Affordable Cat Ringworm Treatment: Solve It Easily!

When it comes to ringworm in cats, many pet parents are left scratching their heads in distress.

Ringworm, though not fatal, can be quite a hassle. Each time a cat is infected, a trip to the vet can easily cost a few hundred dollars, and home remedies might take a long time to show results.

However, treating ringworm in cats is actually not that difficult. The key lies in understanding its triggers, the causative agent, and the common treatments available.

1. Causes of Cat Ringworm Infection

The primary reason cats get ringworm is due to weakened immunity and poor skin resistance, making kittens and frail senior cats more susceptible.

But there are also daily triggers that cannot be overlooked, such as:

1. Not drying your cat thoroughly after a bath

2. Using nonpetspecific shampoos for your cat

3. Sudden environmental changes that weaken the cat's resistance

4. A dirty and damp living environment

5. Feeding lowquality cat food or a monotonous diet

6. Bathing your cat outdoors and coming into contact with the causative agent

2. How to Treat Cat Ringworm?

When you notice your cat has ringworm, it's crucial to start treatment promptly. While mild cases might heal on their own, it can take a long time, and if left unchecked, the fungus can spread to other parts of the home, potentially infecting you, other pets, or even other cats.

Here are the steps for treating ringworm:

1. Diagnosis

Before starting treatment, use a Wood's lamp to check for green fluorescence in the areas where the cat is losing fur. Note that this should be done before applying any medication, as some ringworm treatments can also produce a similar green fluorescence under the lamp's light, which can affect the diagnosis.

2. Shaving

Shaving can reduce the spread of fungal spores. If the cat's fur is long and the infection is widespread, it's generally recommended to shave the area. For smaller infections, just trim the fur around the affected area.

3. Wearing an Elizabethan Collar

Ringworm can cause itching and discomfort, prompting cats to lick the affected areas, which can lead to the fungus spreading throughout their bodies. Moreover, topical antifungal medications can be toxic if ingested, so using an Elizabethan collar is essential.

4. Tailored Medication

● Mild Infection

For small areas, start by cleaning the area with iodine and then apply antifungal ointments like Diflucan (ketokonazole cream) or Pipette (terbinafine hydrochloride spray) twice to three times a day.

● Severe Infection

For larger infections, a combination of medicated baths, topical treatments, and oral medications is recommended. Medicated baths often involve using lime sulfur, which is effective, safe, and costeffective, though it can stain the fur. Perform these baths once or twice a week.

Topical treatment includes terbinafine hydrochloride spray, which is more convenient. Oral medication usually involves itraconazole, which is effective and safe, with a dosage of 5 to 10 mg/kg, taken once a day for a week followed by a week off.

5. Temporary Isolation

Fungi can spread easily through a cat's movements, potentially infecting humans and other pets, and causing the cat to get reinfected. Therefore, it's advisable to isolate the cat in a small, easytoclean room during treatment, limiting its movement area.

However, provide some toys and spend time playing with your cat daily to prevent it from feeling down.

6. Environmental Disinfection

Regularly clean and disinfect the cat's living environment and any items it has come into contact with. Disinfect the isolation area once a week to maintain a clean and dry environment.

7. Vitamin B Supplementation

Adding B vitamins can boost cell metabolism and enhance the cat's skin's antiinflammatory abilities, benefiting both the treatment and prevention of ringworm. Also, ensure your cat has a balanced diet with adequate protein, vitamins, and trace elements.

Ringworm can be stubborn, so a longer treatment period is normal. The most important thing is to be patient, stick to the medication, and if the results aren't satisfactory, consult a veterinarian. Avoid relying on unverified "home remedies" found online.