Ringworm in cats – causes, symptoms, and treatment in Dubai

What is ringworm in cats?

• A contagious fungal infection that only affects the skin and sometimes the claws.
• Usually spread by direct contact with infected animals, but spores can survive for months on bedding, grooming tools, or furniture.
• Healthy skin is fairly resistant, but small scratches, stress, or weakened immune defences make infection more likely.
• Looks very similar to other skin problems, such as mange or flea allergy.
• Serious illness is uncommon, but treatment is advisable to limit the spread to other pets and people.

Talk to a vet without delay if you suspect your cat may have ringworm. If diagnosed, your vet can start your cat on safe treatment.

Symptoms of ringworm in cats

Cats may show one or more of these signs:

• Small, round patches of hair loss with dry, flaky skin
• Red or darkened skin, sometimes with scabs or crusts
• Mild to moderate itching
• Multiple spots or large areas of skin are affected
• Swollen or weepy patches in more severe cases
• Infected claws that become brittle, deformed, or shed/missing

Many skin diseases look alike, so only a vet can confirm whether your cat has ringworm.

Cats more at risk of ringworm

• Kittens and cats with weakened immune systems are much more vulnerable.
• Persians and other long-haired breeds are more prone because spores get trapped in their thick coats.
• Outdoor cats in Dubai who hunt or mix with community cats are at higher risk of exposure.
• Cats living in multi-pet households or apartments may struggle to avoid contact with contaminated items or other pets.
• Stressed cats, such as those living in busy homes or during hot summer months, may have weaker skin and general immune defences.

Are humans or other pets at risk?

Yes. Ringworm is a zoonotic disease, which means it can pass from animals to humans. Children and people with lowered immunity are most at risk.
Signs in people include small, red, circular patches of itchy skin. If you or your family develop suspicious skin changes, speak to your GP. Always mention if you have a cat with a suspected fungal infection.

Diagnosing ringworm in cats

Ringworm can look identical to many other skin conditions, so testing is important.

• Wood’s lamp test: some types of ringworm glow green under UV light.
• Microscopy: examining broken hairs under the microscope
• Fungal culture: growing the fungus in a lab from hair, skin, or claw samples (may take 2-3 weeks).
• PCR test: a special test to detect fungal DNA; sensitive but has some limitations.

Sometimes, healthy cats can carry spores without showing symptoms, so your vet may recommend testing all pets in the household.

Veterinary treatment for ringworm in cats

Because ringworm spreads so easily, treatment is aimed at eliminating the fungus rather than just calming the symptoms.

• Topical treatments: prescription antifungal creams, ointments, or medicated shampoos for the mildest cases.
• Oral (by mouth) antifungal medication: essential for treating more widespread infections, often needs to be continued for several weeks.
• Combination therapy: topical and oral are commonly used together for moderate to severe cases.
• Hospital admission: very sick cats may need supportive care alongside antifungal treatment.

Important considerations:

• Resolving other illnesses: cats suffering from other illnesses are unlikely to clear ringworm until the illness is successfully treated.
• Treatment can take several weeks or months. Stopping early often leads to recurrence.
• Your vet will test your cat’s skin to confirm it’s clear of the fungus at the end of treatment.
• Treating all pets in the household helps prevent cycles of reinfection as they spread it to one another.

Tips on preventing ringworm from spreading

Ringworm spores can live for months in the environment, making cleaning just as important as treating your cat.

• Isolate affected cats from healthy pets where possible.
• Wash bedding, clothing, bowls, and toys frequently. Ideally, use the hottest cycle twice in succession.
• Vacuum carpets, furniture, and cat trees daily to remove hair and skin flakes.
• Use normal household disinfectants after cleaning away visible dirt and hair.
• Wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling infected cats.
• Disinfect grooming tools and litter trays regularly.

Spores can survive longer in Dubai’s hot, humid environment, so extra care with cleaning and isolation is essential.

When to worry about ringworm in cats

Call your vet promptly if you notice:

• Patches of hair loss or scaly skin, especially in kittens
• Claw changes, such as breakage or deformity
• Itching that’s severe enough to cause skin wounds

Early treatment reduces the risk of spread and helps speed up recovery

Worried your cat may have ringworm? Book a consultation at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Their experienced team can provide accurate diagnosis, tailored antifungal treatments, and practical guidance on cleaning your home. From routine skin checks to complex cases, Modern Vet Hospital is your trusted partner for feline care in Dubai.