Ringworm in cats
Also known as Dermatophytosis, Fungal skin infection, Microsporum canis.
A fungal infection of the skin and coat, common in kittens and long-haired cats. It spreads to people and other animals, and treatment takes weeks.
- System
- Skin and coat
- Is it urgent?
- Not usually
- Spreads to other cats
- Yes
- Spreads to people
- Yes
- Typical cost in Spain
- Diagnosis with culture, €60–120; full treatment, €100–300.
It is a zoonosis: it causes round patches on people’s skin, especially in children. See your doctor if they appear.
Symptoms
- Round bald patches, often on the face, ears and legs
- Scaling or dandruff
- Broken hairs
- Little or no itching
- Persians that carry it without signs
Causes
Fungi, especially Microsporum canis, whose spores last for months in the environment.
How it is diagnosed
Wood’s lamp, microscopic examination of the hair and fungal culture or PCR.
Treatment
An oral antifungal, baths or topical treatment and a thorough clean of the home, until cultures come back negative.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Very good, although it takes persistence.
Prevention
Check new cats, especially kittens and Persians, and clean thoroughly.
Breeds at higher risk
It is described more often in these breeds. That does not mean all of their cats will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
Frequently asked questions
Is ringworm contagious?
To other cats: yes. To people: yes. It is a zoonosis: it causes round patches on people’s skin, especially in children. See your doctor if they appear.
Can ringworm be cured?
Very good, although it takes persistence. An oral antifungal, baths or topical treatment and a thorough clean of the home, until cultures come back negative.
How much does it cost to treat ringworm?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Diagnosis with culture, €60–120; full treatment, €100–300. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
Which breeds are most at risk?
It is described more often in Persian, Himalayan and Exotic Shorthair. That does not mean every cat of those breeds will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
More in skin and coat
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.