5 Causes Of Ringworm In Cats

Ringworm in cats is a common fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, a fungi that thrive on keratin in the skin, hair, and nails. Despite its misleading name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It gets its name from the characteristic circular patterns of hair loss and scaly skin that appear on infected areas. While not life-threatening, ringworm is highly contagious, both among cats and from cats to humans, and can lead to significant discomfort for your pet. Early identification and treatment are crucial to managing the infection and preventing its spread to other animals or family members.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the symptoms, causes, treatment options, and prevention strategies for ringworm in cats. Understanding the nature of this fungal infection is key to successfully treating and preventing it, ensuring your feline friend’s health and well-being.

Ringworm in cats

Ringworm in cats is a fungal infection caused by 3 primary types of dermatophytes. They are Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These fungi feed on the keratin found in the skin, hair, and nails, causing visible signs such as hair loss, itching, and scaly patches.

Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread easily from one cat to another through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or shared grooming tools. Although it is most common in kittens and young adult cats with weaker immune systems, any cat can contract ringworm, especially if exposed to infected animals or environments.

While the condition may not pose serious risks to the cat’s life, it can cause discomfort and lead to more severe secondary infections if not treated promptly. Ringworm also poses a risk to humans, particularly children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms

Some cats may show only subtle signs, while others may develop more obvious symptoms. Common symptoms of ringworm in cats include:

• • Hair loss: The hallmark sign of ringworm is circular patches of hair loss, particularly on the ears, face, tail, and paws. These bald spots may appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. The hair around the infected areas often becomes brittle and breaks easily.
  • Red, scaly, or inflamed skin: Infected areas may appear red, inflamed, and scaly. The skin may feel warmer than usual, and some cats may develop crusty or dry patches. The areas surrounding the hairless spots can appear flakey, with a rough texture.
  • Itching and scratching: Ringworm can cause intense itching, leading to excessive grooming or scratching by the affected cat. As a result, the cat may irritate the skin further or cause secondary bacterial infections.
  • Lesions and crusts: In more severe cases, ringworm may cause the formation of sores or crusts on the affected areas. These lesions may ooze or become infected, leading to additional discomfort.
  • Paw and nail infections: While ringworm usually affects the skin and hair, it can also affect the claws and paw pads. The nails may become brittle or discolored, and the paw pads may become swollen or sore. If the cat is licking its paws excessively, this could be a sign of infection
  • Generalised illness in severe cases: In rare cases, particularly in cats with compromised immune systems, ringworm may cause systemic symptoms like fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Such symptoms require immediate veterinary attention.

If you notice any of these signs in your cat, seek veterinary care for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Left untreated, ringworm can spread to other parts of the body and other animals, complicating the infection further.

Causes

Ringworm is caused by dermatophytes, microscopic fungi that feed on the keratin in the outer layers of skin, hair, and nails. The infection is contagious and can spread in several ways:

1) Direct contact with infected animals: The primary mode of transmission of ringworm is direct contact with an infected animal. Cats can catch the infection from other cats, dogs, or livestock that are carrying the fungi. If your cat interacts with an infected animal, it can pick up the fungi through direct contact with their skin, hair, or saliva.

2) Contact with contaminated environments: Ringworm spores can live for months in the environment, particularly in warm, humid conditions. Your cat can contract the infection by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces, bedding, furniture, grooming tools, or any items that have been exposed to an infected animal. The spores are resilient and can survive for extended periods, making it crucial to disinfect your home and your cat’s environment when treating the infection.

3) Weakened immune system: Cats with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to ringworm infections. Kittens and elderly cats are particularly at risk, as their immune systems are less developed or compromised. Cats with underlying health conditions, such as feline leukaemia or feline immunodeficiency virus, or those on immunosuppressive treatments, are also more vulnerable to fungal infections.

4) Poor living conditions: Cats that live in crowded or unsanitary environments, such as shelters or rescue facilities, are more likely to contract ringworm. Poor ventilation, excessive moisture, and lack of proper sanitation can promote the growth and spread of fungal spores.

5) Breed and coat type: While any cat can develop ringworm, certain breeds may be more prone to the infection. Cats with long, dense coats may be at higher risk because the fungal spores can become trapped within the fur, making them more difficult to detect and treat. Breeds like Persian and Maine Coon cats may be more susceptible due to their thick coats.

How is ringworm diagnosed in cats?

