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My cat has a skin problem. Is it ringworm, dry skin, or an infection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 3 months old | 20 lbs

I am wanting to know if this is ringworm? Or is this from dry skin?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 27th, 2019

This doesn’t look suspicious for ringworm; however, I would recommend getting this area tested through your vet to confirm. This could be a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics for resolve.
I hope that Thor’s skin resolves soon! Best of luck moving forward! Take care.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 8th, 2019
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 or antifungal meds (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem.
Disinfection can be possibly started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any).

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.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 8th, 2017
This is suspicious of ringworm (a fungal infection of the skin). This could also be due to a yeast or bacteria infection.

It's best to get it diagnosed by a veterinarian, because ringworm can spread to different parts of the body and can spread to people. It can definitely be treated and cured, so the sooner it gets diagnosed and treated, the better.

For now, I recommend washing your hands anytime you touch Ally.

I hope that helps and you can get this cleared-up soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Tomasz Wnuk
Veterinarian
Published on May 8th, 2020
Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You should take your kitten to your local vet, first of all to confirm what the problem is. It may be ringworm, but it could be something else, for example mange, skin infection, allergies and more. Once the diagnosis is made, your vet will prescribe the medication your kitten needs.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why does my cat have dry skin patches? Could it be ringworm?

This is suspicious of ringworm (a fungal infection of the skin). This could also be due to a yeast or bacteria infection, but I think it's much more likely to be ringworm.. It's best to take him to the veterinarian soon, because ringworm can spread to different parts of the body and can spread to people. Also, the more involved the infection, the longer it will take to clear. The vet will be able to definitively diagnose it and give the best treatment. For now, I recommend washing your hands anytime you touch Fatboy. For more information about ringworm and how to prevent spread, please click on the links below: https://www.petcoach.co/article/ringworm-in-dogs/ https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/ringworm.html I hope that helps and Fatboy gets better soon.

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