Ringworm in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Should I Be Concerned About Ringworm?

Yes and no. Ringworm in cats is not typically serious, but it can spread to people as well as other animals, such as dogs. Transmission occurs through direct contact between infected and uninfected individuals. It may be passed from cats to dogs to people in any number of spreading paths.

Adult humans are usually resistant to infection unless there is a break in the skin, such as a scratch, but children and the immune-compromised are especially susceptible. Seek care from your physician if you notice suspicious skin lesions similar to those described for cats. The good news is that because human hygiene is generally more thorough than our pets', a topical antifungal cream or spray may be all that is needed for human treatment.

Don't neglect the environment when dealing with a ringworm infection of either people or pets. The fungal spores may live in bedding or carpet for up to 18 months! A solution of bleach and water can be used to disinfect and kill the fungal spores: One pint of chlorine bleach (500 ml) in a gallon of water is effective on hard surfaces suitable for dilute bleach. This is very important to prevent recurrence of the infection.

What is the Treatment for Ringworm in Cats?

No one likes giving cats oral medications; luckily, there are topical antifungal medications available in the form of creams and sprays that may be effective against ringworm. Clipping fur and dips available at the veterinarian are also useful tools to rid the infection.

Oral anti-fungal medications, such as itraconazole, are often prescribed for more widespread infections or infections that do not clear up with topical therapy. They can be flavored like tuna or other popular cat treats to ease the administration of the oral medications. As mentioned above, environmental decontamination is always an important part of treatment to break the cycle of infection.

A culture for dermatophytes (the ringworm-causing agent) is the only means of truly monitoring a cat's response to treatment. When the infection is extensive or particularly resistant, treatment can drag on for weeks or months. This makes it more than worthwhile to have hair loss and lesions investigated and diagnosed sooner rather than later.

How Can I Prevent Cat Ringworm?

Preventing cat ringworm is challenging but not impossible. First and foremost, a healthy cat with a healthy coat and skin is less likely to develop ringworm from contamination with the fungal spores. Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of a cat's skin and hair follicles, where the fungal spores will fight to inhabit.

If you bring a new cat into the home, consider a quarantine period for the new addition, along with a culture for the ringworm organism, especially if the new cat has any signs of an unhealthy coat or skin.

If a pet is exposed to an animal with known ringworm, you may want to discuss with your vet the possibility of a prophylactic treatment using oral medications for up to two weeks. Ringworm can take weeks or months to clear when an infection has developed. Keeping your cat in their best health is the best way to ward off this itchy and lingering fungal skin infection.