What should you know about cats and ringworm?

Ringworm is a fungal infection, not a worm. An infected cat may have bald patches, broken hairs, scale, or no obvious skin signs. In a person, the rash can enlarge outward, become scaly at the edge, or itch; the centre may look clearer, but this pattern is not always present. Infection can spread through direct contact or contaminated bedding, brushes, and surfaces. See Ringworm, Skin Rash, or Scaly Skin for related information.

Avoid sharing bedding, towels, clothing, or brushes with the affected animal, and wash hands after handling it. Clean commonly touched surfaces and arrange veterinary care for the cat; treating the animal and its environment helps reduce repeated exposure. Do not use a pet medicine on your own skin. A clinician may recommend Topical Antifungal Treatment, while widespread, scalp, or persistent infection may require Oral Antifungal Treatment.

Arrange assessment for a spreading ring-like rash, marked scaling, broken skin, or symptoms that persist after exposure ends. Seek prompt care if the scalp, beard area, nails, or eyes are involved, or if the skin becomes hot, swollen, increasingly painful, or drains pus. Children and people with weakened immunity should be assessed early.

Ask whether the rash needs a scraping or other test, which household items should be cleaned, whether close contacts need checking, and how long treatment should continue after the skin looks better.