Ringworm (Microsporum canis) is the most common infectious skin disease in cats and a major welfare challenge in rescue shelters, requiring systematic protocols to prevent spread.
Ringworm causes skin irritation, hair loss and discomfort, and its high contagiousness makes it a major shelter management challenge. Without systematic protocols, outbreaks spread rapidly and cause extended stays for affected cats, increasing their stress and welfare burden. Effective protocols including early identification, isolation, treatment and environmental cleaning protect both cat welfare and shelter capacity.