Skin Fungus Remedies for Cats

Fungus on your cat can be a frustrating and complex condition to treat. It is essential to see a veterinarian to determine the cause for the fungus. The veterinarian may test the blood, urine and the skin to determine the correct course of treatment. Skin issues can be the result of something minor such as a flea bite, contact with a chemical, stress or an allergy. In some cases, it can be more serious, such as ringworm, crytococcosis, candidiasis, lupus, staph or other diseases. Treatments take time and patience and consist of things such as a bath with anti-fungal shampoo or a prescription medication such as antibiotics.

  1. Topical

    • Talk with your veterinarian about how often to bathe your cat; bathing too often can irritate the skin, especially if the cat has a skin infection. For infections, bathe your cat in a prescription anti-fungal shampoo. For hot spots or patches, apply anti-fungal creams such as a corticosteroid. If the cat spends a lot of time outdoors, apply sunscreen to areas exposed the sun.

    Prescription

    • Antibiotics are prescribed for most types of skin infections. If antibiotics are ineffective, then anti-fungal medications will be prescribed. These medications need to be started early; they work slowly but are effective. Some medications that may be prescribed are ketoconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole.

    Natural Remedies

    • For mild cases of skin and fungal infections, natural remedies may be helpful. Use tea tree oil or witch hazel to treat hot spots or patchy areas. Bathe in apple cider vinegar, which works as an anti-fungal agent. Milk thistle is a detoxifying agent that works to clean the liver and the body of toxins.Talk to your veterinarian before trying alternative treatments.

    Diet

    • Diet plays a crucial role in the overall health of your cat. Cats need to have a high-quality, well-balanced diet consisting of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Fish, especially salmon, are important for your cat. Fish have healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy skin and coat. Fish oil supplements are available for cats at local pet food stores or online.