Is a stray cat's bald spot with redness on its neck ringworm?

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This spot looks like ringworm to me. That is probably why your ointment is not working. I suggest you get Loki to the vet for an exam. They can give you a proper diagnosis and prescribe the correct medication.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria or fungal infection). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics/antifungal meds (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any scratching. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

It is hard to say for sure, but based on your description these red scabby areas could be either a ringworm infection (itchy) or mites (not itchy). Your local veterinarian can do a simple skin scrape test + fungal culture to determine the underlying cause for sure, so that the appropriate treatment is recommended to resolve these reddish bald areas on Snappy's skin. You also have the option of sharing pictures of these suspicious areas via private consultation through Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with any expert, if you need further advice.

Yes, it could be. Animals don't get that distinct red ring from ringworm that people get. Ringworm is the number one skin problem in young cats so it is highly likely. I suggest you take him to a vet so you can get a proper diagnosis and then the appropriate treatment. Remember, ringworm is contagious, not only to other animals, but to people as well so be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling him. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hello, sorry to hear about your cat. Those do not definitely look like your typical ringworm lesions. They look like your cat has been scratching at them often and likely developed a hot-spot from this. It can be associated with allergies or fleas and will require some medications to control the itchiness and local infection. Finally, your veterinarian may opt to obtain a hair culture to completely rule out the possibility of ringworm. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Ringo has a wound on his neck. Based on your picture, it does look like he might have a skin infection of some kind, even possibly from a ruptured abscess. Does he go outside? I would recommend having him evaluated by his regular veterinarian to have area clipped, cleaned, and assessed to determine what may be going on, and what treatment (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or possible surgical repair) may be needed to resolve it. If he goes outside and the wound may have come from an unknown animal, I would also recommend his rabies vaccine be boostered as well. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be ringworm which is a fungal infection which needs to be treated and also can be contagious to humans. I highly recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Also, avoid contact with this lesion for now. Good luck!