Ringworm on Kittens

Feline ringworm is a skin condition caused by a fungus (not a worm, as the name implies). If your kitten has ringworm, immediate veterinary treatment is necessary as ringworm is highly contagious to other pets and humans.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of ringworm on your kitten may include fever, scaling skin on the face, muzzle and limbs, hair loss, round lesions with or without pustules, itching, and crusty or greasy skin.

    Causes

    • Ringworm in your kitten may come from his environment, contact with an infected animal, or he and his littermates may pick it up from his mother if she is infected.

    Diagnosis

    • Your veterinarian will perform diagnostic tests including cultures of the fungus from your kitten, microscopic examination of the fungus and looking at the fungus on your kitten under a wood's lamp (fluorescent light).

    Treatment

    • Veterinarians often prescribe a combination of oral and topical anti-fungal medications to treat ringworm in your kitten. Certain medications (such as Griseofulvin) can be too harsh for kittens, but your veterinarian will prescribe medications that are both safe and effective for kittens.

    Prevention

    • Your kitten's environment must be treated to eliminate and prevent reoccurances of ringworm. Clean all surfaces, bedding, dishes and so forth with disinfectant. Treat all infected animals and quarantine the infected animals from the healhty ones while they recover. Follow all of your veterinarian's instructions completely regarding treatement and prevention of ringworm.