Ringworm in Cats
It is important to open any discussion about ringworm and cats with a clarification of the facts. Ringworm is not a worm of any kind at all, it is a bacterium that often presents in the shape of a circular or “ring” shaped lesion on the skin. There are a few types of the bacteria that can lead to the development of ringworm, and all of them are extremely contagious.
Cats can be long-time carriers of a form of the bacteria without ever indicating any symptoms, but they can also quickly and easily pick it up from human owners, other cats, and housemates such as dogs too.
When a cat begins to display signs of a ringworm infection it is most often seen in their hair. Usually their hair thins or falls out altogether in the ring-shaped area where the bacterium has taken hold. The cat will be extremely uncomfortable when this happens because it is also an extremely irritating and itchy condition, and this applies to all animals that develop an infection from the bacteria.
Sadly, the infection can spread very widely across the animal’s body, and this can lead to serious problems. Fortunately, there are topical and oral treatments that can attack the bacteria where it causes the most trouble – the deepest part of the hair follicle – and prevent it from spreading. In addition to treatments provided through veterinary care, there are also special baths and “dips” that can help to kill off the infection too.
If a cat, or anyone in the living environment, should develop ringworm it is important to understand that it is a very hearty bacterium that can live for ten to fourteen days without a host. This means that all cat bedding, household furnishings and linens, and any duct work where infected skin and hair cells can accumulate should all be treated with the appropriate chemicals, such as a bleach rinse.
Additionally, any household that welcomes a new cat into the mix should remember that this new pet could be a carrier that will infect all of the other animals. If this is of concern (and it usually is where any Persian and Himalayan breed cats are concerned) it is important to ask the vet to assess the cat before bringing it into the house. There are simple tests that can indicate if a cat is currently a carrier or actually infected, and this should be treated before bringing the new pet home.
