Can ringworm in cats go away on its own?
Ringworm is definitely contagious — both to other pets and to humans. That said, it’s important to know that ringworm on cats will generally self-resolve within two to four months — meaning, it typically goes away on its own if you do nothing at all.
How can you tell if your cat has ringworm?
This skin disease is usually seen through missing, circular patches of fur on a cat. But lots of other (more common) skin conditions look very similar and some cats will show no signs at all. Though it’s called ringworm, it does not have any relation to worms and more closely resembles athlete’s foot in humans. Does my cat have ringworm?
How does ringworm spread from cat to cat?
As the skin disease is contagious, it is fairly easy for your cat to get ringworm by coming into contact with another infected cat or being in an environment where ringworm has been present. This is especially the case in multi-cat households because it’s spread through infected hair and skin follicles which cats…
Why are long haired cats more susceptible to ringworm?
This is especially the case in multi-cat households because it’s spread through infected hair and skin follicles which cats naturally shed. Ringworm is much more common in young cats and long haired cats. This is because young cats (under one-year-old) are more susceptible to the infection due to their immune systems not being fully developed.
Can a person catch ringworm from a scratch?
You cannot catch ringworm if your skin is unbroken, but if you have a scratch, graze, wound or suffer from a skin condition such as eczema, you may catch the infection but it’s usually easily treatable.
What are the symptoms of ringworm in cats?
The clearest and most common clinical signs of feline ringworm include the following: circular areas of hair loss, broken and stubbly hair, scaling or crusty skin, alterations in hair or skin color, inflamed areas of skin, excessive grooming and scratching, infected claws or nail beds, and dandruff.
Can a longhaired cat have ringworm without hair loss?
Ringworm may sometimes cause a more generalized disease where a much larger area of the body is affected, often seen as patchy hair loss. Some cats, especially longhaired breeds, may have ringworm without any clinical signs or hair loss. This condition is known as an asymptomatic carrier state.
Can you get ringworm from a stray cat?
Ringworm is zoonotic which means it passes between humans and animals with ease. Your own cat can give you ringworm just as easily as a stray. Ringworm spores do not discriminate! They will pick the best host for peaceful feeding. They make a meal out of keratin which is plentiful on all animal skin (humans included).
Which is the most common type of ringworm in pets?
Microsporum canis (M. canis) is the most common form of ringworm in pets. Cats and dogs can both carry it, but cats are considered the most important hosts. It’s also regularly found on horses and rabbits. Long-haired breeds such as Persian cats and Yorkshire terriers are reported to be more susceptible.
