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My cat has a skin problem. Is it ringworm and how can I treat it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Nebelung | Male | neutered | 3 months and 3 days old | 3 lbs

Is this ringworm? What can I buy to help this skin problem go away?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 4th, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Shadow. It could be ringworm, but I can't say for certain without seeing him in person. I have never come across a topical medication that has been effective for treating ringworm in cats aside from prescription-based lime sulfur dips. 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. If you are concerned that he may have ringworm, he should go to his vet for confirmation and will need to be started on oral antifungal medication. I hope that all goes well!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 23rd, 2018

    I have never come across a topical OTC medication that has been effective for treating fungus (I'm assuming you mean she has ringworm) in cats aside from prescription-based lime sulfur dips. 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 medication, and that is not safe for Sassy to ingest. If you are concerned that she may have ringworm, she should go to her vet for confirmation and will need to be started on oral antifungal medication. I hope that all goes well!

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My cat has been having this for 2 weeks now. She is about 5 months old and I’ve been putting an ointment on her because i think that this is wringworm but i am not sure. I want to know what it is and what i can do to help her get rid of it. Thank u!
Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about your cat. It could be ringworm. I have never come across a topical medication that has been effective for treating ringworm in cats aside from prescription-based lime sulfur dips. 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. If you are concerned that she may have ringworm, she should go to her vet for confirmation and will need to be started on oral antifungal medication. I hope that all goes well!
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