Home Remedies for Cat Ear Ringworm & Hair Loss Relief

As the recent rainfall has been quite frequent, many cats and dogs have been affected by skin diseases, leading to a surge in consultations on the Oxygen Pet Doctor's backend. However, our team of veterinarians is limited in number. Therefore, to provide you with some reference cases when dealing with your pet's skin issues, we have recently shared a wealth of information on common skin diseases in cats and dogs.

Today, we'll delve into a recent consultation we received as a case study: "What should I do if my cat's ears have ringworm and are losing fur?"

Part 1: What Does Ringworm on a Cat's Ears Mean?

Ringworm on a cat's ears typically refers to a fungal infection in the ear, also known as dermatophytosis.

Dermatophytosis is a skin disease caused by fungi, with common pathogens including Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton verrucosum. If the infection is around the ears, one must also be cautious of mixed ear mite and Malassezia infections.

Part 2: Symptoms of Ringworm on a Cat's Ears

1. Itching: Cats may frequently scratch their ears, showing clear discomfort.

2. Hair Loss: The fur around the ears may fall out, and in severe cases, the ear flaps may also have exposed skin.

3. Skin Lesions: The cat's ears may exhibit symptoms such as dandruff, redness, and scabs.

Part 3: How to Treat Ringworm on a Cat's Ears?

1. Diagnosis

● First, check if there is any abnormal discharge in the cat's ears. If so, it may be due to ear mites or otitis, causing hair loss, not necessarily ringworm.

● If the ears are clean, use a Wood's lamp to examine the areas where the cat is losing fur. If there is no green fluorescence, it may be a bacterial infection or another type of skin disease. It is best to visit a veterinary hospital for a skin scraping test.

2. Treatment

In case of confirmed fungal infection, the following medications can be used:

● Iodine: Gently wipe the areas where the cat is losing fur with iodine, carefully removing scales and crusts to reduce fungi, bacteria, and other contaminants on the skin.

● DaShiNing (Combination Ketoconazole Ointment): After iodine disinfection, apply a thin layer of ointment. This ointment contains ketoconazole and metronidazole, which can simultaneously inhibit fungal and bacterial infections.

● Itraconazole: If local treatment is not effective, cats over 3 months old can consider taking oral itraconazole in conjunction with the treatment, at a dose of 510mg/kg, once a day, for one week, then stop for one week. Discontinue the medication promptly after the symptoms improve to avoid liver failure.

3. Daily Care

● Ringworm is highly contagious. If there are other pets in the home, it is best to isolate the affected cat temporarily to prevent transmission.

● Thoroughly clean and disinfect the cat's living environment, including the cat bed, toys, and other areas that other cats may come into contact with, to avoid the cat being reinfected by fungi in the environment.

● Ringworm can also be transmitted to humans. Therefore, when handling the affected cat, pay attention to personal hygiene, such as wearing disposable gloves and washing hands frequently.

Every cat's situation may be different. If you are still unsure about how to proceed, feel free to consult our pet doctors or visit a veterinary hospital for treatment to avoid delaying the healing process.