Do you think your cat might have ringworm? If so, you should take him to the vet to find out for sure. However, you might also want to check the list of symptoms below to figure out whether you think this is truly the issue.
Ringworm, which is not actually a worm at all but is a type of fungus, can affect both indoor and outdoor cats. It’s a common problem among cats, so it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms associated with it when you are a cat owner. Read on to find out more.
Ring-like Rash
The ring-like rash is the telltale sign of ringworm in cats as well as humans. It looks like a red ring and is where the fungus gets its common name. Despite its appearance and its name, however, it’s important to remember once again that there is no worm involved.
The rash may be difficult to spot on a cat, since it will likely appear under his fur. If you suspect your cat may have ringworm, carefully check his fur as much as possible for signs of this rash.
Itching
The rash that comes with ringworm doesn’t always itch, but it usually does. Because of this, you may notice your cat scratching more often than is normal. If you see this behavior and you determine that fleas aren’t the cause, the issue could be ringworm.
Cats may also chew or lick the affected area frequently, and they may seem unable to leave it alone. This is also because of the itching associated with the ringworm. Look carefully at any areas of your cat’s body that he may be paying too much attention to when he grooms.
Hair Loss
The longer a ringworm rash goes on, the more likely it will be for your cat’s hair to start falling out in patches. Your cat may lose his hair just around the ring rash, or he may start to lose it elsewhere on his body too. This will depend on the severity of the infection.
For many cat owners, the loss of fur is the first sign they notice, only then recognizing the ringworm rash after it has been exposed. If you notice these symptoms together, take your cat to the veterinarian right away for proper treatment.
Dull Coat
Cats may develop a dull coat when they are sick with just about anything, and ringworm is no different. If you notice your cat’s coat becoming less and less shiny or find that the hair is thinning out more than normal for his regular shedding, this may be a sign that he has ringworm.
Dull coat conditions may also signify a wide variety of other health problems, however, so you should take your cat to the vet if you notice this symptom. It could mean that your cat needs to be on a different type of food as well, and your vet will be able to give you more information.
Scaly Skin
Sometimes, a cat with ringworm may develop a scaly texture to the skin. This can occur at the location of the ring-like rash, but it may also occur elsewhere on your cat’s body. If the ringworm is left untreated for a very long time, the scaling of the skin may progress further and further.
You may not notice this problem until after your cat’s hair starts to fall out, simply because his fur is likely going to cover it up. Try to check his skin regularly to catch signs like this ahead of time.
General Unwell Behavior
Finally, your cat may simply exhibit general unwell behavior if he is dealing with ringworm. He’s likely to feel sick as the fungal infection rages, and he may feel itchy and uncomfortable from the rash as well. He might not be able to rest well because of his symptoms, and he might become irritable because of this.
If you think your cat is sick and you’re not sure what the cause could be, you should always take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible. And if you suspect that ringworm is the cause of your cat’s illness, you’ll still need a vet’s assistance to help clear up the infection.
Call Country Club Animal Hospital for Your Cat’s Ringworm
As you can see, there are several symptoms you should keep in mind when trying to determine whether your cat has ringworm. Some of these symptoms overlap with other illnesses, however, so you should also consider all the possibilities while you work on figuring out what’s going on with your cat.
As always, take your cat to your Country Club Animal Hospital vet if you’re concerned about his health and wellness. Your vet can tell you for sure whether your cat has ringworm and, if not, what else is going on. The vet will also be able to prescribe treatments for ringworm too. To book an appointment call (305) 663-3300 or use the online form.