Identifying Ringworm Symptoms in Cats

Ringworm symptoms in cats (also known as Dermatophytosis and Dermatomycosis) is caused by a fungal infection that can be contracted by coming in contact with fungal spores in the ground, in your home, on a human or another animal. It can be found on any part of your cat's body. Common areas are around the face and ears and the paws.

Symptoms are most often seen in young cats, or cats with risk factors such as a depressed immune system. The disease requires a trip to the veterinarian so that a course of treatment can be determined.

Symptoms of Ringworm in Cats

Ringworm symptoms in cats can vary quite a bit, but usually is characterized by a growing circular area of hair loss (alopecia) which surrounds red or gray crusty lesions or scabs on the skin.

It may appear as if you cat has dandruff or acne on the chin. Your cat may be tempted to lick or scratch the affected area due to itch that sometimes accompanies the problem. Itch is not a common symptom.

Symptoms can also appear as irregular hair loss, deformed toenails, areas of red or dark sin and small scabby bumps. Hair may also be brittle in places with broken hairs as the visible symptom.

Ringworm will get worse over time if not treated.

Picture of Cat Ringworm Symptoms

Normal cases of ringworm take from one to three months to heal.

Diagnosing Ringworm Symptoms in Cats

Your veterinarian can perform several tests to determine if your cat has ringworm including looking at the skin under a special light or examination of hair or skin samples under a microscope.

Cats Without Ringworm Symptoms

It is possible for a cat to be a carrier of the ringworm fungus without showing any symptoms.

Treating Ringworm Symptoms in Cats

Your veterinarian has a choice of oral prescription medications for ringworm (griseofulvin), topical ointments and dips. Note that some cats do not react well to griseofulvin. Since treatment of ringworm can be a lengthy process, be sure to discuss any kind of treatment option with your veterinarian.

Other medications for ringworm include topical ointments. These may not be effective since your cat will try to lick it off if it is used on a part of the body that is accessible to your cat. First clean the area to be treated with Betadine Solution or a natural skin cleaner made for pets such as Clenzor. Next use the prescribed topical ointment or a natural topical treatment made specifically to help cats with ringworm. Prescription or natural treatment may be a good choice for smaller cases that are in one area (localized).

Lime Sulfur dips such as Naturasil for Ringworm are considered to be highly effective for treatment. This combined with oral medications may be all your cat needs for fast treatment.

Other approaches such as povidone-iodine (Betadine) or chlorhexidine shampoo may not work as quickly.

Remove Fungal Spores From the Environment

To prevent re-infection you will need to thoroughly clean the area where your cat lives. First vacuum the entire area to pull up the fungal spores and fungus that is living on cat hair that fell off of your cat. Next use a disinfectant such as Benzarid which contains benzalkonium chloride, a highly effective cleaner for this problem.

Everything should be cleaned including cat blankets, sleeping areas, leash and collar.

Also change any air filters in your home air conditioning or heating system.

Ringworm fungus can survive for up to 4 years so cleaning is essential.

References:

The Well Cat Book: The Classic Comprehensive Handbook of Cat Care
McGinnis, Terri, DVM

Ringworm Infection in Dogs and Cats
R. A. Cervantes Olivares
Departmento de Microbiologica and Immunologia
Unversidad nacional Autonama de Mexico