How to determine if a cat has ringworm

To determine if a cat has ringworm, a Wood's lamp examination can be performed, or hair from the affected area can be pulled for microscope observation. Ringworm is a fungal skin disease caused by infections of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum. It is also a disease of artificial infection and is contagious. Therefore, it is necessary to isolate the infected cat for feeding to prevent transmission to healthy pets. Cats with ringworm need to use antifungal drugs promptly for treatment, and a neck collar should be worn during the treatment to prevent the cat from licking itself.

First, a preliminary judgment can be made based on clinical symptoms. After a cat contracts ringworm, it will experience severe itching, scaling, and hair loss. The cat's skin will show round or elliptical fungal lesions. Ringworm is a contagious fungal skin disease that can be transmitted by contact. When a cat at home shows related symptoms, it is necessary to isolate the infected cat for feeding to prevent transmission to other pets. Additionally, owners should wash their hands frequently after contacting infected cats.

To confirm whether a cat has ringworm, take the cat to a pet hospital for a Wood's lamp examination. If the cat has a ringworm infection, it will show a fluorescent green phenomenon under Wood's lamp irradiation. Furthermore, a microscope examination can be performed by pulling hair from the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. Once a cat is confirmed to have ringworm, antifungal topical sprays or creams should be used for treatment. If the ringworm infection is severe, combined treatment with medicated baths or oral antifungal drugs can also be applied.

During the treatment period, the cat must continue to use medication until it fully recovers, avoiding prolonged treatment or repeated episodes of ringworm due to intermittent medication. Meanwhile, a Elizabeth collar should be worn by the cat to prevent it from licking the medication and to prevent the fungus from spreading to the whole body through licking. Regularly supplement the cat with unsaturated fatty acids, lecithin, and complex vitamins to enhance its skin immunity.