Ringworm in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment and Protecting Your Family

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It is a fungal infection, usually caused by a fungus called Microsporum canis, that lives on the skin, hair and claws. It is common in kittens, shelter cats and longhaired breeds, and because it spreads to people, it deserves quick action.

How cats get ringworm

The fungus spreads through contact with an infected animal or with spores in the environment. Spores can live on bedding, brushes, carpets and furniture for months. Cats most at risk include:

• Kittens and young cats
• Senior cats or those with weakened immune systems
• Cats from shelters, catteries or stray populations. See adopting a cat from a shelter.
• Longhaired breeds, such as Persians. See the Persian profile.
• Cats with skin damage or stress

Signs

Ringworm often looks different from the name suggests. Signs may include:

• Round or irregular patches of hair loss
• Scaly, crusty or reddened skin
• Broken, stubbly hairs
• Dandruff-like flakes
• Hair loss around the face, ears and paws
• Dry, misshapen claws
• Mild itching, though some cats do not scratch much

Some cats, especially adults, carry the fungus without signs, which lets it spread unnoticed. Other conditions look similar, such as allergies, mites and bacterial infections. See cat skin allergies and fleas on cats. A vet must confirm the diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Your vet may:

• Examine the coat with a special ultraviolet lamp, although not all strains glow
• Look at hairs under a microscope
• Send hair and skin samples for a fungal culture, which is the standard test and takes up to three weeks
• Use a PCR test for a faster answer

Treatment

Treatment has three parts, and all are needed.

Antifungal medication. Oral drugs prescribed by your vet, given for weeks.

Topical therapy. Medicated shampoos or dips, as directed. See how to bathe a cat.

Environmental cleaning. Spores must be removed from the home.

Treatment continues until follow-up fungal cultures are negative, which commonly takes six weeks or more. Stopping early can allow relapse.

Cleaning your home

• Confine the cat to a room that is easy to clean while it is treated.
• Vacuum floors and furniture daily, and dispose of the bag or empty the canister outside.
• Wash bedding, blankets and toys in hot water.
• Disinfect hard surfaces with a diluted bleach solution or an effective veterinary disinfectant, as directed.
• Replace or discard items that cannot be cleaned, such as scratching posts.
• Clean grooming tools carefully.

Protecting people and other pets

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling the cat.
• Wear gloves when applying treatments.
• Keep children, elderly people and those with weak immune systems away from the cat.
• Treat or test other pets, as your vet advises.
• If a person develops a red, ring-shaped, itchy rash, see a doctor.

Prevention

Quarantine and examine new cats before mixing them with others. Keep the home clean, and manage stress. A healthy immune system helps cats clear infection faster.

How long spores survive

Ringworm spores are tough. They can survive on surfaces for many months, which is why cleaning is as important as medication. Hair shed by an infected cat carries spores, so frequent vacuuming and wiping reduces reinfection. Do not move the cat around the house during treatment, since each room becomes contaminated.

Ringworm in shelters and multi-cat homes

Ringworm can spread quickly through shelters, foster homes and households with several cats. If one cat is diagnosed, your vet may advise testing and treating the others, even if they have no signs, since carriers can reinfect treated cats. Isolate new arrivals until they have been checked, and wash your hands between cats.

Kittens

Kittens are especially likely to catch ringworm and may develop widespread signs. Treatment follows the same principles, but dosing and medications are chosen carefully by your vet. See kitten first vet visit for what to ask at an early checkup.

Will the hair grow back?

Yes. Once the infection is cleared, hair regrows, often within weeks to months. Some cats keep a scar or slight color change. Keep your cat's coat healthy with a balanced diet and regular brushing. See how to brush a cat.

Costs and follow-up

Treatment is often long and requires several vet visits for repeat cultures, so ask about costs at the start. See cat vet visit costs. Do not stop medication when the skin looks better. Follow the vet's schedule until cultures are negative.

Stress and immunity

Stress and illness weaken immunity, making ringworm worse. Keep the treatment room calm, offer hiding places and keep a routine. A comfortable cat heals faster.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat has unexplained hair loss, scaly patches or if a person in the household develops a rash. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic, and see cat vet visit costs. Overgrooming can mimic ringworm, so see why do cats overgroom.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.