Cat ringworm is the most common infectious skin disease in domestic felines. It's actually not a worm at all, but a contagious fungal infection that is easily spread.

In otherwise healthy cats, the disease often resolves itself within 6 to 8 weeks. To prevent the spread of the disease and to resolve it more quickly, your veterinarian may prescribe treatment. More difficult cases may take weeks or months even with treatment. Cats with compromised immune systems may take even longer and experience more severe symptoms.

Ringworm is also referred to as dermatophytosis. It's a fungus which feeds on the keratin protein found in nails, skin, and hair.

This disease gets its name from the easy to spot, round ring-like marks it leaves on the skin. The classic ringworm symptom presents as patches of hair loss which appear as circular scaly areas with raised edges.

The initial symptoms include dry, flaky skin. The most common locations for infection are the head, face, ears, tail, and paws. In addition, you may see bald areas on the legs, ears, and around the eyes.

More serious symptoms may develop if your cat's immune system is compromised. If left untreated, your cat may develop crusty lesions that become sore, red, and infected.

Cat ringworm symptoms include hair loss and broken hair in circular or irregular patterns. You may also see bumpy, scaly, red, or inflamed skin, and possibly deformed claws. The affected areas do not always itch, and some cats may experience little to no hair loss with this disease.

Cat ringworm can only be diagnosed by your veterinarian, so get in contact with your vet if you suspect your cat is infected.