Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a fungal skin infection that is highly contagious, causes discomfort in affected cats, and remains a leading cause of euthanasia and extended shelter stays despite being entirely treatable.
Ringworm causes skin irritation, itching and self-trauma through scratching. The prolonged treatment period of 6-12 weeks represents an extended period of welfare compromise for shelter cats who must be isolated from other animals and often from human social contact. The isolation itself causes significant stress, particularly in sociable cats. Many cats are euthanised not because the disease is severe but because shelters lack the capacity to manage treatment, representing a major welfare failure given that the condition is entirely curable. Foster care removes cats from the stressful shelter environment and allows treatment in a home setting with far better welfare outcomes.