Treating cats with ringworm

[jerseygirl1]

Anyone have any fool proof suggestions? My indoor/outdoor killer cat seems to have it on his neck, - which I saw after I found him beheading a rabbit in the yard (gross) - I search on here and saw blu kote, and lotrimin, and MTG - but not sure if I should try any of those on a cat. The vet is too expensive, since we try to use only in emergencies, of which we have had three this year and am still paying them off for out GSD's euthanization.

 

[Akane]

Ringworm is nasty. All cats, dogs, and possibly other animals in the area could get it and generally you treat every animal plus the environment or you may end up just passing it around. It can also be passed to humans from cats. Wear gloves when treating the cat, if it's allowed indoors or has contact with pets allowed indoors disinfect and clean the house thoroughly during treatment, and disinfect anything you can that is used regularly outdoors by the cat such as cat beds/blankets they choose to sleep on or feeding dishes. Some strains are worse than others. I dislike using medicated shampoos and bathing a cat but an antifungal shampoo or lime sulfur dip would probably be cheapest. Maybe not easiest but cheapest. Otherwise there is only one oral antifungal medication approved for cats and you'd have to see a vet.

http://www.healthypets.com/limesulfur16.html

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_ringworm.html

 

[Bec]

Get some EQyss Micro-tek equine gel or spray. It works and in gentle, but it will take care of it in a week or less! I know it is for horses, but my mom does rescue work with cats and she uses it every time and it is amazing! The website even has a pet section for dogs and cats. It is gentle enough that I used it on my daughter when she had it! It is pricey, but a little bit goes a long way and it WILL work! It is great because it is so gentle but yet works wonderfully!

http://www.easypetstore.com/product.php?productid=118565

 

[cassie]

I had a whole litter of kittens with it once. The vet had me get some lime sulfer. It worked great. I didn't use gloves or anything and neither I nor any of the other critters got it.

 

[BBK]

my son's lamb got it one yr. Then in the middle of summer, he had to have a physical and we found out that he had it on his back...of all places... and then the rabbit got it... long summer...

athlete foot medication, over the counter should take care of it. but you have to be deligent about putting it on for a week or more...

Melinda

 

[kbarrett]

As mentioned above it spreads very easily. I've only ever treated horses for it and while there are many products that will treat it the cheapest route is bleach. Make a 1 part water 1 part bleach solution and dab on affected areas twice a day.

 

[jerseygirl1]

Thanks, everyone, I appreciate ti. I told my DH this is THE first and best place to come for any advice, any subject!!

 

[LV426]

I use Lotrimin AF that they use on jock itch. Over the counter. Just wash the area and apply twice a day.

And yes it is contagious to people so wash your hands after you treat the cat.

 

[Chicken Chaperone]

Quote:
OOooo thanks for posting about that- it looks like a great thing to have on hand just in case!!

And I'm with everyone else here- be careful and wear gloves- it's really contagious! When I was teaching we used to see it
go around our elementary school like wildfire. yuck!!

 

[Anny]

Ringworm is a fungus (the same thing as athletes foot) it need to be treating with a fungicide.

If you want it gone fast the best idea is to get something from the vet. Most vets will treat it with Griseofulvin which is a tablet. It is very effective, if you can pill the cat. Lime Sulfur Dip or a bath with a antifungal shampoo are also popular ways to treat ringworm but again, bathing a cat is never easy.

Remember to use caution when putting on any creams since people can get Ringworm as well. The infected cat will remain contagious for about 3 weeks if treatment is used. They will remain contagious longer if only minimal measures are taken or if you are not faithful with treatment. Minimizing exposure to dogs, other cats, and your family members as they can all catch this as well.