Ringworm is not the only perpetrator of hair loss in cats, so its essential to get to the underlying cause. Infected pets remain contagious for about three weeks if aggressive treatment is used. After ringworm is detected, it is typically treated with ointment, topical cream, medicated shampoo, or oral medication. 44 Animals Quiz The most accurate method for diagnosing ringworm in cats is by a culture of the fungus in a laboratory. When left untreated, ringworm can also cause miliary dermatitis. Occasionally, infection of the claws may occur. However, before and after their appointment (with guidance from your vet), you can take these steps to care for your infected kitty. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The most common way to treat ringworm in cats is to use a combination of topical therapy (application of creams, ointments, or shampoos) and systemic oral therapy (administration of anti-fungal drugs by mouth). If you suspect your cat has ringworm, you should be taking them to the vet to get their diagnosis confirmed. However, this is not effective in all cases. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Otherwise, use carpet shampoo, let it sit, and then vacuum. Make sure that the bedding and toys are easily washable, and you should be sanitizing these items with a pet safe cleaner frequently in order to prevent ringworm from spreading to it and reinfecting your cat. There are numerous causes of hair loss in cats. Youll know the ringworm is completely gone when two culture samples both come back clear. Transmission is common from direct exposure to infected cats, however, spread can also occur from contact with contaminated objects such as grooming tools, toys, bedding, or clothing. Ringworm is more likely to be transmitted to and cause clinical signs in humans who have a depressed immune system. Ringworm cultures will be done periodically after the start of treatment to determine if your pet is still infected. When combined with lower immune systems, existing disease, old or young age, or stress and overcrowding, it is more likely that a cat will develop a ringworm infection (this is also why ringworm is so prevalent in shelters and animal hoarding situations). The amount of environmental contamination is an important factor in the development of a ringworm infection, as is the age of the exposed animal. Not only do the anti-fungal properties in Banixx products ensure that the ringworm cannot survive, but Banixx also provides soothing relief from itching and pain, is safe to use around the eyes, and contains no toxins or steroids. Additionally, while ringworm is not serious most of the time, it can be a dangerous infection for very old or young cats, or for a cat with immune issues or a preexisting medical condition. Shaving the hair in some areas might be enough if only one or two spots are infected. Shampoo and vacuum the carpets in your home to kill stubborn dermatophytes that fall from the cats skin throughout the healing process. Its essential to continue the treatment as necessary as discontinuation too early can cause the disease to recur. Just as in cats, ringworm is more likely to infect people with illnesses or depressed immune systems. Cats can recover from ringworm on their own in 3-5 months. While the appearance of the lesions may not change much during the first week or so of treatment, some improvement should be evident within two to three weeks. Hair Loss: This occurs due to the spores feeding off keratin in the cats hair, resulting in the dead hair and additional spores being shed into the environment. How Long Does It Take for Ringworm to Be Cured? 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. The veterinarian treating your cat for ringworm will discuss the recommended quarantine time for them, as factors such as age, immune function, and general condition can all affect the length of time a cat is infectious. Hair loss, especially in small and ring-like patterns, Over-grooming, with the cat itching or biting at its skin, Red patches where the hair has fallen out (or when you push the hair aside to inspect closely), Skin rashes, with particularly rough, scaly skin, Short, course patches of hair where the follicles have broken down. Keep in mind that humans can also develop ringworm from being in contact with a cat who has the infection. It is important to remove pet hair from floors or furniture as it may be contaminated with fungal spores. The claws become rough and pitted, develop a scaly base, and they may eventually become deformed. If youre dealing with a severe case, you may need to take your cat back to the vet every 2 weeks so a culture sample can be taken. Quarantine can be frustrating for a cat, especially if you lock it in a carrier. 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. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Wear gloves and long sleeves if you must handle animals with ringworm, and always wash your hands after handling the animal. This will ensure they overcome this condition for good. Owners must follow any prescribed treatments correctly and until the end of treatment, without stopping unless the veterinarian asks them to. Invisible fungal spores spread ringworm. As your cat is being quarantined, its important to check over the remaining pets and people in your home to ensure the infection hasnt spread to another party. A quarantine, or period of isolation, is recommended for cats with ringworm to minimize the potential spread of the disease to other animals or humans. Quarantining your cat can make the entire treatment and necessary cleaning procedures much easier, as your cat is now contained to a smaller area that you have full control over. Ringworm has a long incubation period. Ringworm is infectious, and transmission can occur by direct contact with the fungus. [They Can, But With A Catch]. Wash your hands with soap and running water after playing with or petting your pet. Minimizing exposure to other pets or people is vital in preventing the spread of ringworm to other household members. In cats, ringworm can be tricky to catch at the beginning of the infection. Your veterinarian may make a diagnosis of ringworm based on a combination of physical exam findings and diagnostic tests including Woods lamp evaluation, direct microscopic examination, fungal culture, and fungal PCR. Some ring-shaped lesions can be very mild, and some cats can be symptom-free. The lesions appearance might not change much within the first week of treatment, but you will notice significant improvement after two to three weeks. What You Need to Know! A cat that has ringworm should be quarantined for 14-28 days/ 2-4 weeks. Sanitize dirty things in a washing machine using hot water and bleach. 