What does a ringworm look like on cats?

The clearest and most common clinical signs of feline ringworm include the following: circular areas of hair loss, broken and stubbly hair, scaling or crusty skin, alterations in hair or skin color, inflamed areas of skin, excessive grooming and scratching, infected claws or nail beds, and dandruff.

What can be mistaken for ringworm in cats?

In many cats, it can be tricky to tell whether they have ringworm. It can look like a lot of other common skin conditions in cats, such as flea allergy dermatitis and mange, says Jessica Lowe, DVM, medical director of VCA Beacon Hill Cat Hospital.

What is the fastest way to treat ringworm in cats?

The most common way to treat ringworm in cats is to use a combination of topical therapy (application of creams, ointments, or shampoos) and systemic oral therapy (administration of anti-fungal drugs by mouth). In order for treatment to be successful, all environmental contamination must be eliminated.

How can I treat ringworm on my cat at home?

Warm water and soap. One of the best home remedies for ringworm is warm water and soap. This will stop it from spreading and prevent other areas of the body from getting infected. Once you have cleaned your cat, you must dry the skin and fur properly, as the spores thrive in moisture.

Can I touch my cat if it has ringworm?

People with weaker immune systems are more at risk of catching ringworm from cats, including young children, elderly people, people undergoing chemotherapy or treatment involving transplants or transfusions. We recommend that you don’t let children touch your cat if he or she has ringworm.

Will cat ringworm go away by itself?

Ringworm can go away on its own, but it may take months. During that time, your cat could spread the infection to humans and other pets in your home. Not to mention, ringworm can be very uncomfortable for your cat. Medication will more quickly treat the infection and help relieve your cat’s symptoms.

Can you buy ringworm medicine over the counter for cats?

Topical Ointments The most common topical antifungal is miconazole (yes, that’s the active ingredient in Monistat!) which can be easily purchased over the counter and is very effective at treating ringworm.

Will Cat ringworm go away by itself?

Can you buy ringworm medicine over-the-counter for cats?

How to recognize and treat ringworm in cats?

Wood’s lamp: A special black light called a Wood’s lamp causes the fungus to glow a yellowish-green color.

What are the signs of ringworm in cats?

Look for Patches of Hair Loss on Your Cat. The ringworm fungus normally grows around the hair shafts and then migrates downward into hair follicles.

What does ringworm look like on a cat?

This is the only part of the name that warrants credit to those who coined the disease’s name: ringworm often presents itself as a circular reddish rash — a ring — on the skin of an infected cat. Cats may begin to lose hair or develop a dull or stubby coat. Signs may progress to patchy hair loss, scaling or itchy skin and infected nails.

Why do cats have ringworm?

Ringworm in cats is caused by directly contacting fungal spores on a source contaminated with ringworm such as other animals with ringworm, household surfaces and objects, or even humans. A cat can get ringworm by touching an infected animal or indirectly by touching materials like bedding and carpet that have contaminated skin cells.