Although ringworm may sound a bit twisted, it actually has nothing to do with worms. however, ringworm is one of the most common cat health problems affecting the global feline population, so it’s worth knowing about.
the fuzzy team wants all cat owners to know exactly what ringworm is, the signs and symptoms, and when to contact a vet.
what is ringworm?
Ringworm is a fungal infection that gets its name from the ring-shaped rash that often appears on infected animals.
The fungi that cause this condition are called dermatophytes, which are microscopic organisms that thrive as parasites. when they find and entrench themselves in a host, such as a dog, sheep, bird, or cat, they thrive by consuming a protein from the cat’s fur and nails. they reproduce quite quickly, forming millions of spores.
When these fungi come into contact with a cat, several different events can occur. dermatophytes:
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being brushed by the cat
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disappear as larger microorganisms take over
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take up residence on the cat’s skin without causing symptoms
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they settle on the cat’s skin and cause dermatitis, which is an inflammatory disease
what does ringworm look like in a cat?
The ringworm “ring” looks like a small circular lesion on a cat’s skin. these rings are often accompanied by hair loss and commonly appear on the head, ears, back, or front legs of the body, although they can appear anywhere.
other notable signs and symptoms of ringworm include:
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Circular areas of hair loss
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unruly and brittle hair
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dandruff
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swollen or red patches of skin
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scaly, thick, or crusty skin
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changes in skin or hair color
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infected fingernails or toenails
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excessive scratching or grooming
It’s important to know that these symptoms vary in intensity and can be difficult to detect.
when to chat with a vet
Although ringworm is not always life-threatening, pet parents should be sure to contact a veterinarian immediately if they notice any of the above signs or symptoms.
this is crucial for several reasons:
ringworm is contagious
Ringworm is considered a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from an infected cat to a human, especially someone who is immunocompromised. the condition can also be transmitted to many other animal species.
could be another cat skin condition
Many of the symptoms of ringworm in cats are similar to those of other cat skin health problems, such as flea allergy dermatitis or alopecia (hair loss). only a vet can rule out other conditions, give a proper diagnosis, and recommend proper skin care for the cat.
Recovery can take weeks
In some cases, ringworm goes away on its own. however, in other cases, it can take six weeks or more of repeated treatments to fully cure a ringworm infection.
how we can help
We know you care deeply about your cat’s health, and so do we. we offer proactive pet care for fuzzy members via a 24/7 live vet chat that can help pet owners answer any questions or concerns they may have about the health of their your pets.
fuzzy was founded by pet owners for pet owners, and our mission is to empower and educate dog and cat owners so they can enrich and extend the lives of their pets. sign up today for 24/7 access to a veterinary support team so you always know what’s going on with your cat.
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