How to Keep a Cat Ringworm Free

Ringworm is an infection of the skin that can affect cats, dogs, farm animals and people. In order to help keep your cat ringworm free, you should know that ringworm isn't actually a worm, but a type of fungus called a "dermophyte," which means it lives on skin. The more you know about it, the better chance your cats will have of staying healthy and ringworm-free.

Things You'll Need

  • High-quality cat food
  • Fresh water
  • Bleach and water solution
  • Tea tree oil spray or antifungal shampoo
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Instructions

  1. Keep Your Cat Ringworm Free

    • 1

      Keep your cats away from animals and people that are exhibiting characteristics of a ringworm infection. Such signs can be round or patchy hair loss, a raised red ring on the skin, patches of skin that may be white and scaly, or itchy and irregular patches of hair loss on the head, legs, feet, and tail of animals.

    • 2

      Avoid sharing brushes, combs, and other grooming supplies with pets that you don't know or pets that have recently exhibited sign of ringworm.

    • 3

      Keep your pet away from any animals being treated for ringworm. The fungus can shed from the skin and live in carpets, pet beds, furniture, clothing, etc., for up to 18 months.

    • 4

      Clean anything that has been exposed to ringworm spores with a bleach and water solution.

    • 5

      Feed your cat a high-quality diet, such as a high-protein, grain-free food, and provide him with plenty of fresh water to keep his immune system in top shape.

    • 6

      Wash your cat with an antifungal shampoo or spray him with a tea tree spray after he has been to a pet show, kennel or other communal pet area.