Effective Treatment for Feline Ringworm: Stop Scratchin

When you notice your cat's skin is covered in excessive dandruff and scabs, and its fur becomes brittle and prone to breaking off in clumps, these are telltale signs of ringworm, a common fungal infection. While ringworm is not lifethreatening, it can cause significant discomfort for your feline friend and certainly keep you on edge as a pet parent. So, how do you tackle this pesky skin issue? Today, we delve into the ins and outs of managing ringworm in cats.

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that ringworm is not an incurable disease. It's a prevalent skin condition in cats, caused by a fungal infection. These fungi thrive in damp, warm environments, making areas like the ears, face, and limbs prime real estate for colonization.

The Symptoms of Ringworm

The primary symptoms of ringworm include hair loss, scab formation, and itching. Affected areas often develop circular or irregular patches, and the skin might appear reddened. It's important to note that ringworm is highly contagious, spreading not only between cats but also to humans and other pets. If you spot these symptoms in your cat, act swiftly.

How to Deal with Ringworm Scabs and Hair Loss?

1. Avoid Picking at the Scabs!

Many pet parents are tempted to scratch away at the scabs, but this is a mistake. Our hands can carry bacteria that can worsen the infection. Plus, picking can harm the cat's skin, making treatment more challenging.

Proper Treatment:

Gently soften the scabs with warm water or saline solution, then carefully remove them. Repeat this process daily until they're completely gone.

After removing the scabs, disinfect the area with iodine or hydrogen peroxide to reduce the risk of infection.

Removing the scabs ensures that topical treatments can penetrate the skin effectively.

2. Trim the Cat's Fur

To facilitate medication application and monitor the skin, consider trimming the fur around the affected area. This also helps prevent the fungus from spreading further through the hair ends.

3. Use an Elizabethan Collar

If your cat licks the infected areas, fit it with an Elizabethan collar to prevent the fungus from spreading via saliva and to stop excessive licking that can lead to further injury and infection.

4. Medication

For small areas, treatments like Pipette (Itraconazole spray) or Daktarin (Ketoconazole cream) can be applied twice daily. For severe or widespread infections, oral Itraconazole is recommended at a dosage of 510mg/kg, once daily. If your cat tolerates bathing, consider using antifungal shampoos weekly or biweekly.

5. Environmental Sanitation

Disinfect your cat's belongings with hypochlorous acid, and frequently expose fabrics like bedding and carpets to sunlight. Keep the living environment clean, wellventilated, and dry to prevent fungal growth. Also, ensure your cat's fur is thoroughly dried after bathing to avoid moisture.

6. Nutritional Support

Ringworm often correlates with weakened immunity. Supplement your cat's diet with Vitamin B, opting for Vitabits (Vitamin B Complex Solution) for better palatability and absorption if your cat is resistant to pills.

Preventive Measures

1. Maintain good indoor air circulation and avoid dampness.

2. Regularly deworm your cat to prevent parasitic infections.

3. Keep your cat away from other pets that may be sick.

4. Regularly groom your cat to check for skin issues early on.

In summary, when your cat exhibits ringworm symptoms like scabs and hair loss, avoid hasty scratching or inappropriate treatments. Tailor your approach to your cat's condition, employ targeted medications, and perform diligent daily care to help your furry friend bounce back to health.