Dermatophytosis, commonly called ringworm, is a highly contagious fungal infection that poses major welfare and management challenges in cat shelters.
Shelter ringworm outbreaks cause widespread animal suffering through skin lesions, treatment stress, prolonged length of stay, and in some cases euthanasia of healthy animals when resources are overwhelmed. The lengthy treatment process and quarantine requirements mean ringworm-positive cats spend extended periods in stressful shelter environments. Foster care during treatment dramatically improves welfare by providing home environments and individual attention. Robust prevention and rapid response protocols can prevent minor cases becoming shelter-wide crises.