Comprehensive Guide to Feline Ringworm Treatment: All Y

However, for cat lovers in the south, the mention of ringworm sends shivers down their spine. The humid and warm climate of the south makes it particularly prone to the growth of ringworm, especially during the sweltering summer months. In fact, it's rare for kittens in the southern summer to escape without developing ringworm.

Ringworm has been a persistent headache for many cat owners, a stubborn disease that just won't seem to let go.

Whether you're a seasoned cat parent or a new one, the word "ringworm" is enough to trigger a sense of impending chaos and frustration.

Ringworm is closely linked to a cat's immune system.

The healthier the kitten, the less likely it is to contract ringworm. However, if a kitten falls ill and its immune system weakens, it's more susceptible to developing ringworm, just as a kitten adjusting to a new environment is.

Daily disinfection and Vitamin B can help prevent it.

Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection. While it's impossible to ensure an environment completely free of fungi in the south's moist climate, regular use of disinfectants that can kill fungi can significantly reduce the chances of a cat contracting ringworm. Additionally, supplementing cats with Vitamin B can greatly lower the risk of infection. Not only can it reduce the incidence of ringworm, but it can also give the kitten's coat a healthier, more lustrous appearance.

How to treat ringworm?

Should a kitten develop a small patch of ringworm, it's crucial to clean the affected skin immediately. Hygiene is key; it can prevent the ringworm from spreading. First, soak a gauze pad in alcohol or iodine and gently wipe the affected area. Trim the hair around the lesion and then disinfect the area with alcohol or iodine.

Are there any magic cures for ringworm?

I've tried many treatments for ringworm, but few have proven truly effective. The causes of ringworm are incredibly complex, much like acne on a human face. Acne is often due to hormonal changes during adolescence, not simply the eradication of mites. Similarly, ringworm can be caused by resistance, temperature, humidity, and the cat's stress response (such as when adjusting to a new environment), with the fungal factor being the last. Therefore, it's unrealistic to expect a single miracle drug to control ringworm and ensure a cure. Since ringworm is caused by fungi, any antifungal medication can be used to treat it, such as the cheapest iodine or overthecounter antifungal ointments. However, I've found that both iodine and ointments have the same effect. Moreover, ointments can clog the skin, making the cat uncomfortable and more likely to lick the area, which is not only uncomfortable but also unsanitary. For simple cases of ringworm, I only use iodine.

Taking antibiotics and medicated baths

If a cat's ringworm is severe, antibiotics may be considered. Itraconazole, an antifungal medication, has been effective for me. I have a litter of kittens who love to sit in water bowls, often getting their fur wet. After a month, they started looking like toads, with the ringworm spreading daily. After giving them itraconazole, the spread of the ringworm stopped.

Medicated baths are also a great way to treat ringworm. Any antifungal wash can be used, such as povidoneiodine solution or the Australianimported麻辣洗液, both of which are quite effective.

Why does some ringworm persist despite treatment?

A friend of mine mentioned that their cat's ringworm treatment lasted for half a year with no improvement, and they tried four or five different medications. They regretted buying a cat with ringworm and had a long dispute with the seller. I'm sure the seller felt terrible about it. In fact, I've bought many cats, some from highend catteries that cost tens of thousands of yuan. Some of them started to develop ringworm soon after coming home. Some even had skin ulcers. Initially, I thought it was caused by other cats, but after isolation, I found out that it was due to my persian cat, which always came back with ringworm after breeding. Initially, I thought it was transmitted by other male cats, but later discovered it was due to the cat's stress response to changing environments.

One reason for the persistence of ringworm is the cat's poor health and weak constitution.

If a kitten is sick, I believe it's best not to worry about the ringworm at first. Once the kitten recovers, you can then treat the ringworm. A kitten with a poor constitution is difficult to cure of ringworm.

Another reason for the persistence of ringworm is the owner's constant picking at the affected areas.

I myself have made the foolish mistake of doing this, which caused my kitten's nose to be blackened with scabs. Initially, there was a small patch of ringworm on the nose, which could have been healed by simply applying iodine after cleaning. Since the area was scraped during treatment, it would definitely scab over, and scabs are black. I mistakenly thought it was more ringworm and kept picking at it, causing it to scab over again. Therefore, do not pick at the affected areas with your hands. After disinfection, let the cat heal itself. When treating the affected areas, do not use your hands either; it's best to use disinfected gauze and medical cotton swabs.