What does ringworm look like on a cat?

Classic ringworm shows up as a round patch of hair loss with flaky, crusty or reddened skin, often on the head, ears or paws, though it doesn’t always form a neat ring. Despite the name it’s a fungal infection, not a worm, and it spreads to other pets and to people. Some cats carry it with barely visible signs. Because it’s contagious and looks like several other skin problems, the only reliable way to know is a vet test such as a fungal culture. Don’t try to diagnose it by eye.

When to call a vet: Suspected ringworm needs a vet diagnosis and treatment, since it spreads to other pets and to humans.