If you suspect that your cat has ringworm, have it diagnosed by a veterinarian. Several diagnostic methods can be used to confirm the presence of the infection:

• • Wood’s lamp examination: A Wood’s Lamp is an ultraviolet light that can be used to identify certain strains of fungi that cause ringworm. Some dermatophytes will fluoresce under the wood’s lamp, which helps the veterinarian detect the infection. However, not all types of fungi will glow, so this method may not always be definitive.
  • Fungal culture: A fungal culture involves taking a sample from the affected skin or hair and growing it in a lab to identify the specific type of fungus. This method is considered one of the most reliable ways to diagnose ringworm. However, it can take several days to get results.
  • Skin scraping: Your veterinarian may perform a skin scraping to collect cells from the affected area. This sample can be examined under a microscope to check for the presence of fungal spores or hyphae, which are signs of ringworm.
  • PCR testing: In some cases, polymerase chain reaction testing may be used to detect the DNA of the fungus and confirm the diagnosis.

Once ringworm is diagnosed, your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your cat’s condition.

Treatment

Treating ringworm in cats involves a combination of topical and oral anti fungal treatments. The exact approach will depend on the severity of the infection, the cat’s health, and the specific type of fungus involved.

1) Topical treatments

For localized infections, your veterinarian may recommend topical antifungal treatments. These may include:

• • • • Anti fungal creams or ointments: Creams containing antifungal agents like miconazole or clotrimazole can be applied directly to the infected patches. These treatments help kill the fungi on the skin and promote healing.
      • Anti fungal shampoos: Medicated shampoos containing ingredients like chlorhexidine or ketoconazole can be used to wash away fungal spores and reduce the fungal load on your cat’s skin. Regular baths may be required during treatment.
      • Anti fungal dips: In cases of widespread infection, your veterinarian may recommend antifungal dips that help treat larger areas of the body. These dips are applied to the skin and left on for a specified period before rinsing off.

2) Oral anti fungal medications

For more severe or widespread cases of ringworm, oral antifungal medications may be necessary. These medications treat the infection from the inside out. Common oral anti fungal drugs include:

• • • • Griseofulvin: This is the most commonly used oral antifungal for treating ringworm in cats. It works by inhibiting fungal growth and is typically administered for several weeks. Griseofulvin is effective but requires strict adherence to the prescribed dosage.
      • Itraconazole: A newer antifungal medication that is also effective against dermatophytes. Itraconazole may be prescribed if griseofulvin is ineffective or if the cat has underlying health conditions.
      • Fluconazole: This medication is sometimes used for ringworm infections that are resistant to other treatments. It is generally well-tolerated by cats.

3) Environmental treatment

Since ringworm spores can survive for months in the environment, it is crucial to disinfect your home while treating your cat. Cleaning and sanitising your cat’s environment will help prevent re-infection:

• • • • Disinfecting surfaces: Use a disinfectant effective against fungi, such as a bleach solution, to clean floors, furniture, and any surfaces the infected cat has come into contact with.
      • Washing bedding and toys: Wash all bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water to kill any fungal spores. Clean any grooming tools that have been used on the infected cat.
      • Quarantine the infected cat: It is a good idea to isolate the infected cat from other pets in the household until treatment is complete. This helps prevent the spread of the infection to other animals or family members.

Prevention

Preventing ringworm in cats involves a combination of good hygiene, environmental management, and responsible pet care. Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of ringworm infections:

• • • Regular grooming: Brush your cat regularly to remove dead hair and skin cells, which can harbour fungal spores. Regular grooming also helps detect early signs of infection before it spreads.
    • Limit exposure to infected animals: Avoid allowing your cat to interact with animals that have known ringworm infections, particularly in crowded environments like shelters, pet stores, or boarding facilities.
    • Maintain a clean living environment: Keep your cat’s living area clean and dry. Regularly disinfect surfaces and wash bedding, blankets, and toys to reduce the risk of fungal spores accumulating.
    • Boost immune health: Ensure your cat has a well-balanced diet and receives regular veterinary checkups. Cats with strong immune systems are less likely to develop ringworm infections.

Final thoughts

Ringworm in cats is a common fungal infection that, while not life-threatening, can cause discomfort and lead to complications if not treated properly. With timely treatment, most cats recover fully from ringworm, and the infection can be controlled. If you suspect your cat has ringworm, consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. By following a comprehensive treatment plan and taking preventive measures, you can protect your cat, other pets, and your family from the spread of this contagious infection.