Ringworm in Cats

Causes

Ringworm is by far the most common cause of dermatophytosis in cats. The amounts of cases vary due your geographical location. Environments that are densely populated with animals (for example, in a cattery or animal shelter), or where there is poor nutrition, poor management practices, and lack of adequate quarantine period, will also increase risk of infection.

Immunocompromising diseases, or immunosuppressive medications (factors that decrease the body's ability to develop a normal immune response) can raise the likelihood that your cat will be at risk of a fungal infection of the skin, hair, and/or nails, as well as increase the potential for a more severe infection

Prevention

To prevent reinfection from other animals, the use of a quarantine period and fungal (dermatophyte) cultures of all animals living in the household are necessary. Treatment of exposed animals should be considered to prevent repeated development of infection. The possibility of rodents aiding in the spread of the disease should also be considered. If you suspect that your cat has access to rodents, or that rodents are in your immediate environment, it is highly advised that you take the necessary steps to eliminate the pests.