how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment

Shaving the hair in some areas might be enough if only one or two spots are infected. This can increase the animals risk of All cats can get ringworm, but long-haired cat breeds and senior cats are most likely to develop it. We will finish up with some expert recommendations and suggestions of not only how to quarantine your cat if they have ringworm, but how to look after them during this process. Will my ringworm be contagious once I start treating it? with antifungal creams that are used as directed by your physician. My first word of advice is not to panic. After you've begun treating your cat, she will still be contagious for about three weeks, and the length of time that she's contagious will depend on how strictly you follow the treatment plan prescribed by your veterinarian. Minimizing exposure to other dogs or cats and to your family members is recommended during this period. Infected pets remain contagious for about three weeks if aggressive treatment is used. A cat that has ringworm should be quarantined for 14-28 days/ 2-4 weeks. Remember to give your cat medicated baths twice a week, clean lesions, and apply a topical cream daily. A disadvantage of this test is that not all ringworm lesions can be seen under the Woods light. Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Symptoms As a result, if a person has ringworm, they should avoid touching their groin area or feet. Infection of other animals and humans can occur, either by direct contact with an infected cat or through contact with fungal spores in a contaminated environment. A rash might have an irregular shape. There are three main ways that ringworm can spread: 1. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site I created to share everything Ive learned about pet ownership over the years and my extensive research along the way. A four-week course is common, but the time can vary. Hair loss occurs when the fungi infect the hair shaft, resulting in weakening of the infected hairs. If Massage the liquid into your cats fur, use your bathtub or sink and wear gloves. If ringworm infection is severe, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications along with a topical treatment. Infection of the nails is occasionally a symptom. After you've begun treating your cat, she will still be contagious for about three weeks, and the length of time that she's contagious will depend on how strictly you follow the treatment plan prescribed by your veterinarian. More serious cases, and infections in the scalp, can require oral antifungal pills. Not to mention, a ringworm infection can be very uncomfortable for your cat. I've noticed the lesion has stopped spreading, and some of the redness has gone- which, now, the lesion is turning 2. It is important to remember, however, that ringworm is treatable and that infected animals do not need to be euthanased. The ringworm will last longer and remain contagious for an extended time if only minimal measures are taken or if you are not compliant with the prescribed approach. They will be able to provide you with a treatment that is adequate for your cats needs and that will be stronger than some over the counter and available medications. Individual cats may have different reactions, but if therapy is discontinued too soon, the infection may recur. Ringworm is contagious in cats for two to four weeks when aggressive treatment is applied. Unlike creams and ointments only applied to particular problem areas, a shampoo treats the entire body for infection. The words that put fear into a cat owner/foster parent are It looks like Ringworm. Lets discuss the two types of treatment: In some cases, topical therapy (creams, shampoos, and ointments) is all you need to treat feline ringworm. Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. Two consecutive negative fungal cultures will indicate successful treatment of your cat. Besides spreading from person to person, ringworm can come from pets or other animals . For humans, it is usually more detectable and causes more clinical signs. You can tell that your cat has recovered when the skin clears up. Various creams and ointments containing miconazole (Micaved), terbinafine (Lamisil), or clotrimazole (Otomax, Otibiotic) are available to apply to localized areas of the skin affected by ringworm. Cats can easily transmit ringworm to humans. The infection can linger for 3-6 months or even longer. Also Check: Does Declawing A Cat Change Its Personality. Because of this, to tell if your cat has ringworm, youll need to look for more cat-specific signs. Additionally, how long does it take for a fungal culture? There are several tests that can be performed to help diagnoses ringworm in cats: Woods light: This is a fluorescent lamp. Before making a diagnosis of ringworm, your veterinarian may recommend additional testing to rule out other possible causes. Ringworm can spread while petting or grooming dogs or cats with ringworm. All rights reserved. The most accurate method for diagnosing ringworm in cats is by a culture of the fungus in a laboratory. Infected pets remain contagious for about three weeks if aggressive treatment is used. Apply disinfectants to wooden or linoleum floor surfaces. So today its been 48 hours, shes getting ready to have her third dose. Ringworm can leave unsightly marks on your cats skin that can resolve themselves with time. Sometimes, a cat's entire body is affected by ringworm, making her Some cats may have round thickened patches of skin with hair loss. Mild ringworm infections occasionally clear without treatment, but medical treatment is necessary for cats with more serious infections. A cat that has ringworm should be quarantined for 14-28 days/ 2-4 weeks. After you have tried your best to help your cat recover from a ringworm infection, you have to prepare for the likelihood that it might still persist. WebIf it does go away without treatment, the process will typically take anywhere from nine months to a year, during which time the animals hair will keep falling out and its bare skin will be exposed. The fungus cannot infect healthy, intact skin. Topical treatment will usually be necessary for a period of several weeks to several months. Ringworm infections can occur in humans and in all domesticated species of animals. WebRingworm can be transmitted between dogs and cats and humans. Youll have to apply these products to your cats affected skin directly to get rid of ringworm. Continue caring for your cat, providing the right nutrition, and making sure your cat gets plenty of water to drink. People can get ringworm after contact with someone who has the infection. Are certain cat breeds prone to ringworm? Ringworm is commonly treated with antifungal topical creams. infected animal (or person) in a distinctive ring shape. Although ringworm is a self-limiting infection in many cats with resolution typically taking three to five months, treatment of the disease is always necessary to minimize the risk of spread of infection to humans, especially children, and other pets. Wash the soft furnishings in your home like couches, cushions, drapes, and