Signs and Symptoms of Ringworm- and How to Treat it

Your cat’s health is very important. You should always ask your veterinarian when in doubt, but it is important to learn about such things on your own. That way, you will not only notice symptoms faster, you can also save some money and grief. If you want to be sure that you cat is getting treatment as soon as possible, you need to watch for signs that something may be wrong with your pet.

What is ringworm? Ringworm is not a worm as the name might suggest, but a type of skin disease that affects many cats. This medical condition is actually not caused by worms at all, but rather by a fungus. The sores on the skin due to ringworm fungi are circular, which led to the belief at once time that a curling worm under the skin caused this disease. However, there are no worms involved. If you believe that your cat has ringworm, take your cat to see the vet as soon as possible.

Ringworm is also called dermatophytosis. There are four species of fungi that cause ringworm in a cat, and because some of these organisms are so well adapted to a cat’s body, about 20% of cats have ringworm and show no outward signs of the disease. Ringworm commonly infected the dead skin, nails, and hair on an organism, using the keratin in the tissue as food.

What causes ringworm? The cat’s genetics and environment decide if he or she will develop ringworms. For example, research has shown that certain cat species develop the disease more readily. Ringworm spreads quickly between cats, it is best to isolate the disease ridden cat form other cats. Ringworm caused the hair to break off at the skin and may be itchy.

How to treat ringworm: If your cat has ringworm, there are a lot of ways to treat it. Ask your vet about medications that will clear up the ringworm inside the body. You’re your vet to make sure that the medication won’t cause any side affects. Anti-fungal shampoo baths may also work. These baths should be given every day regularly and are great for cats that don’t mind the water. Lime sulfur dips, done weekly, can also be affective. If you have other pets, they may need to be treated as well to prevent the ringworm from spreading. Vaccines are available to help build an immunization to ringworm. If you cat has extremely long hair, clipping it may be necessary.

Prevention: Remember, ringworm can infect humans as well as cats, especially children. If your cat has ringworm, or if you suspect this is the case, see your vet immediately. He or she can recommend what course of action you should taken in order to help your cat overcome the ringworm as well as to help the fungi from spreading to other animals and people in your house.