Feline Ringworm Infection & Scratching

Contrary to what its common name suggests, ringworm refers not to a worm, but to a fungal spore that infects the hair and skin of cats, and can be transmitted to humans. Ringworm, the most common dermatological disease in cats, is highly contagious, but not life-threatening. Kittens, senior cats and long-haired cats are more susceptible to ringworm infections, also known as dermatophytosis.

  1. Symptoms

    • Ringworm infections commonly cause hair loss in cats, which usually occurs in patches. The bald patches may be red. Scaling and crusting of the skin also may occur. Such lesions tend to appear mostly on the head, including the ears, and the front limbs. Ringworm also can be itchy, though the intensity varies. Cats who experience severe itchiness may scratch to the point of injury. Other possible symptoms include blackheads on the chin and nail infections.

    Diagnosis

    • If your veterinarian suspects your cat is suffering from a ringworm infection, she likely will perform a fungal culture to confirm the diagnosis. To locate infected hairs for the culture, the veterinarian may shine an ultraviolet light, known as Wood's lamp, on the cat's coat. The fungal strands usually glow yellow to green under the light. The Wood's lamp also is used in subsequent examinations to determine if treatment for the ringworm is working.

    Treatment

    • Ringworm treatment typically involves a combination of topical and systemic prescription medications. The former may involve bathing the cat several times a week in a shampoo that contains the anti-fungal agent miconazole. Griseofulvin and itraconazole are among the oral medications used to treat ringworm. In addition, all or part of the cat's coat may need to be clipped if the infection has spread to a significant portion of the its body. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet.

    Decontamination

    • Ringworm spores are microscopic and can survive up to two years, which makes them difficult to eradicate. To decontaminate the environment, cat beds and linens should be laundered daily with bleach and hot water. Drapes also should be laundered, and all surfaces dusted and cleaned with disinfectant. Items that cannot be cleaned thoroughly, such as some cat trees and toys, should be discarded. Vacuuming daily and placing a fan in the window that draws air out also can help remove spores. Infected cats should be kept away from carpeted areas and quarantined to prevent the spread of the spores and transmission of the disease to other cats.