Recurring Feline Ringworm: Surprising Causes Unveiled!

It's often said, "Ten cats, nine with ringworm," making ringworm one of the most common skin diseases in the feline world. Many cat owners have a basic understanding of ringworm, but they often fall into some misconceptions, especially when it comes to medication and daily protection. As a result, it's not uncommon for cats to suffer from recurrent ringworm infections.

Today, we aim to equip you with the knowledge needed to completely eliminate ringworm and prevent its recurrence. Let's delve into this topic in detail.

Why Do Cats Keep Getting Ringworm?

Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis or fungal infection, is a skin disease caused by tiny fungi. It not only causes discomfort for cats but is also contagious, capable of spreading to humans.

Many cats experience recurring ringworm infections after the initial infection. The reasons for this are as follows:

1. External Factors

(1) Inconsistent medication use, discontinuing treatment too early without a followup, can lead to incomplete eradication of the fungus, causing recurrence.

(2) Warm, damp, dirty, and poorly ventilated environments are perfect for fungal growth. If a cat lives in such conditions, their chances of contracting ringworm significantly increase.

(3) Cats living in noisy environments, in multicat households with high competition, or those frequently boarded or moved, often suffer from poor mental and physical health.

(4) If a cat with ringworm is not isolated, the fungus can continuously spread throughout the environment or be transmitted to other family members through contact, leading to recurrent or crossinfection of ringworm.

2. Internal Factors

(1) Older cats, kittens, or those with chronic diseases are more susceptible to fungal attacks and are more likely to suffer from recurrent ringworm infections.

(2) Cats with a monotonous diet lacking in vitamins, proteins, and trace elements are also prone to infections.

How to Prevent Ringworm Recurrence?

1. Diagnose Ringworm

Ringworm symptoms can be easily confused with those of other skin diseases. Incorrect medication can lead to persistent symptoms and difficulty in curing the condition.

Therefore, when suspecting a cat has ringworm, it's essential to use a Wood's lamp for examination or consult a veterinarian for a skin scraping test to confirm the diagnosis before starting treatment.

2. Scientific Medication

Use medications specifically designed for fungal infections to treat your cat, ensuring effective treatment for ringworm.

For smallscale infections, you can use Dasatin (ketokonazole cream) or Pipette (terbinafine hydrochloride spray), applying them 2 to 3 times a day until the fungus is completely gone, which is typically 7 to 10 days after the initial treatment.

For widespread or stubborn infections, oral itraconazole is recommended, with a dosage of 5 to 10 mg/kg, taken once a day.

3. Nutritional Supplementation

During treatment, consider feeding your cat nutritional supplements beneficial for skin health, such as Supervet (vitamin B complex solution), highconcentration fish oil, catspecific lecithin, and lactoferrin. Ensure a balanced diet in your cat's daily meals to boost their immune system.

4. Improve the Environment

Regularly clean your cat's living environment, ensuring it is wellventilated, dry, and hygienic.

During treatment, isolate your cat in a small room and thoroughly disinfect items they come into contact with to prevent crossinfection. Regularly disinfect your cat's isolation area and daily items to avoid recurrent infections.

5. Avoid Stress

Ensure your cat's living environment is quiet and comfortable, avoiding frequent outings, moves, baths, boarding, or other stressors. If your cat seems stressed, consider using catnip, pheromones, or other tools to help them relax.

In summary, the recurrence of ringworm is not without reason. It is often related to the cat's own condition, environmental factors, and treatment methods. As a responsible pet owner, understanding these reasons can help us better care for our furry friends and reduce their chances of getting sick.