Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a fungal skin infection common in cats, particularly in shelter settings. Effective treatment prevents suffering and reduces transmission.
Ringworm causes chronic skin discomfort that is easily preventable and treatable but often undertreated in shelter settings due to resource constraints. Itching, hair loss, and secondary infection cause genuine welfare harm. Comprehensive treatment protocols and environmental decontamination resolve infection and prevent the prolonged suffering of untreated or undertreated cases.