How to Rid a Cat of Ringworm

Feline ringworm (dermatophytosis) isn't caused by a worm, but a fungus that affects your cat's skin. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that 98 percent of feline ringworm cases are caused by Microsporum canis, a specific type of dermatophyte. Ridding your cat of ringworm is not only important for the welfare of your pet, but that of you and your family. Ringworm is a zoonotic disease--shared between both animals and humans. Children in particular are at risk.

Things You'll Need

  • Oral antifungal medications (if recommended)
  • Topical antifungal treatments (if recommended)
  • Bleach
  • Bucket
  • Mop
  • Sponges and/or cleaning rags
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Extra vacuum bags
Show More

Instructions

  1. Cat Ringworm Treatment

    • 1

      Take your cat to a veterinarian rather than self-diagnosing ringworm. Ringworm does not present in felines the same way it does in humans. You won't notice a ring-shaped rash, but a scaly, gray patch where fur is missing, usually around the ears, nostrils, nails, neck and tail.

    • 2

      Allow your cat's vet to perform the requisite tests to diagnose ringworm. Light from a Wood's lamp may be cast over your pet's skin (ringworm will appear florescent), or a culture of your cat's skin may be taken and viewed under a microscope to determine the presence of ringworm.

    • 3

      Follow the treatment protocol your veterinarian recommends. In severe cases of ringworm, particularly in long-haired cats, systemic treatment using oral medications such as griseofulvin or terbinafine may be advised. Topical therapy, such as lime-sulfur dips, may be used for short-hair cats and ringworm that's not severe.

    • 4

      Continue recommended treatment two to four weeks past clinical cure, states the Merck Veterinary Manual, or until a culture taken from your cat is negative for ringworm spores.

    Treating Environmental Contamination

    • 5

      Isolate cats with ringworm until treatment is effective. The Feline Advisory Bureau advises containing your cat(s) in one room, thus allowing you to decontaminate the rest of your home and then put most of your energy in decontaminating the room in which your pet was isolated last.

    • 6

      Vacuum all rooms thoroughly each day your cat is being treated, including upholstered furniture and air ducts. FAB advises burning the vacuum bag after each vacuuming.

    • 7

      Disinfect hard surfaces. FAB advises using either a bleach-water solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or a commercial product called Virkon disinfectant powder, which is mixed with water. Mop or sponge-clean all hard surfaces (floors, counters, pet cages) at least twice a week.

    • 8

      Dispose of anything with which your cat has had contact that cannot be disinfected using the above bleach solution, such as pet bedding, fabric-covered toys and cat baskets. FAB notes that ideally, these should be burned.