Contrary to what its moniker suggests, ringworm is not a worm, but rather a spore-bearing fungus that infects the hair, nails, and skin of animals and humans. It is highly contagious, so once you have one cat diagnosed with ringworm, you will have to treat every other household pet, as well as disinfect the carpets and furniture where your pets live. Ringworm can be difficult to eradicate, but fortunately, it is treatable.
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No Treatment
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If your cat has short hair and is infected with small, isolated lesions, the ringworm will typically resolve itself without treatment in about 3 months. During this time, a healthy diet, treatment of underlying conditions and containing the infection to one animal should be your priorities.
Topical Therapy
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If your cat has widespread isolated lesions, it will be necessary to first clip the hair around the lesions; long-haired cats may need to be shaved. You will then apply a topical antifungal medication, like a 2 percent miconazole or clotrimazole cream, or a 4 percent chlorhexidine solution, twice daily.
Oral Medication
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If your cat's infection appears to be resistant to topical therapy, your veterinarian may prescribe an oral antifungal medication like griseofulvin or itraconazole. Your cat will need to take this medication for several months under close veterinary supervision.
Injection
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FEL-O-VAX has been shown to be effective against the M. canis strain of ringworm in cats. After the initial injection, a second injection will be given 12 to 16 days later and a third injection given 26 to 30 days after the second injection.
Lime Sulfur Dip
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Lime sulfur has been shown to kill the ringworm spores. For the first 2 weeks, you will need to dip your cat twice weekly, and then once weekly for the next 4 to 6 weeks.
Antifungal Shampoo
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As a supplemental treatment only, bathe your cat three times a day, every other day, for as long as prescribed by your veterinarian. You will need to work up a thick lather and allow it to sit on your cat for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing.
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