Here is all the info you need to keep your cat safely separated until theyre better. Lime sulfur dip acts as a potent antifungal agent that you allow to soak into your cats fur until it dries. It's caused by a fungus that can sometimes lead to itchy, uncomfortable skin. You need to continue getting ringworm cultures periodically until your cat is no longer infected. "streetAddress": "132 Aqua Shed Court", Ringworm infections can be tricky to manage, as the hair of an infected animal can spread far and wide. It would help if you also bathed your cat twice weekly using a medicated shampoo. A cat that has ringworm should be quarantined for 14-28 days/ 2-4 weeks. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site I created to share everything Ive learned about pet ownership over the years and my extensive research along the way. Use the highest setting on your dryer. How Serious Is Cat with Ringworm? Treatment usually lasts about 5-6 weeks, although this time period can be longer for some cats. Treatment duration may vary, and response to treatment is often monitored with repeated fungal cultures. Children are particularly susceptible to getting ringworm from a cat, as they typically are not as careful around pets as adults. It is important to wear gloves when handling infected animals and wash hands thoroughly afterward. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper. In terms of quarantine, it is important to treat her ringworm aggressively by isolating for 2-4 weeks. Oral medications are given for around 6 weeks on their own, but topical and oral medications are usually given together. That is why it is so important to thoroughly clean your home to ensure youre getting rid of any fungal spores that could transmit the infection. Two consecutive negative fungal cultures will indicate successful treatment of your cat. A cat that has ringworm should be quarantined for 14-28 days/ 2-4 weeks. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. Invisible fungal spores spread ringworm. Her specialties are cats and, Over-the-Counter Shampoo for Ringworm in Cats, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ringworm-in-cats, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/ringworm-serious-readily-treatable-affliction. You may cure your cat of ringworm with proper care and medicine. Length of time depends on the overall health of your cat at the outset. Lime sulfur is far cheaper than antifungal shampoos, but if overused can be very drying on your cats skin. Some cats may have round thickened patches of skin with hair loss. That being said, it often does take more than just the presence of ringworm fungal spores to cause an infection in your cat. This gives time for the medicine to work and the infection to pass without infecting other animals or people in the home. Some vets prescribe oral anti-fungal medications to clear up dermatophytosis. And - you don't want the infection to spread to humans or other pets, so taking control of the situation to limit the spread of ringworm is essential. Are Hedgehogs Nocturnal? Some ring-shaped lesions can be very mild, and some cats can be symptom-free. Fungal spores may be killed with a solution of chlorine bleach and water using the dilution of one pint of chlorine bleach (500 ml) in a gallon of water (4 liters) where it is practical to use it. If there are other pets or animals in your home, you may need to apply topical therapy to them as well in order to prevent any future ringworm infections. Its a good idea to wear disposable gloves when cleaning. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Ringworm is more likely to be transmitted to and cause clinical signs in humans who have a depressed immune system. Ringworm can sometimes go undetected, but it usually causes visual signs. . Despite its name, ringworm is actually not any type of worm or parasite; it is a fungus. So while cat ringworm can be treated on an out-patient basis with anti-fungal medications, isolating your cat is a key part of the treatment in order to decrease the likelihood of spreading the infection. Thankfully, ringworm is a very treatable condition with a good long-term prognosis. She loves discovering new and creative ways to aid pet owners in keeping their beloved animals healthy and happy. C/O Pet Educate4736 Royal Ave PMB 109160Eugene, OR 97402United States, Provides relief; May help alleviate skin; Leave-in treatment is quick and easy to apply and requires no rinsing or blow drying. Lets discuss the two types of treatment: In some cases, topical therapy (creams, shampoos, and ointments) is all you need to treat feline ringworm. Thoroughly cleanse your cats grooming tools, such as their brushes, towels, toys, bedding, and frequent napping spots. 4. Nail Infection: A rarer sign of ringworm, this occurs when the infection takes place exclusively around the nails. Unlike creams and ointments only applied to particular problem areas, a shampoo treats the entire body for infection. However, you should only give them toys that can be disinfected safely without harming your cat with the chemicals, or give them DIY toys that can be thrown out after theyve finished playing. minimize the duration of treatment needed, 8 Home Remedies for Treating Ringworm in Cats. Provide stimulation, such as cat toys and trees, to ease the process. Hopefully, by now, you understand that ringworm can be treated; but you must make sure you quarantine your cat immediately if you suspect an infection or after diagnosis. Any toys that your cat comes into contact with should be washed on a daily basis with a pet safe cleaner or disposed of if they are a one-time toy. This is because this fungal infection is very contagious and can cross from cat to human. How Long Should Your Cat Be Quarantined? Your cat will still need toys; its essential to continue to provide mental stimulation for them while they are in quarantine. It can be extremely frustrating, not to, The Bengal Cat is an athletic and wild-looking but sweet-natured cat. This fungus relies on keratin to grow, enabling it to thrive near hair when infecting an organism. Ringworm spores are pesky and persistent. It can spread through spores being dropped on the floor and picked up by another cat. Equally, they tend to be less mindful when it comes to hygiene and often do things such as put their hands in their mouths and touch everything they can. