Cat with ringworm on face

What should the owner do when the cat has ringworm on its face?

After the cat develops ringworm on its face, the owner needs to take it to the pet hospital for examination and confirmation. The treatment method for the cat is selected according to the severity of the condition. If the cat's condition is mild, the owner needs to trim all the hair around the affected area, then cover it with a warm towel or wet paper towel. After a few minutes, gently wipe and clean the crust, disinfect the area, and apply an antifungal cream. During treatment, the cat needs to wear an Elizabeth collar to prevent it from scratching or licking itself.

What are the symptoms of ringworm in cats?

After a cat contracts ringworm, it will exhibit symptoms such as dull, rough, and excessive hair loss. The skin will also show signs of redness, circular lesions, and dandruff. The itching sensation is so strong that the cat will frequently scratch itself. Therefore, when a cat has ringworm, the owner should first isolate it and then treat it with antifungal drugs. Additionally, ringworm is a zoonotic disease, so the owner should pay attention to personal protection during the treatment process.

Why do cats get ringworm?

Ringworm is a skin disease caused by fungal infection, including trichophyton mentagrophytes, microsporum audouinii, and others. It is common on the face, limbs, and tail of cats, presenting itself as circular or elliptical lesions with hair loss or breakage, and scales on the surface. When a cat contracts ringworm, it is recommended to wear an Elizabeth collar promptly. When applying medication, the owner can wear gloves to avoid infection in other parts of the cat's body or oneself.

How can cats recover from ringworm quickly?

Cats with ringworm can recover more quickly through antifungal treatment, nutrition for the skin, and baths. Depending on the cat's condition, a topical spray containing terbinafine can be locally applied, and oral medication containing itraconazole can be used for severe cases. Meanwhile, supplementing essential fatty acids can improve the skin's barrier function. If the cat's vaccines are up-to-date, regularly bathing it in medication can significantly shorten the treatment cycle.