Unlike the name suggests, ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect both cats and humans. There are three species of ringworm that affect cats: microsporum canis, trichophyton mentagrophytes, which is contracted from contact with rodents, and microsporum gypseum/fulvum, which is contracted from spores in the soil.
Typical symptoms of ringworm include an inflammation of the skin, hair loss, scaling, crusty sores on the skin, itchiness or deformed nails and claws. Often the hair loss will occur in a circular or irregular pattern.
Cats can become infected with ringworm when they come into contact with the spores, which can be present on other cats, rodents or in the environment. When an animal becomes infected with ringworm, the spores scatter throughout the environment, where they can survive for up to 18 months. Spores are commonly found in carpets, bedding and air filters.
Some cats act as carriers for the infections. Although they do not produce any symptoms themselves, they pass the infection on to other cats and humans. If you suspect one of your cats has ringworm, it is wise to have all of your pets checked, to ensure that none of your pets are carriers for the infection.
Even after treatment, cats can be re-infected if the spores are still present in the environment. A thorough cleaning of your home should be done after a ringworm infection with a .5% bleach solution. Cleaning should include all carpets, furniture and surfaces. Air filters should be replaced and carpets should be vacuumed daily. Dispose of the vacuum bag after every use.
To diagnose ringworm in cats, your veterinarian may place samples of your cat’s fur under a florescent lamp, called a “Woods Lamp.” Although this method provides immediate results, only half the strains of ringworm will show under the florescent lamp. For more accurate results, your veterinarian may take a culture from debris brushed from your cat’s fur. Results of the culture take about one to three weeks.
All animals and humans that come into contact with the spores should be treated with anti-fungal treatments. Make sure to isolate those being treated until the infection is gone.
A common treatment for cats is lime sulfur, which is used by many breeders. Lime sulfur has been found to be almost 100% effective in eliminating the infection after two applications over the course of one week. Caution needs to be exercised when using a lime sulfur solution. The solution cannot be ingested before it dries. Doing so can lead to vomiting and depression.
Dip the cat in lime sulfur every 4 to 6 days until the infection is gone. Put an e-collar on the cat until the solution dries.
Other common treatments include a topical solution of Miconosol which is put directly onto the infected areas once daily, and Fulvacin, an oral anti-fungal treatment that is taken once a day for 30 days. Fulvacin is not to be used in pregnant females, as it has been found to cause birth defects.
It is important to be patient when treating ringworm. Oftentimes, treatments last for weeks to months, depending on the animal.
If you are concerned about the probability of a ringworm infection, talk to your veterinarian about the ringworm vaccine, which was approved in 1994. The vaccine, FEL-O-VAX MC-K RINGWORM VACCINATION should only be administered to very healthy felines and is usually only recommended for high-risk animals. The vaccine works by stimulating the cat’s immune system to fight the ringworm infection. It is given in a series of three injections.
