What is Ringworm?
Ringworm is not a worm at all but a fungus. It is called ringworm because it leaves a little circular mark on the skin that looks somewhat like a worm trail. It is an airborne fungus, which makes it highly contagious, and it can spread to humans. Humans can contact it from their pets simply by touching their pet’s bedding.
Is Ringworm Contagious?
Most humans have strong enough immune systems to fight it off. Even with young kittens, they seem to outgrow it before it becomes a problem as long as they do not have a compromised immune system. Cats do, however, lose their hair in patches, and if their immune system isn’t strong enough, the ringworm fungus spreads and becomes much more difficulty to remedy.
Types of Ringworm
There are different types of ringworm fungus. The type that is found under your scalp actually lives on humans and animals, the type that grows on your skin originates in the soil where you live as well as on humans and animals, and the type found on feet and toenails is human-specific. Ringworm will start out as a bump, then dry out and become yellowish and crusty. It may or may not cause itching.
Treating Ringworm
If you catch ringworm early, it can easily be treated using just about any fungicide containing Miconazole or Clotrimazole (found in athlete’s foot or yeast infection creams). If you end up at the vet’s office, they can prescribe ointments or tablets, with the tablets being quite expensive. There is also a shampoo to help your pet. This shampoo must not be washed off your cat and will stain her yellow. That's much better than your cat losing all her hair and having red crusty sores all over her, though!
Home Remedies for Ringworm
There is a vast array of home remedies for ringworm, with many people saying they have tried them with great success. A few of these are listed here in case you decide to try them, but before you make your decision, please reread the first paragraph – “Ringworm is contagious to humans.” Also pay close attention to the warnings with each one.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Said to work like a charm! Simply dab some on each spot a couple of times each day for about a week. You can also use a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse after you bathe your cat.
- Tea Tree Oil – Dab on each spot a couple of times a day for about a week. Warning – NEVER use Tea Tree Oil on cats!! This is one of the most common remedies you'll find on the Internet, so it was important to mention it here simply for the warning.
- Raw Papaya – Rub fresh sliced fruit on the spots each day.
- Bleach – Mix bleach with water, 6 parts to 1 part, and dab on with a cotton ball several times a day. Valued for its drying effects. Warning – this can cause allergic reactions! It can also burn. Burning something with claws doesn’t seem like a great idea, and your cat could lick residue off and get sick.
- Grapefruit Seed Extract – Simply dilute it a little bit and dab it on.
- Clear nail polish – This is the same treatment as for chiggers. The goal is to suffocate the fungus. If you try this, make sure it is well dried before turning your cat loose.
- Garlic – Cut a clove of garlic in half and rub over each spot a couple times a day for about a week.
With that said, an antifungal cream is most likely to work if you have opted for home treatment rather than a vet visit. You might also use apple cider vinegar and a rub of garlic before applying the antifungal cream. Remember that your cat will, of course try to lick the cream off. You will want to use a halo to keep her from being able to get at the spots.
How to Avoid Ringworm
To avoid the possibility of ringworm if you are purchasing a new kitten or adopting a retired adult cat, you might also consider adopting from a closed cattery. A closed cattery does not take their cats out or bring other cats in, this includes the show ring or offering stud service. Also ask for a health guarantee against ringworm.
Remember that it is always best to seek the advice of your veterinarian before trying ANY remedy! Information in this article is not meant to replace the diagnosis and treatment by a qualified vet.
If you have experience with ringworm and would like to share what worked and didn't work for you, please feel free to drop by the discussion area!
