Ringworm Medication for Cats

Ringworm is a highly contagious fungus that cats can easily acquire. Once they have ringworm, immediate medication is necessary, as well as the disinfection of linens, furniture and carpets you cat has been on.

  1. Topical Treatment

    • Use an antifungal medicine such as clotrimazole or miconazole cream. You can find this at any pet stores as well and many pet health websites. Follow the instructions on the label and apply directly on the lesions.

    Oral Medicine

    • If the ringworm infection is too severe for topical solutions only, it may be necessary to use an oral medication. Ask your veterinarian about an antifungal cream such as itraconazole. This medicine is usually taken for several months under a vet's supervision.

    Antifungal Shampoo

    • An antifungal shampoo is great used in conjunction with other methods. Use one that has been prescribed by your vet three times a day every other day. Get a lather worked up and have it sit on your cat for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.

    Lime Sulfur Dip

    • Lime sulfur is a chemical that will kill ringworm spores. This can be purchased over the counter at a pet store or online. Your cat should be dipped in lime sulfur two times a week for the first two weeks, then once a week for the next month.

    Injection

    • Ask your vet if your cat should get an injection of Fel-o-vax. This preventative measure protects your cat against the M. Canis strain of ringworm. Usually three injections are given over the course of one month.