by Dawn R. Cole

Created on: February 26, 2010   Last Updated: February 27, 2010

Contrary to its name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms.  Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a fungal infection caused by microscopic parasites known as dermatophytes.  These organisms invade the outer layers of the skin, the hair follicles, and the nails (claws), where they extract nourishment from the keratin in dead skin tissues. 

There are four types of fungi that cause ringworm in cats but the most common strain is microsporum canis.  Ringworm is highly contagious and roughly 20% of cats remain asymptomatic but are carriers that can transmit the infection to other cats, pets, and humans.

In cats that do show symptoms, the signs to watch for include:

1. Hair loss in a circular pattern. 

a. The fungi make their home in the cat's hair follicles and, as they feed, they weaken the hair shafts, causing the hairs to die and break off.  These areas of hair loss tend to be round and usually occur on the head, ears or limbs, but the circular patterns can appear anywhere on a cat's body.

2. Lesions.

a. Once the hair shafts break off, the exposed skin often looks red in the center of the circular pattern.  These bald areas can become dry, flaky, crusty, and itchy, appear gray, and produce a form of dandruff known as, seborrhea sicca. 

b. As the fungus begins to multiply, the infected areas may become more irregular in shape and spread all over the cat's body.

3. Infections.

a. If an infected cat does not receive proper treatment, the fungus will continue to spread over larger areas of the body and the extensive amount of hair loss can result in a variety of skin infections.

b. Ringworm can also attack the claws and clawbeds of a cat and result in an infection known as onychomycosis.

Ringworm fungi are very hardy and, depending on the environment, can live for several months, to over a year.  Any cat can become infected through direct or indirect contact with an infected animal, or anything (dishes, bedding, etc.) that has been contaminated by the cat's skin cells or hairs. 

Cats that run the highest risk or are more susceptible to serious ringworm infections include:

* Kittens under 1 year of age
* Elderly cats
* Cats with compromised immune systems
* Long-haired breeds, especially Persians
* Cats in shelters, catteries, or multiple-cat households

The good news is, ringworm can be cured.  As soon as your cat displays any of the signs associated with ringworm, get them to a veterinarian for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment, as soon as possible. 

The treatment options usually involve administering of anti-fungal drugs and baths with medicated shampoos or dips.  There is also a ringworm vaccine that will help hasten the infected cat's recovery and help their system to develop immunity to the fungus.

Your veterinarian should always be your first choice for any information concerning your cat's health but you can also visit these websites for more information on ringworm:

www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/ringworm.html

www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/ringworm.html

Learn more about this author, Dawn R. Cole.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.