If you think your cat might have a ringworm infection, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Ringworm can be a serious infection, and left untreated can lead to hair loss, skin lesions, and other health problems. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of ringworm in cats so that you can identify the infection early and get your furry friend the treatment they need.
What is Ringworm in cats?
Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by a variety of fungal organisms. The medical term for a ringworm infection in cats is called dermatophytosis and cats can be exposed to dermatophyte spores via fomites (e.g. blankets, brushes, clippers, cages) or soil.
How is Ringworm transmitted in cats?
Ringworm is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal. However, it can also be spread indirectly by contact with contaminated items such as bedding, brushes, or clothing. Some species of dermatophytes can reside in the soil for long periods of time, which is why contact with contaminated soil can also lead to infection.
Studies conducted with experimental models have found that the spores of infective fungal spores can remain viable and continue to grow on culture plates for several months to years after infected hair is shed from the host animal. Although their ability to infect a healthy animal under normal conditions may be reduced, these studies suggest that the spores can survive for extended periods of time outside of a host.
The transmission of ringworm in cats is related to the cat's general health. In addition to skin trauma, other factors that make a cat more likely to get ringworm include being part of a large population of cats where they are under stress, having immunodeficiency syndromes such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus, cancer, being on therapies that suppress their immune system, and poor nutrition for example.
An active dermatophyte ringworm infection can develop a few hours after coming into contact with the spores. Lesions usually become visible within 1-3 weeks, meaning that cats can be infected and spread the spores before they show ringworm symptoms.
What are the symptoms of ringworm in cats?
Affected cats often have alopecia (hair loss) and broken hairs, as well as erythema (redness of the skin), scaling, and crusting. Lesions usually begin on the face and ears before spreading to the paws and the rest of the body. Pruritus or itchiness may or may not be present. In some cases, symptoms may be so mild that they go unnoticed.
The most common symptom of ringworm is patches of hair loss that look like circular bald spots. These bald spots are usually round or oval in shape and have well-defined edges. The skin in these areas may be red, scaly, or crusty. In some cases, the skin may be thickened and raised.
Other symptoms of ringworm in cats include:
- Itching
- Broken hairs (or barbed fur)
- Skin redness
- Scaling
- Crusting
Additionally, subcutaneous infestations due to dermatophyte organisms are uncommon, but nodules, ulcers, and draining sinus tracts might occur.
How is ringworm diagnosed in cats?
If your vet suspects that your cat has ringworm, they will likely recommend a few different ways of confirming the diagnosis.
If your veterinarian has a blacklight in the clinic, they can bring it into the exam room, turn off the lights, and see if the affected areas fluoresce. Ringworm spores will glow in the presence of black light. It's important to note that a negative result does not mean the ringworm fungus is not present, as only 50% of the spores will fluoresce.
In addition to the blacklight, your veterinarian will likely recommend a fungal culture. This is the most definitive way to diagnose ringworm. A sample of hair or skin is placed on a special medium that encourages fungal growth. While it takes time to get results, it confirms the presence of the fungus and helps determine the most effective treatment.
What is the treatment for ringworm in cats?
The treatment for ringworm in cats will vary depending on the severity of the infection. In mild cases, your veterinarian may recommend a topical antifungal cream or lotion that you can apply to the affected areas. For more severe infections, oral antifungal medication may be necessary. It is important to follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully and to complete the entire course of treatment, even if the symptoms seem to have resolved.
In addition to medical treatment, you will also need to clean and disinfect any areas where your cat has been. This includes bedding, brushes, and other materials. Be sure to wash these items in hot water and then dry them on the high heat setting. You should also vacuum any areas where your cat has been, as this will help to remove any spores that may be present.
Once your cat has been treated and the infection has resolved, you should continue to monitor them for symptoms. If the symptoms return or worsen, be sure to contact your veterinarian.
In conclusion, ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect cats. The symptoms of ringworm in cats include hair loss, broken hairs, and redness of the skin. Treatment typically involves topical or oral antifungal medication. Additionally, you will need to clean and disinfect any areas where your cat has been. If the symptoms return or worsen, be sure to contact your veterinarian for further advice.