How to Bathe a Kitten With Ringworm Shampoo

Ringworm is a fungus that grows in skin cells and keratinocytes of cat hair shafts. It consumes keratin, a type of protein that makes up hair and nails. Kittens are susceptible to ringworm because they are young and have not learned how to properly groom themselves yet. Ringworm in kittens commonly appears on the face, ears, head and forelimbs. Signs of ringworm in kittens include hair loss, crusted or scaling skin, blackheads on the chin, redness of skin and mild to severe itching. Once your veterinarian has done a fungal culture and diagnosed your kitten with ringworm, she will give you a special medicated shampoo that is safe to use on young cats. This shampoo can contain a combination of anti-fungal medications such as chlorhexidine and miconazole, or lime and sulfur, which are natural anti-fungal substances.

Things You'll Need

  • Large plastic pitcher
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill your sink with 4 inches of lukewarm water. Gently place your kitten in the water, and hold her in place to prevent her from trying to escape the sink. Use a spray hose attachment if you have one on your sink, or a large plastic pitcher to slowly pour lukewarm water over your kitten and wet down her coat. Take care not to get the water in her ears or nose as you do so by pouring over the top of her head from the back of the ears.

    • 2

      Apply the ringworm shampoo by massaging it into the kitten's coat until you create a lather with the soap. Start at her back and tail, then soap up her underbelly before massaging the shampoo around the lips and muzzle with a finger, under her tail and between her toes. Let her stand for 10 minutes on a towel or in the sink. Do not allow her to lick the soap off of her coat, as this can make her sick.

    • 3

      Rinse off the ringworm shampoo with clean lukewarm water. Use a large towel to rub down your kitten and help her dry off. If she shivers and is too cold immediately after her bath, wrap her in a large dry towel and snuggle with her to warm her up.

    • 4

      Bathe your kitten twice a week for six to 10 weeks, or according to the time period prescribed by your veterinarian. Have her tested after this time period to ensure that you have eliminated the ringworm. With proper care, her ringworm infection may improve within two to four weeks.