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. In many cases, your vet may recommend you quarantine the infected cat until you can determine if the ringworm has spread. Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM; Updated by Amy Panning, DVM. Since ringworm is not species-specific, it can quickly spread throughout the household. Do Schipperkes Shed? When a cat is infected with ringworm, some reddish-pink circles appear around the infected part. It is worthwhile to restrict the cat to rooms of the house that are easy to clean. Stay on top of dog food recalls here >, Have a question? She shares her home with her husband, two young children, and her geriatric pug mix named Hershey. Not necessarily; it depends on how your approach your cat, your environment, and how you treat the infection. All pet bedding and clothing or sheets in the room need to be washed every few days with bleach and hot water. To eliminate the issue, your vet might also suggest medicated shampoos that kill fungus. In 3 to 5 months, your cat could have spread ringworm to every member of your household and can be spreading the infection outside, if they are an outdoor cat. There are no steps you can take to avoid this quarantine. So, be sure to keep on reading to get all the information you need and to help your cat get back to its healthy, more comfortable, and ring-worm-free self. The lesions and hair loss that occur with ringworm infections often show in the following places: Unlike dogs, cats are extremely fussy eaters, so you dont often have to worry about them chowing down on something, Youre not alone if youre frustrated with ants getting into your cats bowl. The following guide will discuss this contagious condition in cats, and detail guidelines for quarantining your cat while they undergo treatment recommended by your veterinarian. In addition to topical medications, your vet may prescribe a medicated shampoo designed to treat ringworm. Infected pets remain contagious for about three weeks if aggressive treatment is used. If youre petting your cat and notice a strange, circular sore on its skin, you probably wonder what it could be. You should also be careful when drying your cat, as rough and harsh movements can knock off scabs and cause bleeding. Ringworm can spread through contaminated objects and surfaces like furniture, bedding, carpet, and anywhere else your cat dwells for up to 18 months. Didn't find what you need? You can get ringworm from living in the same communal spaces, bringing the fungus from surfaces and other shared home areas. If you suspect your cat has ringworm, you should be taking them to the vet to get their diagnosis confirmed. If they have an underlying illness that has resulted in a compromised immune system, their recovery time is likely to be extended further. She enjoys small animal preventative m. edicine and surgery and loves helping pet owners by sharing her knowledge on a wide variety of veterinary topics. Again, your vet will advise you on the best course of action here. The lesions appearance might not change much within the first week of treatment, but you will notice significant improvement after two to three weeks. Some types of dermatophytes are species-specific, meaning that they will only infect one species, whereas others can be spread between different species of animals or from animals to humans. While your cat is in quarantine, make sure to keep up with any medication schedule assigned by their vet. It is important to note that true diagnosis of a ringworm infection can only be made using a fungal culture panel performed by a veterinarian. It causes red, circular lesions, hair loss and scaling, and itchy skin, and it is a major cause of hair loss in cats. The infection is treated aggressively and requires a household effort to keep it at bay. Give the right amount of treatment to your infected cat as discontinued treatment as too early a stage can cause a recurrence of the infection. However, treatment is recommended to save the pet from suffering any longer than necessary and to cut down the period of time they are contagious. Treatment for ringworm in cats usually involves topical and oral medications, alongside deep cleaning and decontamination of the cats environment. Ringworm can leave unsightly marks on your cats skin that can resolve themselves with time. Owners must follow any prescribed treatments correctly and until the end of treatment, without stopping unless the veterinarian asks them to. Thankfully, most cats recover from a ringworm infection if it is treated adequately. Infected pets remain contagious for about three weeks if aggressive treatment is used. "addressCountry": "US", These are two of the best selling products on Amazon in either category: After a dip or bath, you should return your cat to fresh bedding and a sanitized area so that they are not re-infected with fungal spores. Learn more. Featured Image Credit: Natata, Shutterstock. Before making a diagnosis of ringworm, your veterinarian may recommend additional testing to rule out other possible causes. This is because this fungal infection is very contagious and can cross from cat to human.