Catching Ringworm From Cats

Ringworm is known as a zoonotic disease. It can be transmitted from animals to humans. Ringworm is not caused by a worm, but actually from fungal spores. It is a fungal infection of the hair and skin and is one of the most infectious fungal diseases in cats. However, it is a not a life-threatening disease.

  1. How Is Ringworm Spread?

    • A fur brush can be a source of infection.

      Ringworm spores survive for as long as 18 to 24 months. Tiny fungal spores adhere to the cat's fur, and cause infection by invading the fur cells and skin cells and germinating. Any place that an infected animal has visited and anything it has touched carries a risk of infection. Ringworm is spread from cats to humans by direct skin or fur contact or any object a cat has touched, such as a fur brush.

    Symptoms

    • Scratching may be a sign of ringworm infection.

      Symptoms of ringworm in pets include: round patches of hair loss; overgrooming; scratching due to itching; small, round, scaly skin lesions; blackheads on the chin in young cats; and malformed claws.

      Symptoms of ringworm in humans are a ring of itchy red skin, scaling and bald patches.

    Diagnosis

    • A fungal cell culture is grown from an infected fur sample for ringworm diagnosis.

      If you suspect your cat has ringworm, take your pet to a veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment immediately, before it spreads to others. Diagnosis involves taking a fungal cell culture. Infected hairs are plucked, grown in a culture, and identified under a microscope. It takes 10 days for the fungus to grow, according to the Mar Vista Animal Center.

    Treatment

    • Medicated shampoo is effective in treating ringworm.

      Ringworm usually goes away on its own after a number of months. However, due to its infectious nature, you should seek immediate treatment. Because ringworm is infectious, if you have multiple cats, you must treat them all at the same time.

      Treatment in pets include special shampoos and dips, topical medication such as creams, and oral antifungal medications, such as itraconazole. Shaving the fur is not recommended because there is a chance of spreading the fungus to other parts of the body. Oral medication may result in vomiting and loss of appetite.

      The most effective treatment is a combination of clipping the coat, bathing with medicated shampoos and applying oral medication, according to Dr. Arnold Plotnick. Pets should be bathed twice a week with the shampoo for at least 10 minutes each. Their coats should be clipped to remove infected hairs and minimize shedding, thereby also minimizing the risk of spreading the spores. Active ingredients against ringworm in the shampoos are miconazole and chlorhexidine.

      Vaccines are available to prevent the possible development of lesions and control other symptoms. However, the vaccines do not actually prevent the infection from spreading to other animals and people.

    Prevention

    • Vacuum carpets thoroughly.

      Establish good hygiene and sanitary practices to prevent ringworm infection. Wear gloves when you handle a potentially infected pet. Wash your hands immediately upon any skin contact.

      Decontaminate your home of infected spores daily by vacuuming and steam cleaning all areas of the house including carpets, furniture and drapes. Fungal spores can live in carpets for as long as two years, according to Ann Marie Falk, an information specialist from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Dispose of vacuum bags immediately after use. Disinfect counters, grooming tools and pet toys with a bleach solution of one part bleach and 10 parts water for at least 10 minutes. Wash clothes and bedding with bleach and hot water. Because spores thrive in humid environments, purchase a dehumidifier for your home.

      Because outdoor cats have a higher chance of becoming exposed to the fungal spores, you may want to keep your cat indoors to prevent ringworm infection.