My cat's chin is red, but has hair and isn't itchy. Is it ringworm?

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.

Ringworm typically presents as lesions on the head and face. This area looks more indicative of a flea allergy or stress related licking. Cats with fleas will often develop an allergy where they start to lick and chew at the area on their lower back. This condition usually requires the cat be treated for the fleas and medication to reduce the itchiness. This could also be compulsive licking or another type of skin infection/allergy. I recommend having her seen by a veterinarian when possible for an exam and treatment. You may want to put a cone on her if she is licking the area to prevent her from further irritating it.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cats. Yes, it definitely could be ringworm. I recommend that they see their veterinarian. A procedure known as a fungal culture is common performed to test for ringworm. I hope this information helps!

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.

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.

Poor guy. Ringworm is not always infectious 100% of the time, and usually only infects pets and people that have a weakened immune system, so this could still very well be ringworm. However another possibility is that Roman has a mite issue causing the hair loss. Demodexx mites usually don't cause pruritis (itching) and create pinpoint areas of hair loss, which can later develop into secondary bacterial skin infections. I would recommend getting this area tested through your vet with a simple skin scrape/cytology and fungal culture (if needed) to determine the underlying cause. Once you know what is causing this then your vet can prescribe the correct medication(s) to treat it. Hopefully Roman gets some resolve for his skin condition soon. Best wishes.

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. This does not look like ringworm. It just looks like scratches or abrasions. If he is stray he most likely has fleas that is causing him to scratch that area. If he will let you apply medication you can use this product (linked below) on the affected area. Apply as many times as he will let you. Also, if you can get him treated for fleas that would nice. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-cat-wound-and-skin-hydrogel-3-fl-oz-2659685 ) ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/advantage-ii-once-a-month-topical-small-cat-flea-treatment-6-mo-5-to-9-lbs-3036244 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.