Can I get ringworm from my kitten?
Fortunately, it is totally treatable and kittens can make a full recovery with care. Ringworm is zoonotic, meaning it is contagious to humans, but fear not: with the proper care and sanitization, it can be easily contained to ensure that you and the other animals that share your home stay fungus-free!
Does ringworm have pustules?
Symptoms of ringworm of the body Symptoms of a more severe infection include rings that multiply and merge together. You may also develop blisters and pus-filled sores near the rings.
Where can I take a kitten with ringworm?
Because ringworm is quite contagious in a high-volume setting, kittens with ringworm are at risk of euthanasia without a foster home that is willing to take them home. If you’re able to save some kittens from the fungal jungle, you should consider signing up to foster ringworm kittens at your local shelter!
What kind of worm does a kitten have?
Ringworm, despite its misleading name, is actually not a worm at all–it is a fungal infection of the skin and hair. This funky fungus preys on the young and immunocompromised, putting kittens at a high risk of infection when exposed.
How often should you bathe a kitten with ringworm?
Several times a week, change the kitten’s bedding and toys, and sanitize soiled items in a washing machine with hot water and bleach. Completely disinfect the kittens’ area and all supplies using an approved disinfectant. My recommendation is to use a product like Rescue disinfectant. Twice a week, your kitten will need a medicated dip or bath.
How long does it take to test for ringworm in kittens?
Check out this video of a shelter using DTM diagnostic trays in their ringworm unit! These tests can take up to two weeks to process–so it is best to start treatment right away if ringworm is suspected. Being proactive will speed up the process for you and the kitten.
Why do kittens get ringworm more often than other cats?
Cats don’t just get the disease more frequently than do other animals, they also shed LARGE numbers of fungal spores when they are infected. So while the ringworm fungus can be found virtually everywhere in our environments, contact with an infected kitten or cat is often responsible for overwhelming a person or pet’s natural defenses.
How long does it take a cat to recover from ringworm?
The vast majority of cats, if treated appropriately, will recover from a ringworm infection within a few weeks. While the appearance of the lesions may not change much during the first week or so of treatment, some improvement should be evident within two to three weeks.
How often should you bathe a cat with ringworm?
If there is more generalized disease, or if your cat is a longhaired breed, your veterinarian may recommend clipping all of your cat’s hair, along with bathing your cat with a medicated shampoo at least twice weekly. It is extremely important to only use preparations that have been specifically provided or recommended by your veterinarian.
What should I do if my dog has ringworm?
If anything, treating ringworm is even more difficult than diagnosing it. Mild to moderate cases may respond to medicated baths, lotions or dips (e.g., lime-sulfur, miconazole, chlorexidine). Shaving pets with long fur can help the medications reach the skin and reduce the number of contagious fungal spores present.
