Treating Ringworm in Cats

It is generally thought that ringworm disease is caused by worms curling up in the tissues. However, this is actually a fungal infection that infects the skin. A circular mark is visible on the skin that looks like a worm trail. Ringworm infection is air borne and can spread to humans from their pets.

Ringworms in cats is caused by Microsporum canis 90 percent of the times. The other fungal species that can cause ringworms in cats is Microsporum gypseum, or Trichophyton species. The fungus spreads from other infected animal or infected soil where the animal digs. The spores of this fungus shed from an infected animal remain viable for up to 24 months. These spores can spread on beds, furniture, brushes, etc. that has come in contact with the infected animal.

The optimum conditions for the growth of this animal is humid and warm environment. About 20% of the cats are known to be asymptomatic carriers, that is, they carry the fungus without any signs of infection. Cats under 12 months of age are more susceptible to ringworm infection. Immunocompromised cats, long haired cats and cats under stress are known to be more prone to ringworm infection.

Symptoms of Ringworm in Cats
If a cat is infected with ringworm, it may exhibit circular patches of hair loss around the head and limbs. This may be seen on other parts of the body as well. You may find grey patches of baldness. There may be redness and itching around the area of infection. A type of dandruff known as Seborrhea sicca, may also be observed. The skin of the cat becomes dry and flaky and the claws and claw bed also become infected with ringworm.

Cat Ringworm Treatment
It is very important to treat your cat once it is diagnosed with ringworm. A healthy feline will be cured of the infection on its own within 2 to 4 months. But as the infection is highly contagious, it is necessary to take medical help in treating ringworm infection. Treating ringworm in cats involves several steps to fully cure the infection.

The first step the veterinarian may take is treating flea and cheyletiella mite infection, if any. This is because these parasites may cause skin damage and make the cat more prone to ringworm.

A licensed veterinarian may prescribe Itrafungol that contains itraconazole. This is a one week therapy that is followed by one week off therapy. This therapy has to be repeated for three weeks.

Terbinafine maybe used for two or six weeks of therapy under careful monitoring. Lufenuron, a flea control product can be used to prevent dermatophyte infection.

The other most important treatment for ringworm in cats is tropical therapy. The best way for treating ringworm in cats is washing the whole body with shampoo. Lime sulfur dips are the most effective in the treatment of ringworm in cats. Long haired cats can be clipped to increase the effectiveness of the tropical therapy. Stop your cat from licking itself before the coat dries up. The drug may induce vomiting in cats. So make sure you bathe your cat every 4-6 days for about 2 to 4 weeks. Do not be alarmed if the coat turns yellow. It is quite natural for lime sulfur to cause yellowing. The color will fade in time.

Griseofulvin is a common anti-fungal drug that is licensed to be used in cats. It alters the structure and function of the micro tubules in the fungal cell wall. This helps the cat's immune system to take over and ward off the infection.

Ringworm treatment for cats also involves prevention. Vaccination is another way for treatment of ringworm in cats. You can vaccinate your cat with a vaccine made by Fort Dodge. This vaccine is useful for treating M. canis infection only. The vaccine temporarily reduces the clinical signs of ringworm. They are basically ineffective and work well in combination with tropical and systematic therapy.

It is absolutely necessary to carry out decontamination of the house to prevent another infection in cats or yourself! Vacuum carpets, heating and ventilation ducts to dispose of spores. Burn the vacuum bag as the sole method of disposal. You can also use bleach to wash off all the hard surfaces like floors, litter boxes, cages etc. at least twice a week. You can also use virkon a disinfectant powder mixed in water to wash the surfaces and make them free from spores.

Your cat may be contagious for 3 weeks after the aggressive treatment. Your cat will be free from ringworm infection once the treatment of ringworm is completed. Continue the prescribed treatment for ringworm and improve your cat's health.