Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is highly contagious between cats and to humans, creating welfare challenges in shelter environments where it spreads rapidly among stressed, immunosuppressed animals.
Ringworm causes skin discomfort and hair loss that creates additional stress in already-stressed shelter animals. Misidentification of ringworm as mange or allergic disease leads to inappropriate treatment and prolonged discomfort. Extended isolation protocols for ringworm - often weeks in bare cages - create severe psychological stress in social cats. Shelter-specific ringworm management protocols that minimize social isolation while preventing spread represent important welfare advances.