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. How long should you keep cats separated before giving them away? Whether vet-prescribed or bought over the counter, a quality brand will have three components: You need to shampoo your cat at least twice a week for the treatment to work. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? Infected pets remain contagious for about three weeks if aggressive treatment is used. It may be passed by direct contact with an infected animal or person or by touching contaminated objects and surfaces. Do not stop treatment unless your vet recommended that you stop. Length of time depends on the overall health of your cat at the outset. To avoid children, other pets, or even yourself getting it, it is crucial to keep your cat in a separate area until the infection clears up. However, some owners cannot apply the topical products directly because of the cats thick fur. This lamp is handheld, doesnt touch the cats skin, and is a painless procedure. If you suspect your cat has ringworm, you will need to quarantine them for treatment and begin thoroughly cleaning your home in order to eradicate the source of the infection. Other reasons for hair loss in cats include: Ringworm is very contagious and can transfer to people, cats, and dogs. If any people in the house develop skin lesions, especially small patches of skin thickening and reddening with raised scaly edges, medical attention should be sought. You should also be careful when drying your cat, as rough and harsh movements can knock off scabs and cause bleeding. Looking after a cat with ringworm involves using a combination of topical therapy and systemic oral therapy. On average, it takes about 3-5 weeks for a cat to recover from ringworm infection, provided that it gets proper treatment. However, the ringworm fungus can remain infectious for up to 18 months in the environment and re-infection may occur. For humans, it is usually more detectable and causes more clinical signs. A cat that has ringworm should be quarantined for 14-28 days/ 2-4 weeks. "http://banixxanimalcare.weebly.com/", Sanitize infected areas regularly, and this includes all items in your cats confined space. You can get ringworm from living in the same communal spaces, bringing the fungus from surfaces and other shared home areas. Do not use scissors to remove your cats hair. Dont use the same brush to groom several cats. Less healthy, feral cats are also susceptible for the same reasons. You will be the best judge of your cat's progress (by visually seeing, or not seeing, ringworm outbreaks). According to the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, a sub-species of dermatophytes, called Microsporum Canis, causes most ringworm infections in cats. Contact with ringworm fungus does not always result in an infection. 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. Cats must be quarantined for 2-4 weeks during treatment. Lime sulfur is far cheaper than antifungal shampoos, but if overused can be very drying on your cats skin. }, Youll have to apply these products to your cats affected skin directly to get rid of ringworm. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. The disease can last longer and remain contagious if an owner uses only minimal measures to treat the infection. Wash your hands immediately. ", Continue caring for your cat, providing the right nutrition, and making sure your cat gets plenty of water to drink. If left to their own devices, healthy cats will typically be able to fight off a ringworm infection by themselves. Therefore, your family members and other animals are at risk of catching it. Occasionally, despite appropriate treatment, the infection persists. One thing to consider is the general health of your cat. Most cats who get appropriate treatment will recover from a ringworm infection, and you should see improvement within 2 to 3 weeks. In terms of quarantine, it is important to treat her ringworm aggressively by isolating for 2-4 weeks. 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. "address": { "https://banixxanimalcare.tumblr.com/", Its gentle yet highly effective. If treated early, your cat should make a full recovery with no lasting skin damage or scarring. Banixx is a topical solution that works by controlling the pH level of the infection or wound, which creates an environment that is totally hostile to the growth of bacteria or fungus. 5 You can take the following steps to protect yourself and your pet: For people Do. Or, depending on the severity, your vet might prescribe a prescription-strength medicated shampoo instead. Tell your family, especially children, to do the same. 2023 All Rights Reserved | Company | Privacy Policy | Refund Policy | Terms and Conditions | Shipping Policy, { Quarantining is a recommended and advisable way to minimize the spread of this infection; keeping you, your family, and other people safe during this time. It is not recommended to purchase anti-fungal shampoos and dips on your own and start randomly applying them to your cat, especially if their ringworm has not yet been confirmed by a fungal culture. Apply the product liberally on your cats fur and skin, and let it sink in for 10 minutes before washing it off. Sometimes, feline ringworm can undergo a special ultraviolet lamp that shows the infection in yellow-green fluorescence. That is why I have written this article; to give you greater insight into what is involved. Usually, cats will be contagious for around 3 weeks (with the correct treatment). We created Pet Educate to ensure that any owner can get access to the information they need to take the best care of their pet. Note: Lysol is NOT pet friendly. From our top-rated line of First-Aid, fast-acting Pet Care products, to our bottles, sprayers, and labels, Banixx is committed to providing a finished product that is 100% made and sourced in the USA., Pet Wound Care Cream (available in 4oz & 8oz), Banixx Premium Analgesic Liniment (13.2oz), Chixx Care Spray 8oz (available in 2oz & 8oz). "url": "https://www.banixx.com", Topical treatments are usually necessary for several weeks or several months. 