may also be asymptomatic but still be carriers of the fungal infection.
It’s crucial that you spot the common symptoms of ringworm in your cat as early as possible so vets can begin treatments, avoiding further complications. Here are some of the signs of ringworms in cats:
Circular, Scaly Patches
Bright red circular patches on the cat’s skin can have scaly edges, often found on the head and ears.
Bald Spots
Irregular-shaped bald spots appear and can be accompanied by redness and scaling, and these may also typically appear around the head and ears.
Broken Fur
Broken fur can be noticed easily in long-coated cats, and it is caused by the fungus, making the fur brittle.
Itchiness
Cats with ringworms can be seen constantly scratching, licking, or biting on the infected area of their body due to excessive itchiness.
Claw Infection
Ringworms in cats may also affect the claws and nail beds, causing brittleness, discoloration, and inflammation.
Skin Changes
Other skin changes in your cat that may indicate it has ringworm include small, red, crusty bumps, as well as uneven color and appearance.
Diagnosing Ringworm in Cats
Once you notice any of the symptoms of ringworms in your cat, you should contact your vet immediately. The vet may begin with a physical exam to find clinical symptoms of ringworm.
After the vet sees the physical signs of ringworms in your cat, various diagnostic methods will be used to confirm the presence of this fungal infection in your cat.
Wood’s Lamp Examination
Wood’s lamp examination involves using an ultraviolet (UV) light to examine your cat’s fur. Certain species of the ringworm fungus will glow and appear greenish-yellow. Not all fungus species can be detected with this test, so this can have negative results.
Microscopic Examination
In microscopic examination, the veterinarian takes samples of fur and skin scrapings from the affected areas. These samples are examined under a microscope. Through this method, the vet will look for fungal spores and hyphae, the branching structures of fungi.
Fungal Culture
The fungal culture method is considered the most accurate and reliable method for diagnosing ringworms in cats. The vet takes fur or scrapings from the infected area. The sample is incubated. If any fungal colonies develop, it means your cat has ringworm.
Ringworm Treatments for Cats
Treatment of ringworm involves eliminating the fungus and preventing its spread. Your veterinarian may use a combination of treatments depending on the severity of the infection to ensure your cat recovers completely.
The most common treatment for ringworms in cats involves the use of topicals in different forms. These may be ointments or shampoos with antifungal substances applied directly to the affected area of your cat’s skin and fur.
Topicals serve as a first-aid and are proven very effective, especially for mild cases. Antifungal ointments and medications are commonly used to treat localized lesions. These creams are applied directly to ringworm patches to help kill the fungus and prevent its spread.
When more extensive medication is needed, medicated shampoos and dips with antifungal agents can help reduce the fungal load your cat has on its skin and fur. Lime sulfur dips are also a strong option.
For severe cases, vets may use systematic treatments that involve a much more intensive oral medication. This treatment works within the cat’s body to eliminate the ringworm infection. These treatments are typically for cases that topical treatments can’t handle.
Preventing Ringworm Infection in Cats
Since ringworm spores can remain in the cat’s environment for extended periods of time, a good practice of cleaning and maintenance is essential to keep your cat fungi-free.
Your home is a factor in your cat’s health, and keeping it clean helps prevent any crucial disease. Here are some of the ways to prevent ringworm in cats.
Wash bedding and fabrics
Constantly wash all the bedding and blankets your cat uses. Use hot water and the appropriate type of detergent. Adding a disinfectant can also help prevent any fungal growth that could lead to ringworm.
Vacuum regularly
Regularly vacuum rugs, carpets, and fabric furniture to remove any hair and fur that may house fungal spores. Be sure to throw away the contents of the vacuum bag after each use.
Disinfect surfaces
Clean and disinfect hard surfaces such as floors using a diluted bleach solution. Allow the solution to sit on the applied areas for a few minutes. This allows the solution to run its course and eliminate any fungi that may cause ringworm.
Minimize contaminated areas
When certain areas are hard to sanitize, make sure your cat has no access to these places. This prevents them from harboring any spores that may linger across these areas.
Use air purifiers
Using air purifiers can help purify the air your cat breathes. This also reduces any airborne spores you may bring into your home.
Conclusion
Ringworm in cats is just one of the many common infections, but it’s preventable and treatable with the right knowledge and care. You can effectively minimize its impact by understanding how ringworm acts and how it gets to your cat.
Maintaining good hygiene with your cat and home can significantly lower the chances of ringworm infection. Remember to schedule regular consultations with your vet, who can detect and treat the early signs of fungal infection and other illnesses in your cat.