Treating Cat Ringworm in Nursing Mother Cat: Medication

Ringworm in cats, a common feline skin condition, often sends pet owners into a tizzy. But when a lactating mother cat contracts ringworm, the concern is magnified. This is because many antifungal medications can be passed through the mother's milk to the kittens, potentially causing harm. Therefore, treatment and care must be approached with extreme caution. Below, we'll delve into the management and precautions to take when a lactating mother cat is affected by ringworm.

Understanding the Causes of Ringworm in Lactating Mother Cats

1. MoistureRich Environment

During lactation, kittens might inadvertently smear milk onto their mother's nipples, creating a warm and damp environment that fosters the growth of bacteria and fungi. Additionally, spills from water bowls, and longunreplaced urine pads in the cat's bedding can lead to a dirty and humid space, perfect for fungal proliferation.

2. Decreased Immunity

Following childbirth, a mother cat's energy reserves are depleted, leading to a weakened immune system, making her more susceptible to ringworm infections.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

During lactation, a mother cat expends a significant amount of protein and minerals. Without adequate replenishment, she may suffer from malnutrition and weakened resistance, making her more prone to diseases like ringworm.

How to Handle Ringworm in Lactating Mother Cats?

Considering the mother cat's need to nurse, there are two approaches to treatment:

Method One: Delay Treatment with Antifungal Medications Until Weaning

1. Nutritional Supplementation:

Administer a supplement of Comprehensive Vitamin B Solution to the mother cat once daily to promote skin repair and boost immunity.

2. Environmental Sanitation:

Regularly change the urine pads in the cat's bedding to maintain cleanliness and dryness. Use petspecific disinfectants to sanitize the cat's窝, feeding utensils, and toys that she frequently comes into contact with.

Should the ringworm show signs of spreading postweaning, it's essential to promptly use antifungal sprays or ointments for treatment.

Method Two: Isolate the Mother Cat from the Kittens and Administer Antifungal Medications

1. Isolation and Disinfection:

Isolate the affected mother cat from the kittens and thoroughly clean and disinfect her living area, including the cat窝, feeding utensils, and toys.

2. Skin Cleaning:

Shave the fur around the affected area, clean the lesion with physiological saline to soften and remove scabs and scales.

3. Nutritional Support:

Ensure the mother cat receives ample nutrition, such as highquality protein sources and a comprehensive Vitamin B supplement to enhance her immune system.

During lactation, highquality cat food, meat, or specially formulated milk for nursing cats can be offered.

4. Medication Treatment:

Disinfect the ringworm infection area with iodine; once the skin is dry, apply a moderate amount of DaShiNing (Miconazole Nitrate Ointment) or spray with PiPeTe (Terbinafine Hydrochloride Spray) twice or thrice daily.

If the infection is widespread, it is recommended to administer Itraconazole at a dose of 510mg/kg, once daily.

Remember, it is crucial to isolate the mother cat from the kittens during treatment to prevent the kittens from ingesting the topical medication or absorbing antifungal drugs through the mother's milk, which could lead to chronic poisoning and liver damage, among other severe issues. As ringworm is highly contagious, it can spread to both kittens and humans. Therefore, it is advisable to seek prompt treatment and, after isolation, use petspecific goat's milk powder for artificial feeding of the kittens.