CATDOLL : White dandruff on cats is not ringworm

Is the dandruff on my cat caused by ringworm?

Dandruff on a cat's body does not necessarily mean ringworm.

Cat dandruff can be caused by a variety of reasons. Normal metabolism will cause a small amount of dandruff on a cat's skin, especially when the skin is dry or in the shedding season, the dandruff may increase. In addition, dandruff may also occur when a cat's skin is allergic to certain cleaning products, food, or certain substances in the environment.

Ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungus that usually presents with symptoms such as redness, itching, hair loss and dandruff. Ringworm is contagious and can be spread not only between cats but also to humans. If a cat has ringworm, in addition to dandruff, other symptoms may appear, such as round or oval bald spots, redness or inflammation of the skin.

To determine if the dandruff on your cat is caused by ringworm, it is best to take your cat to a veterinarian for a professional diagnosis. The veterinarian may confirm the diagnosis through skin scrapings, fungal culture, or Wood's lamp examination. If it is confirmed to be ringworm, the veterinarian will prescribe antifungal medication for treatment.

Therefore, although ringworm may cause cats to have dandruff, the appearance of dandruff is not necessarily a sign of ringworm, but may also be a manifestation of other skin problems or normal conditions. When cats are found to have dandruff, it is wise to observe and consult a professional veterinarian in time.