Ringworm in cats

Overview

Ringworm is a skin condition that is easily transmitted and highly contagious to other pets and humans. It's not actually a worm; ringworm is a fungus. Signs of infection can be difficult to detect there may be only a few broken hairs. Some cats can carry the fungus and show no symptoms at all, while others are severely affected.

Symptoms

• Flaky bare patches, often circular, on the head, ears, paws, or tail, sometimes with a red outer rim due to inflammation
• Bumps or blister-like pimples from an associated skin infection
• Itching
• Hair loss

Cause & prevention

Cats can get ringworm by contact with an infected dog or cat or from fungal spores in the soil. An exposed cat does not necessarily become infected, but he can carry the disease to other cats, dogs, and humans.

Cats that have a weak immune system caused by poor nutrition, poor hygiene, or living in situations in which a large number of animals are housed together have an increased risk for ringworm. Cats with an underlying disease that causes them to be immunosuppressed such as feline leukemia (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), or neoplasia may also become infected with ringworm. Cats who have also been given steroids may become immunosuppressed and also develop ringworm lesions.

If one cat is diagnosed with ringworm, a vet should evaluate all pets in the household, and all bedding and brushes should be washed or discarded. To prevent the infection from spreading from animal to animal, veterinarians recommend giving baths to all the pets in the household. Your vet can prescribe an anti-fungal shampoo, like a lyme sulfur dip, or may recommend an over-the-counter formula. Once you've applied the shampoo, let your cat sit about 5 minutes before rinsing and allow them to air dry. This will allow the anti-fungal action to be the most effective.

Wear gloves when handling an infected cat. Remember to wash your hands after you treat or touch your pet. Use a mild bleach solution, followed by plain soap and water.

Keep your infected pet separated from other animals in the household. And finally, get out the vacuum cleaner! Ringworm can live on the hair that your pet sheds, so regular vacuuming will reduce the risk of recurrence. You will need to change the vacuum bag frequently for the best results.

Diagnosis & treatment

Ringworm may resolve itself and go away on its own after several months, but because it is so contagious to animals and humans, this is not a condition you should try to treat yourself. Your veterinarian may examine affected hair under a microscope, use an ultraviolet light, or perform a culture to diagnose infection.

The bare patches caused by ringworm infection, will usually clear up in one to three months with proper treatment. If topical treatment proves unsuccessful, your pet's doctor may prescribe a strong oral medication that will kill the fungus. Some cats cannot take the oral drugs prescribed for ringworm, especially if they have FIV, so discuss this option thoroughly with your vet. Cats that don't respond well to treatment should see a veterinary dermatologist.

If you have a long-haired cat, your cat will need to be shaved by a groomer or by a very talented owner to facilitate treatment. The hair should be collected and disposed of properly to minimize contamination of the environment. Shaving will help make the affected areas easier to treat and will help stop the fungus from gaining more ground. It will also help prevent your cat from spreading ringworm to other cats in your household.

Resources:

Canine and Feline Ringworm, VetCentric.com.