Have you been noticing your cat scratching and appearing to be uncomfortable all day? It could be caused by ringworm. 

Ringworm in cats is an infection that affects their skin. You’ll easily notice this on cats with thin coats, like Bengal cats, and it could be tougher to detect on those with double coats, such as Maine Coons.

As a pet owner, you must know how cats can get ringworms. By understanding the causes, you can help prevent infections and get immediate treatment for your cat when you notice the symptoms.

What Is Ringworm in Cats?

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 with ringworms.

Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes. This group of fungi feeds 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 on the skin. This infection can be uncomfortable and inconvenient because it can spread to humans and other pets.

How Do Cats Get Ringworm?

Protecting your cat against infections requires knowledge of how they can contract them. Understanding how ringworm is transmitted will give you a better chance of creating preventive measures in your home and when taking them to different places.

• 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 with ringworm. 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 ringworm-causing fungi can spread spores that 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 have been used by an infected animal. Some examples of these items are bedding, blankets, towels, grooming tools, toys, and carriers.

• Human Carriers — 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.

Can humans get ringworm from cats?

“Humans can get ringworms from cats and vice versa. This zoonotic fungal infection affects any living tissue that has keratin, which are often found on the hair, skin, and nails. This is why detecting this disease as early as possible is crucial for preventing its spread. It’s more likely to be transmitted to people with weak immune systems, such as children and the elderly.”

- Dr. Soheyl Simaei

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 infections. 

• Living Conditions — Cats in poorly maintained spaces are more likely to come into contact with ringworm, which increases the chances of infection. Overcrowded and unsanitary environments, such as shelters, multi-cat households, and daycares, create ideal conditions that 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. 

• 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. Guests who visit your home can also be carriers of fungi spores, so your cat may accidentally get infected.

• Stress and Environmental Changes — Stress may also cause your cat to get a ringworm infection because it can weaken your pet’s immune system. Some common stressors include drastic changes in your cat’s living space, the introduction of new pets, and disruptions in your pet’s routine.

• Lack of Preventive Care — Cats that don’t get regular vet checkups and grooming can be at higher risk of contracting ringworms. Veterinarians 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 ringworm 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 that vets can begin treatments, avoiding further complications. Here are some of the signs of ringworm 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 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 – Ringworm in cats may also affect the claws and nail beds, causing brittleness, discoloration, and inflammation.

Diagnosing Ringworm in Cats

Once you notice any of the symptoms of ringworm 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 – This involves using an ultraviolet (UV) light to examine your cat’s fur. Certain species of the ringworm fungi will glow and appear greenish-yellow. However, not all fungus species can be detected with this test, so it can have negative results.

• Microscopic Examination – he 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 – This method is considered the most accurate and reliable method for diagnosing ringworm 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.

How do vets rule out other conditions?

Veterinarians first examine cats for visible signs of ringworm. If the symptoms don’t point directly to this illness, we conduct various tests. Diagnostic methods we’ll use may include testing for other diseases like flea or food allergies. By cross-checking the test results we gather, we can rule out other conditions and determine the cat’s condition

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. 

What are the treatment options for ringworm?

The most common treatment for ringworm 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.

How long does it take to cure ringworm?

Dermatophytes are extremely resilient, so treating ringworm in cats can take around six weeks or more. This involves continuous treatment and supportive care until the infection goes away. 

Does ringworm in cats go away on its own?

“It’s possible for ringworm infections to go away in cats. It may take longer without veterinary intervention, usually up to a year. However, we do not recommend letting the infection resolve on its own. There are risks that your pet’s symptoms become worse or secondary infections develop.”

- Dr. Soheyl Simaei

Preventing Ringworm Infection in Cats

Since ringworm spores can remain in the cat’s environment for extended periods of time, good cleaning and maintenance practices are essential to keep your cat fungus-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 – 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.