Symptoms of Cats with Ringworm

It is rare for cats to show typical symptoms of ringworm such as circular bald spots. The main clinical manifestations are symmetrical hair loss, itching, and folliculitis. Cats with ringworm often over-groom themselves, leading to excessive hair loss. Additionally, due to frequent scratching of the affected area, secondary bacterial infections may occur, presenting with redness and ulceration of the skin.

The pathogenic fungi that cause ringworm mainly include Malassezia pachydermatis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum audouinii. In clinical practice, Malassezia pachydermatis is the primary pathogen that causes ringworm in cats.

Ringworm mainly occurs in young and immature cats. The clinical symptoms of cats with ringworm mainly include skin itching, accompanied by hair loss, fluid exudation, and crusting. Additionally, due to constant scratching of the affected area, cats may also develop redness, papules, and other common bacterial infection symptoms. In severe cases, cats may exhibit increased scaling, extensive hair loss, and thickening of the skin. Adult cats may develop subclinical skin fungal infections due to enhanced skin resistance, forming mild plaques or minor broken hairs without obvious lesions.

There are many causes of ringworm in cats, mainly due to direct or indirect contact with infected animals, hair, and objects. Meanwhile, dampness, warmth, crowding, and unclean environments can also lead to cat ringworm infections. Clinical diagnosis of ringworm cannot rely solely on cat symptoms, as they may overlap with other diseases. It is recommended to confirm the diagnosis based on specific tests, such as Wood's lamp examination, skin and hair examination, and fungal culture.

Treatment of ringworm in cats is relatively simple. Based on the severity of the clinical symptoms, appropriate topical and oral medications are selected. The specific treatment method is advised to follow the pet doctor's recommendations.