Although the name suggests otherwise, ringworm isn’t caused by a worm at all, but a fungus that can infect the skin, hair and nails. Not uncommon in cats, this highly contagious disease can lead to patchy, circular areas of hair loss with central red rings. It often spreads to other pets In the household and to humans, too. It is NOT deadly, just more of a nuisance.

What Are the General symptoms of Ringworm?

Classic symptoms of ringworm in cats include dry, flaky, scabby skin that typically appear on the head, ears and forelimbs. Ringworm can cause flaky bald patches that sometimes look red in the center. In mild cases, there may be localized areas of redness or simply dandruff, while more severe infections can spread over a cat’s entire body. It’s also possible for a pet to carry ringworm spores
and not show any symptoms whatsoever. On a person, the spot is red, sometimes showing as a raised ring. It will be very itchy, very similar to poison ivy/oak.

How Do Cats Get Ringworm?

A cat can get ringworm directly through contact with an infected animal-or indirectly through contact with bedding, dishes and other materials that have been contaminated with the skin cells or hairs of infected animals. Ringworm spores are notoriously hardy and can survive in the environment for more than a year! Lysol spray, bleach and sunlight are great killers of the fungus.

How Is Ringworm Treated?

Treatment of ringworm depends on the severity of the infection. There are anti-fungal medicated shampoos easily bought over the counter and on Amazon. We have also found that Monistat 7 cream (or the generic version) has cut the treatment time in half! Apply it liberally to the spots twice a day until the hair has grown back and the skin is no longer flaky. Bathe a couple times a week for the same duration. If you have caught it from your cat, don’t panic. Put some on the cream on the spot and cover it with a band-aide. It should be almost gone in a few days.

What Can Happen If Ringworm Is Left Untreated?

How Can I Prevent Ringworm from Spreading?

**As a common sense precaution, it is a smart idea to thoroughly wash your hands after you bathe or touch your cat.**