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What's this patch on my indoor cat's belly? Could it be ringworm?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Hi I noticed this patch on my cats abdomen. Could it be ringworm? He is strictly an indoor cat. Any ideas what it could be?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 11th, 2018

It is possible that it could be ringworm but it could also be a bacterial skin infection or an allergic dermatitis. If her skin otherwise seems normal then you could try a spray, like Duoxo calm and see if that helps. If the lesion persists or worsens then she should be examined by a vet for treatment. Your vet can do a culture or cytology to help diagnose and then prescribe medications to treat.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 14th, 2018

    From your picture, it does look like Alaska could have ringworm, but I cannot diagnose it from this picture alone. It could also be from an injury or a skin infection. You will need to take him into the vet, who can use a Wood's lamp or fungal culture to diagnose if he does have ringworm or not. If he does have it, the vet can prescribe a medication for it. Cats require oral anti fungal medications to treat ringworm, which is why you have to see the vet as creams will not work. The concern is that the Microsporum canis (fungal organism causing ringworm) is spread diffusely throughout a cat's entire hair coat, such that an isolated topical spray will not cover all surfaces of every hair, and lead to frequent recurrence. In addition, cats will typically lick off any topical cream, and the ingredients are not safe for Alaska to consume. If he does have ringworm, all animals in the home will have to be treated for it because it's so contagious, and you will need to check yourself to make sure you don't get lesions either. Finally, you will need to disinfect your home because the spores can live in the environment for up to 18 months. I will put a link below on how to do this. I would take Alaska into a vet tomorrow. Good luck, I hope this helps! http://www.livestrong.com/article/49666-rid-home-ringworm/

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