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Ringworm is a common fungal infection in cats that can affect both their skin and fur, causing patches of hair loss, redness, and itching. Despite its name, ringworm isn't caused by a worm, but by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. While it may sound alarming, with the right treatment, you can effectively manage and eliminate ringworm from your cat. Here’s what you need to know as an Australian cat owner.
### **1. Recognising the Signs of Ringworm in Cats**
Ringworm can appear in a variety of ways, but the most common symptoms include:
- Circular patches of hair loss
- Red, scaly or crusty skin lesions
- Excessive scratching or grooming
- Brittle or broken claws
- Dandruff or flaky skin
If you suspect your cat has ringworm, it’s important to act quickly to prevent it from spreading to other pets—or even to humans, as it’s a zoonotic infection.
### **2. Diagnosing Ringworm**
The first step in treating ringworm is confirming the diagnosis. Your vet may use one or more of the following methods:
- **Wood’s lamp examination:** Some species of fungi glow under ultraviolet light.
- **Fungal culture:** A sample of your cat’s fur or skin is cultured to confirm the presence of the fungus.
- **Skin biopsy:** In rare cases, a skin biopsy may be needed for a definitive diagnosis.
### **3. Treatment Options for Ringworm**
Once diagnosed, your vet will likely recommend a combination of treatments. Ringworm can be stubborn, so multiple approaches are often needed for effective treatment.
#### **Topical Treatments**
- **Antifungal creams or ointments:** Medications like miconazole or clotrimazole may be applied directly to affected areas.
- **Medicated shampoos:** Regular baths with a prescription antifungal shampoo can help remove fungal spores and speed up recovery. Look for shampoos containing ingredients like miconazole or chlorhexidine.
#### **Oral Medications**
In more severe cases, or when topical treatments aren’t enough, your vet may prescribe oral antifungal medications like itraconazole or terbinafine. These medications work from the inside out to eliminate the infection, but they may need to be administered over several weeks to ensure all traces of the fungus are eradicated.
#### **Environmental Decontamination**
Since ringworm spores can survive in the environment for long periods, it’s essential to thoroughly clean your home to prevent reinfection.
- **Vacuum regularly** to remove fungal spores from carpets and furniture.
- **Wash bedding, toys, and any fabric your cat comes into contact with** in hot water and disinfectant.
- **Use a diluted bleach solution (1:10)** to disinfect non-porous surfaces like floors and countertops.
### **4. How Long Does Treatment Take?**
Ringworm treatment can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, or even longer in severe cases. It’s important to continue treatment as directed by your vet, even if your cat’s symptoms appear to improve early on. Stopping treatment too soon can lead to a recurrence of the infection.
### **5. Preventing Ringworm Spread**
Because ringworm is highly contagious, it’s important to isolate the affected cat from other pets and humans, particularly children or immunocompromised individuals, until the infection is completely cleared.
- Always wash your hands after handling your cat, and consider wearing gloves during treatment.
- Regularly wash your own clothing and bedding to avoid carrying spores to other areas of your home.
### **6. When to See Your Vet**
If your cat is showing any signs of skin lesions or hair loss, it’s best to visit your vet as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the spread of ringworm and reduce the time it takes for your cat to recover.
### Final Thoughts
While ringworm in cats can be frustrating to deal with, it’s a manageable condition with the right treatment and care. With prompt veterinary attention, proper hygiene, and consistent treatment, your cat will be back to their healthy, happy self in no time.
At Snuffles, we prioritise the health and well-being of our Persian and exotic cats. If you have questions about ringworm or other cat-related health concerns, feel free to contact us—we’re here to help!
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