What is Ringworm in Cats?
Contrary to its name, ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungus. It can infect the skin, hair, and nails of humans and animals. There are many ways people can contract this disease and animal-to-human transmission is a common one. Cats are notorious for transmitting ringworm to humans. Recognizing this disease in your pet and treating it right away can prevent the infection from spreading to other members of the household.
Causes of Ringworm
More often than not, cats get ringworm through contact with infected animals. Outdoor cats are particularly at risk of acquiring ringworm this way because they are more likely to run into strays. However, cats can also contract ringworm from their human owners or by coming into contact with contaminated objects such as bedding and clothing. This is because the fungus that causes ringworm live on dead skin cells and these skin cells are constantly being shed. Additionally, ringworm spores can live in an environment for up to a year if immediate action is not taken.
Signs and Symptoms
The fungi that cause ringworm are called dermatophytes. There are over 40 types of dermatophytes that affect different animal species. The name of the most common of these organisms that cause the skin disease in cats is Microsproum canis, which also affects dogs. Other dermatophytes that can cause ringworm are Trichophyton mentagrophytes and M persicolor. No matter the source, they all produce the same signs and symptoms:
- Circular skin lesions that commonly appear on the forelimbs, head, and ears
- Bald patches in the fur
- Flaky skin in the bald patches that appear red or inflamed
- Severe infections can spread over the cat’s entire body
Not all cats will display ringworm symptoms. Some are carriers that do not display any symptoms of the disease. While all cats can catch the skin disease, kittens and elderly cats are at increased risk of infection.
Treating Ringworm in Cats
Quick treatment of the disease is critical to preventing it from spreading to other members of the household. In fact, it is probably a good idea to confine your cat to one area until the disease is cured. Before using an over the counter ringworm medicine on your pet, it is important to have a vet verify the cat has ringworm. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting your money on an ineffectual cure.
Many times the infection will go away without treatment. However, this can take up to 4 months and other people and pets can contract ringworm in that time. For mild infections, your vet will likely recommend or prescribe a medicated shampoo containing lime sulfur as the active ingredient. This type of shampoo is pretty effective at killing ringworm infections in cats.
For more severe infections, the vet may prescribe oral medication like griseofulvin. While effective at treating ringworm, it can cause side effects such as nausea, fever, and lethargy. You should also avoid giving this medication to female cats if they are pregnant or scheduled for breeding. It can cause birth defects in kittens.
Animal to Human Transmission
As noted before, it is possible to catch ringworm from an infected feline. The symptoms of ringworm infection in humans vary depending on where it develops. On the body, a red raised rash may form in shape of ring and itch. Infection in fingernails and toenails causes discoloration and deformation of the nail plate. Ringworm of the scalp leads to hair loss. Photos showing what ringworm looks like can be seen below.
Whether you have self-diagnosed using pictures or had the disease diagnosed by a doctor, you will want to get rid of ringworm fast. Click here to read about the top ringworm remedies available that eliminate the infection without causing harmful side effects.