Effective Cat Ringworm Treatment: My Detailed DIY Exper

Hello everyone, I am the proud parent of three little kittens and have over four years of experience as a cat owner. Due to my prolonged battle with illness, I've gained some expertise in treating ringworm, which I will share with you in this post. I hope the details I provide will be helpful to all fellow cat lovers.

One of my cats, a charming little white stray, contracted feline herpesvirus, which weakened her immune system. After her herpesvirus improved, she developed ringworm. This highly contagious disease spread rapidly through our household, even affecting me.

After a full year of waging war against ringworm, our home is finally free of this pesky condition. It's important to note that ringworm can recur, and it took us a full year after the initial treatment for it to disappear completely, despite two relapses.

The Ringworm Treatment Journey:

1. What is Ringworm?

Before diving into the treatment methods, let's clarify what ringworm actually is for those new to cat ownership.

Ringworm is a common skin disease caused by fungal infection, with over 90% of cases attributed to Microsporum canis. Many are familiar with this fungus as it's the same one responsible for athlete's foot in humans. This means ringworm can not only affect cats and dogs but can also be transmitted to humans.

2. How to Identify Ringworm?

Step 1: Observe the Symptoms

The initial signs of ringworm include patchy hair loss. While grooming your cat, you might notice that certain areas of their fur are particularly fragile, and a small tuft of hair can be easily pulled out.

Subsequently, the hairless areas will develop bald spots that are typically circular or elliptical in shape. The edges of these spots will have dandruff, while the central skin may appear normal but can become red and scabbed if the cat licks the area.

Step 2: Wood's Lamp Examination

When you suspect your cat has ringworm, use a Wood's lamp to shine on the suspected spots. If the skin emits an applegreen fluorescence, it's highly likely to be ringworm. Remember, this must be done on the skin, not the fur.

3. How to Treat Ringworm?

Once diagnosed, follow these steps for treatment:

（1）Trim the fur around the ringworm area to get a clear view of the skin and make it easier to apply medication.

（2）Disinfect the skin with iodine solution. If there are scales or scabs, use saline solution to soften them before gently removing them.

（3）Apply ringworm medication. I use Dasatinib (Ketoconazole Cream) and Pipertop (Tebuconazole Hydrochloride Spray). The ketoconazole cream is particularly effective, as it combats both fungi and bacterial infections. For larger areas, the tebuconazole spray is more convenient and equally effective.

（4）Place an Elizabethan collar on your cat to prevent them from licking the affected area. If they can still reach it, wrap the area with breathable gauze.

● Apply the ointment twice a day, or three times if possible.

● Oral medication, such as itraconazole, can be given, but since my cat only needed the cream for small infections, I haven't used it. I believe it's best to avoid oral medication unless absolutely necessary, as it can be hard on the liver.

4. How to Ensure Ringworm is Completely Gone?

As mentioned earlier, ringworm can recur. To ensure it's completely gone, you must:

（1）Feed your cat half a to one tablet of a multivitamin B complex daily to boost their immunity.

（2）Give your cat one egg yolk per week to supplement lecithin. Additionally, a bit of fish oil can be beneficial, not just for beauty but also for its antiinflammatory properties, aiding in the recovery and prevention of ringworm.

（3）Maintain a dry and clean living environment for your cat. Regularly wash items like cat beds, carpets, and sofa cushions, and place the cat bed outside to be sunned.

（4）Allow your kittens to enjoy plenty of sunlight, avoiding prolonged periods in dark, sunless areas.

（5）If one cat is infected, isolate them immediately and disinfect the environment to prevent further transmission. Also, remember to wash your hands after touching an infected cat to avoid transmission to humans.

Since each cat's symptoms may vary and there can be individual differences, I cannot guarantee that everyone will achieve success with the above methods. If you're unable to treat your cat at home, don't hesitate to seek professional help at a veterinary clinic!