Effective Steps to Treat Feline Ringworm on a Cat's Nos
Ringworm in cats is a common fungal skin condition that not only affects the health of our feline friends but can also sometimes be transmitted to humans. While it can be quite pesky, the good news is that it's relatively easy to treat. If you notice redness, hair loss, or dandruff on your cat's nose, these might be signs of ringworm, and prompt treatment with antifungal medication is essential.
What is Ringworm in Cats?
Ringworm in cats is a skin infection caused by fungi, with the most common culprit being Microsporum canis, affecting over 90% of cases. This fungus typically leads to circular or irregularly shaped bald patches on the skin, accompanied by redness or scales.
Ringworm can affect cats of any age, but young kittens, adult cats with chronic diseases, and longhaired cats are often more susceptible to the condition.
How to Treat Ringworm on a Cat's Nose?
Treating ringworm on a cat's nose can vary depending on the age of the cat:
First Scenario: Young Kitten Infection
For kittens aged 1 to 2 months with ringworm, if you notice redness, hair loss, or flaking around the mouth, chin, and nose, it's likely a case of "nipple dermatitis." This is often related to the kitten's underdeveloped immune system and, unless symptoms are severe, may not require medication.
Here are some steps you can take to help the kitten recover naturally:
Fit the kitten with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from scratching or licking the affected area, which could spread the fungus.
Regularly clean the kitten's living environment, ensuring it's wellventilated, dry, and hygienic to minimize fungal growth.
Boost the kitten's immune system with supplements like lactoferrin powder, goat's milk powder, and Supervet (a complex vitamin B solution).
Wipe the affected area with saline solution daily to remove some of the fungal spores and maintain hygiene.
Second Scenario: Adult Cat Infection
For older cats with ringworm, especially if the infection is on the nose, it's important to treat promptly. It's generally not advisable to use topical antifungal creams or sprays on the nose, as cats tend to lick the area, and while these medications are mild, they are not meant to be ingested. Frequent licking could lead to toxicity and liver damage.
Specific Treatment Plan:
Orally administer Itraconazole once daily, 5 to 10 mg/kg, for one week followed by a oneweek break, or combine it with liverprotecting medication. If continuous use is needed for over a month, consult a veterinarian to check for liver function damage.
Provide oral supplements of complex vitamin B and fish oil once or twice daily to strengthen the cat's skin resistance and aid in skin repair.
Ensure the cat wears an Elizabethan collar to prevent scratching.
Regularly disinfect the environment to prevent recurring infections and protect the health of other family members.
Alternatively, if the cat cannot reach the infected area, topical antifungal ointments such as Dasatin (ketоконазол cream) or Pipette (tértibafene spray) can be applied three times daily, along with the vitamin B and fish oil supplements.