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. However, this time may need to be extended if your cat continues to get ringworm outbreaks. These abound once fully-fledged ringworm has invaded your cat, therefore you will need to eliminate spores to prevent re-infection and to protect your other animals and YOU. In terms of quarantine, most cats that are being treated aggressively only need to be isolated from 2-4 weeks. This can take three different forms or involve combining all of them. Spray the cleaner and let it sit for 10 minutes. And Can They See in the Dark? Here are some tips: As a potent anti-fungal treatment, Banixx Pet Care is a powerful way to help cats, kittens and other animal get rid of the dreaded ringworm fungus. Wash food and water bowls with disinfectant soap. It is Ringworm is highly infectious so if your cat has contracted ringworm, youll need to take steps immediately to quarantine her to stop it from spreading throughout your household. [Is This A Hypoallergenic Breed? The recommended period of quarantine depends on the length of time for the deworming medication to work. Facts & FAQ, How to Keep Cats Out of Flower Beds (11 Easy Methods), Why Do Cats Eat Plants? Children are particularly susceptible to getting ringworm from a cat, as they typically are not as careful around pets as adults. Ringworm is a contagious, zoonotic disease meaning it can spread from animals to humans. However, quarantine is typically advised for longer. There doesn't have to be skin to skin contact. If you notice these signs, its time to get them to your veterinarian for a thorough examination. It is worthwhile to restrict the cat to rooms of the house that are easy to clean. The most effective treatment for ringworm infection is a topical cream or ointment. It is important to effectively get rid of every last spore to keep your home safe and to help your cat heal as fast as possible. Ringworm is contagious and transmission occurs by direct contact with the fungus. If you think your cat may have ringworm, a visit to the veterinarian is needed for further evaluation. "https://twitter.com/banixxpetcare", You should place your cat in a contained space and sanitize it daily. 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. All rights reserved. Your veterinarian will most accurately use a culture to obtain the fungus and observe it in a laboratory setting. If your cat has unfortunately contracted a ringworm infection, the best thing you can do is immediately take them to a vet for evaluation and then begin the arduous process of deep cleaning your home, quarantining your cat, and providing treatment. However, this time may need to be extended if your cat continues to get ringworm outbreaks. In this situation, your vet might have to try a more aggressive treatment of antifungal drugs to treat your cat. A cigarette ash scaling in the depths of the coat may be the only visible indicator of ringworm infection in cats. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! Some vets prescribe oral, anti-fungal medications in addition to topical treatments and medicated shampoos. How Serious Is Cat with Ringworm? That being said, touching the ringworm fungus doesnt always result in an infection. During this time, you should ensure that your cat stays away from any other pets in your home or around them. "latitude": 35.145595, Ringworm can spread through contaminated objects and surfaces like furniture, bedding, carpet, and anywhere else your cat dwells for up to 18 months. Be sure your pet stays current with his rabies booster shots (every three years for dogs and, occasionally, every year for cats) so he remains protected regardless of his . "image": "https://www.banixx.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/banixx-pet-care.jpg", Since I have 4 cats of my own, including an elderly sick one (more likely to catch it), I kind of went TOTALLY overboard on containing my ringworm situation. Throw away all items you think may be infected and cannot be cleaned. Again, your vet will advise you on the best course of action here. Hyperpigmentation: Ringworm infection can cause a darkening of the skin in some cats, though this is not a very common sign. In terms of quarantine, it is important to treat her ringworm aggressively by isolating for 2-4 weeks. Heres What To Do, Answered by Dr. Olivia Speight, BVSc MRCVS (Vet), Rabies in Dogs: Causes, Signs & Care Guide. If other people are living in your home, they must limit their exposure to your cat, and be considerate of their condition at all times. At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. The ringworm infection . Throw away and replace toys that your cat played with while infected. How long is ringworm contagious in dogs? Dips and shampoos may also be used in conjunction with this, but less commonly. Treatment usually lasts about 5-6 weeks, although this time period can be longer for some cats. "postalCode": "28315", Long-haired cats are also more likely to contract ringworm, as their coats make it harder for them to groom more thoroughly, and can make it easier for ringworm spores to hide in the coat and reach their skin. In addition, the woods lamp will show most species of the ringworm fungus as glowing yellow-green, giving a clear indication of infection. Ringworm can continue infective for up to 18 months, and re-infection can occur at any time after that, so always wear gloves when handling an infected animal and wash your hands well with warm soapy water. Ask your vet about using Vitamin E oil if you are unsure about it. Hepper is reader-supported. Cats should be quarantined for at least 2 to 4 weeks while being treated for ringworm. Featured Image Credit: Natata, Shutterstock. This process takes about 3 to 5 months, and it is not something you want to actively encourage if you have a cat with ringworm. Do Schipperkes Shed? For moreinformation on how to keep your cat happy and healthy, visit our cat page. 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. She shares her home with her husband, two young children, and her geriatric pug mix named Hershey.
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