Effective Home Remedies for Treating Cat Ringworm: DIY
Ringworm in cats is a very common skin condition that virtually every catowning household will encounter at some point. Although ringworm itself is not lifethreatening, it can significantly impact a cat's quality of life and may even be transmitted to humans. So, what should you do if your cat contracts ringworm? Don't worry; ringworm is actually quite manageable with the right approach.
Ringworm is a fungal infection that thrives particularly in the spring and summer months, as damp, hot environments act as a breeding ground for the fungus. If a cat's immune system is weakened or compromised for any reason, it becomes more susceptible to infection.
Recently, many cat owners have sought advice on ringworm, mainly focusing on diagnosis and treatment methods.
Therefore, to help you accurately identify and treat ringworm at home, minimizing unnecessary detours, let's delve into the key steps for treating ringworm in cats today.
How to Tell If Your Cat's Hair Loss is Due to Ringworm?
1. Observe the Symptoms: Approximately 90% of ringworm cases in cats are caused by Microsporum canis. Initial symptoms include hair loss, forming circular or elliptical patches on the skin. The fur around these patches is very fragile and prone to breakage. You may also notice grayish scales or red patches on the skin. In severe cases, pusfilled blisters, ulcers, and scabs may appear.
2. Wood's Lamp Examination: Microsporum canis infections cause the skin surface to produce a compound called flourescein, which emits a green fluorescence under the ultraviolet light of a Wood's lamp.
If you're still unable to diagnose the condition, it's best to consult a veterinarian for a skin scraping microscopic examination or fungal culture to determine the type of fungus.
How to Treat Ringworm in Cats?
1. Local Infection: Iodine + Piput (Terbinafine Hydrochloride Spray) / Dachanin (Ketoconazole Cream) + Vitamin B Complex
• Shave the affected area and the surrounding fur, then wet the area with saline and gently remove scales and crusts;
• Disinfect the area with iodine and dry it thoroughly;
• Spray a small amount of Terbinafine Hydrochloride Spray directly onto the affected area or apply a thin layer of Ketoconazole Cream, twice or thrice a day;
• Fit your cat with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from licking the affected area;
• Administer Vitamin B Complex orally to boost your cat's immune system.
2. Widespread Infection: Iodine + Terbinafine Hydrochloride Spray + Itraconazole + Shiwibi (Vitamin B Complex Solution)
• Clean the skin and apply medication as described above;
• Itraconazole, taken orally, 510mg/kg, once a day, for one week, then take a break for one week.
3. Home Care:
• Maintain Hygiene: Regularly clean your cat's belongings, keep the environment clean, and use petspecific disinfectants to sanitize your home. Sunbathe your cat's bed outside regularly.
• Isolate the Affected Cat: To prevent the spread of ringworm, keep the infected cat separate from other pets and family members.
Preventive Measures:
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some suggestions to help reduce the occurrence of ringworm:
• Keep the indoors wellventilated, dry, and clean to minimize the growth of fungi and bacteria;
• Regularly groom your cat and check its health status;
• Avoid direct or indirect contact between your cat and animals infected with ringworm;
• Enrich your cat's diet with sufficient protein, vitamins, and minerals to ensure its nutritional intake.
Ringworm can be a nuisance, but with consistent treatment and attention to cleanliness, it can usually be cured. If your beloved pet is unfortunate enough to contract ringworm, don't panic. If home treatment is ineffective, seek veterinary care promptly.
