Ringworm in Kittens - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

There is a lot to cover to fully understand ringworm disease, so let’s begin by reviewing what it is, and how you can recognise its symptoms for proper cat care.

Ringworm is an infection caused by a particular type of fungus that thrives on the skin, hair, or nails. Again, ringworm isn’t actually a worm, but a dermatophyte, which form a group of fungi that includes about 40 different species. In cats, the majority of ringworm cases are due to Microsporum canis, which can also infect dogs and humans.

If you have done some early research, you may have encountered different names related to ringworm disease and wondered, ‘What is tinea, and what is ringworm?’ Tinea is the name for fungal skin and nail infections in people, and it may be described as ringworm when it affects certain areas of the body. 

Ringworm is a highly infectious condition that affects the superficial layers of the skin, using them as a source of nutrition. The fungi can grow on the skin, covering more areas of the body, and spreading to infect various species, including cats, dogs, and humans. 
 

So, what does ringworm (tinea) look like when it first starts? The symptoms of ringworm in kittens can actually vary. Some kittens may exhibit severe skin disease, while others may have only minor lesions or no visible signs at all.

While there aren't definitive stages of ringworm infection, common symptoms to look out for include:
•    Circular patches of hair loss: Ringworm can typically be found on the face, nose, ears, tail, or legs. These patches are often roughly circular and may have broken hairs around the edges.
•    Scaly or inflamed skin: As you wonder what ringworm looks like on the skin, you will find affected areas can appear scaly, red, and inflamed.
•    Itching and discomfort: While some kittens experience significant itchiness, others may not scratch much at all.
•    Broken hairs and bald spots: The hairs around the lesions are often broken, leading to bald patches.
•    Variable presentation: Ringworm can mimic other skin conditions like flea allergy dermatitis, symmetrical alopecia, or even feline acne, making it sometimes challenging to diagnose without proper testing.  Additionally, some cats can be ringworm carriers without showing any symptoms at all.

Recognising these symptoms early and seeking proven treatment options can help prevent the spread of ringworm to other pets and humans in the household. 

Ringworm in kittens is primarily caused by the fungus Microsporum canis. The organism survives in the environment and can easily spread to humans and other animals. 

Wondering how tinea is transmitted and spread? Kittens contract ringworm through direct contact with the fungus through various means, including:
•    Contact with infected animals or humans: Kittens can catch ringworm by sleeping next to, or grooming, an infected pet.
•    Contaminated grooming tools and bedding: Sharing brushes, blankets, or towels with an infected animal can spread the fungus.
•    Infected environments: Using the same furniture, especially in shelters or boarding facilities, where infected animals have been, can lead to transmission.

The likelihood of a kitten developing ringworm depends on their immune system. Kittens and cats with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to the infection than healthy adult cats. Additionally, long-haired cats often act as carriers of ringworm, as their infections are less noticeable, and they tend to shed more.

To effectively eliminate the infection, kitten ringworm treatment often involves a combination of topical and oral medications that will be prescribed by your veterinarian.

Topical ringworm treatments contain antifungal agents and are applied directly to the affected areas. It's important to follow the vet's instructions and continue the treatment as long as directed.

In most cases, oral antifungal medications are also necessary to eradicate the infection fully. If required your vet will prescribe the most appropriate drug for your kitten, and treatment duration usually lasts for a minimum of six weeks but may extend longer depending on the kitten's response. It's important not to stop treatment prematurely, as this can lead to a recurrence of the infection.