Can I cuddle my cat with ringworm?

Ringworm transmitted to cat owners can be cured in minutes with UVB light

NO. People ask whether they can cuddle their cat if their cat has ringworm. Through personal experience, I would strongly suggest that you do not cuddle your cat if they have ringworm. This is because it is a highly contagious fungal infection which is likely to be transmitted to you as it is zoonotic …

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Infographic on ringworm notes plus a tip

Ringworm notes in an infographic

I have labelled this infographic ‘ringworm notes’ as it is a very compact note form image containing essential information about ringworm in cats which can and does infect humans, specifically the cat’s caregiver. I can remember a story in the news media (see link below) when a shelter director euthanised 14 cats to deal …

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The process that causes ringworm in cats (and why symptoms are circular)

Ringworm on cat in a typical position

There is a distinct process, which causes the ringworm symptoms that we see on cats and ourselves. It starts with the presence of one of three species of parasitic fungi: Microsporum canis (the most common), Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum gypseum. These are dermatophytes – ‘pathogenic fungi that grow on skin, mucous membranes, hair, nails, …

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What does ringworm look like on a cat?

Chauncey with his ringworm

Here are some pictures of domestic cats with ringworm. I am fortunate to be able to refer to a recently written article by Elisa, a colleague of mine, who wanted to spread the word about a beautiful rescue boy whose name is Chauncey (a.k.a. Chance). He is at an upstate South Carolina shelter, FIV …

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Pickens County, SC: Beautiful FIV+ shelter cat needs an ‘only pet’ home

This is Chauncey (AKA Chance). This beautiful boy, through no fault of his own, has ended up at an Upstate South Carolina shelter and is looking for a very special home. Chauncey is FIV positive. At seven years old, Chauncey is a healthy FIV positive boy. He weighs 13 pounds and Samantha Gamble, director …

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How do cats spread ringworm?

Ringworm glows under UV-A light

Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is spread by cats in direct contact with each other or with materials that have been contaminated with the skin debris of an infected cat or another animal or indeed a human. Ringworm is zoonotic, which means it can be transmitted between animals and humans. This does not only mean that animals …

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How do indoor cats get ringworm?

Microsporum canis under microscope

In order to understand how indoor cats get ringworm we need to refer to the life-cycle of this fungus. We are not talking about a worm but a plantlike growth that invades the hair and hair follicles. You probably know that already. This disease is transmitted by contact with ringworm spores. A ringworm spore …

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