CATS · Condition guide
Ringworm in cats: real veterinary cases
Ringworm is the most common contagious skin infection in cats, especially kittens, long-haired breeds (Persians are over-represented), and cats from rescue or shelter backgrounds. Despite the name, it's not a worm — it's a superficial fungal infection, almost always Microsporum canis. Classic lesions are circular patches of hair loss with scaling and crust, but presentations vary enormously and a fair number of carrier cats look perfectly normal.
Diagnosis combines Wood's lamp (only ~50% of M. canis fluoresces apple-green), trichography (microscopic exam of plucked hairs), and fungal culture or PCR. Treatment is two-pronged: systemic oral itraconazole or terbinafine plus topical decontamination of cat and environment (lime sulfur dips are messy but effective). It's zoonotic — humans, especially children and the immunocompromised, can catch it.
What vets typically check for
- Wood's lamp exam — only ~50% of M. canis strains fluoresce, so a negative result doesn't rule out.
- Trichography (microscopic hair exam) — look for spores around hair shafts.
- Fungal culture (DTM) or PCR — gold standard for confirmation and species identification.
- Oral itraconazole or terbinafine — typically 6+ weeks until 2 consecutive negative cultures.
- Environmental decontamination: vacuuming, bleach (1:10), wash bedding hot.
Not a replacement for veterinary care. Use this to walk into the conversation prepared, not to self-diagnose.
Real cases from the veterinary literature
Peer-reviewed reports our semantic search surfaces for Ringworm in cats (dermatophytosis). Click into any case for the full abstract — or run a personalised search with your pet's exact details.
- Feline sporotrichosis in an urban setting in northeastern Brazil: clinical and epidemiological aspects in a Municipal Veterinary Hospital.
Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia · 2026
A group of cats in northeastern Brazil were diagnosed with sporotrichosis, a fungal infection that can spread to humans. Most of the affected cats were male, aged 1-6 years, and had access to the outdoors, showing skin lesions mainly on their heads and limbs, with some also having breathing problems. Diagnosis often relied on clinical signs, and while many cats were treated at
- The TND-RTM protocol for controlling sporotrichosis in a free-roaming cat colony in southern Brazil.
Research in veterinary science · 2026 · Brazil
A group of free-roaming cats in southern Brazil was found to have sporotrichosis, a fungal infection that can cause skin lesions. The cats were captured, neutered, and treated with antifungal medications, while those showing symptoms were isolated. Over 18 months, the number of cats with active lesions dropped from over half to none, indicating that the treatment was effective.
- Cutaneous silica-associated (cat litter) granulomas in the paws of 13 domestic cats.
Veterinary pathology · 2026
A group of 13 domestic cats developed painful swelling, ulceration, and bleeding in their paw pads, which were linked to silica from traditional clay cat litter. Biopsies revealed that the inflammation was caused by granulomas, which are lumps formed due to irritation. Many of these cats also had underlying paw pad issues that made them more susceptible to these problems. After
- Notoedres cati-induced bilateral erythemato-ceruminous otitis externa in a cat.
Parasitology international · 2026
A one-year-old male European Shorthair cat was brought to the vet with severe itching, hair loss, and ear problems, including red and waxy ears. Tests confirmed he had a rare skin condition caused by a parasite called Notoedres cati, along with other infections. The vet treated him with a combination of topical and oral medications, including antiparasitics and antibiotics, alo
- Atypical felid alphaherpesvirus 1 dermatitis in a cat.
Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc · 2026 · United States
A 6-year-old male domestic shorthair cat developed skin lesions on its limbs and shoulder, which were unusual for feline herpesvirus infections that typically affect the face and mouth. The cat had deep inflammation in the skin, and tests confirmed the presence of the herpesvirus. After about seven months, new lesions appeared in similar areas, showing typical signs of ulcerati
- Diagnostic evaluation of a recombinant chimeric Sporothrix brasiliensis protein-based ELISA for serological detection of feline sporotrichosis.
Research in veterinary science · 2026 · Brazil
A group of cats with skin lesions and other symptoms of sporotrichosis (a fungal infection) were tested using a new blood test designed to detect the infection more quickly and easily. The test showed a high accuracy rate, identifying 97% of infected cats correctly while not reacting to healthy cats or those with other conditions. This new test could be a helpful tool for veter
Frequently asked questions
- Can I catch ringworm from my cat?
- Yes — ringworm is zoonotic. Most healthy adults shake it off easily, but children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are at higher risk. Treat the cat, wear gloves when handling, wash hands frequently, and see your GP if you develop ring-like lesions.
- How long does treatment take?
- Typically 6-12 weeks of oral antifungals, continued until you have two consecutive negative fungal cultures. Stopping too early is the most common reason for treatment failure and re-infection of the household.
- Will it go away on its own?
- In otherwise healthy adult cats with strong immunity, mild cases can self-resolve in 1-3 months — but during that time the cat sheds infectious spores everywhere and exposes the whole household. Treating actively is faster, safer, and reduces zoonotic risk.