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Gulf Coast Humane Society has taken in a record number of cats and kittens in 2020, and with those numbers also came a rise in the number of cases of ringworm. Ringworm is a common condition in the shelter world, and is very treatable, but can be costly.

According to GCHS Executive Director Jennifer Galloway, animal shelters often reflect what is out in the community concerning transmittable diseases in animals. This is also the case with the spike in ringworm cases found in the feline population in Southwest Florida.

“Usually if there is a rise of ringworm cases in the shelter, it means there is more of it in the community,” said Galloway. “We started seeing a lot more cats and kittens from all of the area coming into the shelters with ringworm. Many of these are adoptable cats kept indoors.”

Ringworm is not a parasite, but a fungal infection. Some symptoms of ringworm include skin lesions usually round in shape or flakey, bald patches with a red raised center on the face, eyes, head, ears and forelimbs. In mild cases, there may be localized areas of redness or simply dandruff, while more severe infections can spread over a  cat  entire body.

Ringworm is highly contagious, so when one cat has it, transmission is easy to other cats and it can be transmitted from cats to dogs, as well as to humans.

“Cats are highly susceptible especially if they go outdoors. The recent wet conditions could be playing a role in the increase'” Galloway said. “But don’t panic, it’s the same type of ringworm kids can get from playing sports or being outdoors. The condition is not considered dangerous and is easily treatable with a sulfur dip and oral medication.”

If someone suspects their cat has ringworm it’s important not to over-react. Just isolate the animal and take it to the vet.

“Quarantining is only a part of the treatments, which also includes oral medications and topical therapy. It takes approximately two to three weeks to treat and end the quarantine,” Galloway said.

The best prevention of ringworm is cleanliness. For example, the staff at GCHS keeps the cat areas very clean and every morning disinfects the entire living cat quarters.

“Good sanitary practices is vital in maintaining a healthy shelter, and that includes preventing ringworm,” Galloway added. “But if you do suspect your cat or dog has ringworm, make an appointment with your veterinarian and they will prescribe the appropriate treatment.”

Signs of Ringworm in dogs and cats include:

• Dandruff-like scaling

• Red lesions on the head, chest, forelegs and the ridge of the back

• Scaling, crusting, thickening and reddening of the skin

• Circular patches of hair loss on the head, tail or the ridge of the dog or cat’s back

Prevention of Ringworm

The fungi that cause ringworm love to live in warm, damp environments like soil. They then attach to hair and skin cells shed by humans and animals. Here a few ways to prevent ringworm infection:

• Regularly clean pet blankets and other bedding from your cat or dog’s quarters

• Regularly dispose of any hairs from your pet’s grooming brush

• Remove skin cells and hair from your home by regularly vacuuming the house

• Disinfect other common areas of the home

GCHS tries to educate and inform residents on how to keep their pet’s healthy and safe. As the community grows, so does its pet population and following county regulations helps insure the safety of pets and residents. In Lehigh Acres and in other parts of Lee County, all dog owners are prohibited from allowing their dog to stray or roam at large.

A dog is considered to be “roaming at large” when it is not under the restraint or direct control of its owner, which includes leashing a dog when taking it outside. Fines and fees are imposed by Lee County Domestic Animal Services for failure to do so.

The Gulf Coast Humane Society is a regional organization dedicated to helping companion pets find their forever homes, no matter how long it takes. GCHS provides an adoption center, spay-neuter and veterinary clinic, as well as education and awareness to the public about the welfare of homeless pets.

For more information visit: www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org/