Identifying Feline Ringworm: Signs and Symptoms in Cats

Section 1: Symptoms of Ringworm in Cats

Ringworm in cats can manifest as localized hair loss on the feline's skin, followed by circular or elliptical lesions. The most common type of lesion is circular, and these areas often exhibit white dandruff on the skin. You may also notice redness and scabs, with the underlying skin appearing pink when the scabs are removed. In some cases, there may be skin ulcers as well.

Ringworm is particularly prevalent in areas such as the head, limbs, upper abdomen, and behind the ears of cats. While most cases do not cause itching, if there is a mixed bacterial infection or parasitic infestation, the cat may experience varying degrees of itching.

Section 2: Diagnosing Ringworm in Cats

If you suspect your cat has ringworm, you can purchase a Wood's lamp online and use it to illuminate the affected skin in a dimly lit area. If the affected area emits a yellowgreen fluorescence under the Wood's lamp, it indicates that your cat is suffering from ringworm.

However, it's important to note that ringworm is a fungal skin disease caused by Microsporum, and only about 50% of Microsporum cases will show fluorescence under the Wood's lamp. If your cat has ringworm caused by other types of fungi, it's still necessary to visit a veterinary clinic for a skin scraping and microscopic examination.

Therefore, for a definitive diagnosis of ringworm, it's best to consult a veterinary clinic for a more convenient and efficient process.

Section 3: Treating Ringworm in Cats

Before diagnosing your cat's skin condition, it's generally not recommended to administer medication without a proper diagnosis. Once ringworm is confirmed, follow these steps for treatment:

1. Isolate your cat to prevent the spread of ringworm to family members.

2. Apply a skin spray, such as Puralan's Fungon spray, to the affected areas to promote antibacterial healing and improve skin immunity.

3. Use an antifungal cream, like Fungalan's ketoconazole cream, which can combat a variety of microorganisms, to inhibit the growth of ringworm and aid in skin repair.

4. Thoroughly clean and disinfect your cat's living environment and personal items. Place the cat bed in direct sunlight for 23 days to sterilize it.

If the ringworm infection is extensive and severely affects your cat's quality of life, it's advisable to seek veterinary care promptly. This may include antifungal medications and medicated baths. For any further questions, feel free to consult an online veterinary expert at any time.