Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a common fungal infection in cats, particularly kittens and shelter cats, causing skin lesions and posing transmission risk to humans and other animals.
Ringworm causes discomfort through itching and skin irritation in affected cats, though it is generally not as severely painful as some other skin conditions. The welfare concern is amplified by the treatment burden, which can be intensive and stressful for cats. Twice-weekly medicated baths, twice-daily topical application, and oral medication over weeks to months creates cumulative handling stress, particularly in young or feral cats. In shelter settings, the resource-intensive treatment has historically led to euthanasia of otherwise healthy cats, representing a significant welfare failure. Organizations promoting foster programs for ringworm-positive cats have shown that home treatment is effective and allows cats to receive care in a lower-stress environment.