How to Treat Ringworm on a Cat

Dermatophytosis, or ringworm, is a fungal infection that is a common cat ailment. The ringworm lesions sometimes form raised, red bumps in a circular pattern, giving ringworm its name even though no worms are present. Treating ringworm in cats is important to prevent other household pets and family members from catching this contagious infection.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Give your cat oral medication prescribed by your veterinarian. Some common antifungal medications for cats are Itrafungol, Terbinafine and Lufenuron.
2. Bathe your cat several times a week with an antifungal shampoo. You will want to wet your cat's hair, lather the shampoo into the hair and leave the shampoo on for about ten minutes before rinsing.
3. Use topical creams or ointments as prescribed by your veterinarian. Generally topical therapies are used in conjunction with other whole body treatments since the ringworm can have spread more than the actual lesion would indicate.
4. Decontaminate the environment. Use bleach or a diluted bleach solution on areas, fabrics and pet bedding that can handle it. Vacuum floors and upholstery regularly and dispose of the vacuum bag after each use. You can also have your carpets steam cleaned, get rid of all pet items that might be contaminated and wash down walls with a bleach solution.
5. Choose antifungal products made specifically for use on cats. Human treatments can be toxic if ingested or harmful if not used correctly for pets. It is best to seek the advice of a qualified professional for ringworm treatment.
6. Clip your cat's hair only if this is recommended by your vet. Although this was commonly done in the past, it has been shown to also easily spread the ringworm spores in the environment.

Tips & Warnings

• Although ringworm will often resolve itself in a matter of weeks or months, treatment is highly recommended to prevent other pets and humans from catching it and to relieve the cat of the itchy skin.
• Before introducing new cats into a household, have a culture done and keep the new cat isolated until you know that he doesn't have ringworm. Prevention can be much easier than treating ringworm in a multi-pet household.