Ringworm in cats: signs, treatment and cleaning your home

Despite the name, ringworm isn’t a worm. It’s a fungal infection of the skin, hair and claws — and one of the most common skin problems we see in cats in Rangpur, especially in kittens and during humid weather.

Signs

• Round patches of hair loss, often scaly or crusty
• Usually on the face, ears, head and front legs first
• Broken hairs, dandruff, sometimes redness
• Often not very itchy — which is why it’s missed
• Some cats (especially long-haired ones) carry it with no visible signs

Is it contagious?

Very. Ringworm spreads by direct contact and through spores shed onto bedding, furniture, brushes and clothes. It affects other cats, dogs and people — children are especially prone. If you notice itchy, red, ring-shaped patches on your own skin, see a doctor.

Diagnosis

Other conditions — mites, allergies, bacterial infections — can look similar. We look at the skin closely, examine hairs under the microscope, and may use other tests to confirm. See diagnostics.

Treatment

Successful treatment usually has three parts:

1. Oral antifungal medicine, prescribed for your cat’s weight
2. Topical treatment — medicated shampoo or dips, typically twice a week
3. Environmental cleaning — the part most often skipped

Treatment usually takes 6–10 weeks. Keep going until your vet confirms it has cleared, even if the skin looks better sooner.

Cleaning your home

• Confine the cat to one easy-to-clean room during treatment.
• Vacuum daily and wipe hard surfaces with a diluted bleach solution (about 1:10 to 1:100 depending on the surface; rinse and keep pets away until dry).
• Wash bedding and fabrics in hot water.
• Throw away or disinfect brushes and toys.

Prevention

Good nutrition, regular grooming, parasite control and prompt treatment of any skin patches all help. New cats — especially rescued kittens — should be checked before joining other pets.