Ringworm in cats is a fungal skin infection. The most common culprits are Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These fungi tend to thrive in warm, humid conditions and can take hold when a cat’s immune system is weak or the skin barrier is compromised. Symptoms often include hair loss, redness, and crusting.
How to Tell If Your Cat Has Ringworm
But to confirm if your cat’s symptoms are due to a fungal infection, the most reliable method is a fungal culture done at a veterinary clinic. While Wood’s lamp test can offer some clues, it’s important to note that other conditions like mite infestations or Malassezia overgrowth can cause similar symptoms. Mixed infections are also common in cats. So, to be safe, it’s best to get a proper diagnosis before starting any treatment. Never attempt to treat your cat without professional guidance.
When it comes to nursing a cat with ringworm, if your cat is pulling out its hair due to itching, in addition to relieving the itch, you should also use an Elizabethan collar to prevent further self – injury. You’ll need to disinfect all of your cat’s items, especially fabrics. Until your cat recovers, it’s better not to share your bed to prevent the spread of the infection.
