What to do if your cat has ringworm?

Cat ringworm treatment

If your cat has ringworm, timely treatment with antifungal drugs is necessary. If you have multiple cats at home, the infected cat should be isolated for feeding and the environment should be disinfected. Symptoms of cat ringworm infection usually include extensive hair loss, itching, dandruff, skin redness and swelling, and circular lesions. Topical drugs containing ingredients such as terbinafine hydrochloride and itraconazole can be used for treatment. If the infection is severe, additional therapies such as medicated baths or oral antifungal drugs may be required.

Topical treatment

First of all, after the cat gets ringworm, timely topical treatment is necessary. You need to first gently remove the hair around the affected area, then apply a warm towel to heat the area. After cleaning the scales and crusts from the lesion, apply the medication. You can use topical sprays containing terbinafine hydrochloride or external creams containing itraconazole and ketoconazole for treatment.

Oral treatment

If the ringworm infection is around the mouth or face, the cat may lick the topical medication and experience poisoning. In this case, it is better to use oral drugs or medicated baths for treatment. Commonly used antifungal drugs include tablets containing terbinafine hydrochloride and itraconazole. During the ringworm treatment, stop taking medication only after a complete recovery is confirmed by examination, otherwise the treatment process may be prolonged.

Owner protection

During the treatment period, the owner needs to pay attention to personal protection. Ringworm is a zoonotic disease, so wear gloves when applying medication to the cat. After contacting the cat, be sure to wash your hands and disinfect. On the other hand, you can feed the cat vitamins B and lecithin to help improve its skin resistance, and expose the cat to more sunlight to promote hair regrowth.

Lastly, always consult a veterinarian for accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Proper hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and surface cleaning, will help prevent the spread of ringworm. With prompt treatment and good care, your cat will soon recover from ringworm and be healthy again.