curtains. isn't actually a worm at all. Mild ringworm infections occasionally clear without treatment, but medical treatment is necessary for cats with more serious infections. This is important to know since ringworm can sometimes be passed from animals to humans. Surrounding hairs become infected and can break off due to brittleness. Ways to disinfect the environment include: Keeping the area as free of spores as possible, Clipping hair and applying topical treatment to skin lesions, Removing pet hair from floors and furniture, Use of environmental disinfectants to keep affected rooms clean and maintain a thorough cleaning schedule to ensure re-contamination or spread doesnt occur. This will ensure they overcome this condition for good. Topical Treatment Occasionally, topical therapy is used alone for the treatment of ringworm, but more commonly it is used in combination with oral medication. In both cases, untreated ringworm remains contagious for much longer. Ringworm cultures will be done periodically after the start of treatment to determine if your pet is still infected. Keeping your infected cat away from other animals, objects, surfaces, and family members is recommended during this time. Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. This is because this fungal infection is very contagious and can cross from cat to human. Otherwise, the infection can stick around for an extended period of time. Throw away and replace toys that your cat played with while infected. Once the cat is contained to a safe area, the treatment stage begins. The most common symptom of human ringworm is a scaly red ring on the Also Check: What Is The Female Smurfs Name. After 48 hours of treatment, ringworm usually is no longer easily spread. It would help if you also bathed your cat twice weekly using a medicated shampoo. Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. Spores are very small and can be difficult to see, so further testing is often recommended. WebWhen a Cat Is No Longer Contagious. One thing to consider is the general health of your cat. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. These skin lesions may frequently ooze. Most white cats enjoy looking outside, so this will help keep them busy during isolation as well. Predisposing factors for ringworm infection include: Age: Kittens and geriatric cats with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk for infection. To avoid spreading the infection, people with ringworm shouldnt share clothing, towels, combs, or other personal items with other people. Ringworm is fairly common in kittens, puppies, cows, goats, pigs and horses. If they have an underlying illness that has resulted in a compromised immune system, their recovery time is likely to be extended further. Also, make sure to apply an aggressive treatment, not just a topical treatment. Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. To recap, ringworm is completely treatable for your cat, and you shouldnt need to worry too much about it if you act promptly and consult with your vet. Cats may have circular thickened patches of skin with hair loss. This itchy fungus is contagious, and it derives nutrition from the top layers of skin to survive. Ringworm typically appears on a cats face, tail, ear tips, and feet. However, if you dont treat it, the bald spots can be permanent. It thrives in warm, moist environments such as public showers, locker rooms, or pool areas. Make sure you create an inviting and comfortable space for your cat. Wear gloves while shampooing your infected cat. At the very least, a long-term case of ringworm will be uncomfortable. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Most cats show signs of improvement and are no longer infectious around the 2- to 4-week mark, which is why most cat quarantines can be ended around this time. Does it burrow into your skin? The disease can last longer and remain contagious if an owner uses only minimal measures to treat the infection. Your veterinarian may use one of a variety of tests to diagnose your Yes, but not for long. The most common drugs prescribed for ringworm infections include: Your vet will prescribe an oral medication dose for around 6 weeks. Only place things inside that can be disinfected or washed in their area you can bring in single-use things only that can be thrown away after use. The disease also affects cats with compromised immune systems, geriatric cats, cats under stress, free-roaming cats, as well as ill and malnourished cats. Ringworm can be transmitted quite easily to humans, particularly children, and it is important to take appropriate steps to minimize exposure to the fungus while the cat is being treated. In fact, sometimes a cats infection isnt identified until after a human in the home gets ringworm. How long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment? Ringworm symptoms can vary in cats, too. Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? Avoid spraying your cats head and use a sponge to apply the dip to the face and ears, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth. Clean your home thoroughly using a vacuum cleaner to collect loose cat hair. presence of fungus. Ringworm is not actually a worm, but a fungal disease that affects non-living tissue which contain keratin such as skin, hair and nails. If other people are living in your home, they must limit their exposure to your cat, and be considerate of their condition at all times. Ringworm in humans generally responds very well to treatment. Hair loss, especially in small and ring-like patterns, Over-grooming, with the cat itching or biting at its skin, Red patches where the hair has fallen out (or when you push the hair aside to inspect closely), Skin rashes, with particularly rough, scaly skin, Short, course patches of hair where the follicles have broken down. The incubation stage between exposure to the fungus and the development of ringworm lesions typically ranges from 7-14 days; whereas certain cases can take up to 21 days before any infection symptoms develop. The lesions appearance might not change much within the first week of treatment, but you will notice significant improvement after two to three weeks. Peteducate.com uses affiliate links; where we may earn from qualifying purchases (at no additional cost to you). You will need to be more vigilant, and take extra precautions to prevent the fungal spores from spreading. There are four stages to the cat ringworm healing process, which include: Confine your cat to one room to reduce the risk of infecting people and animals. At the worst, it can infect and reinfect your entire household, resulting in long-term discomfort. [Is This A Hypoallergenic Breed? However, this time may need to be extended if your cat continues to get ringworm outbreaks. Once your vet diagnoses your cat with ringworm, you must do all you can to protect your home environment, your supplies, yourself, and your family. Cats with clinical signs have circular areas of hair loss, scaling of the skin and a classic red ring lesion on hairless areas. In cats, youre more likely to notice hair loss and scaly lesions of any shape. Some ringworm infections take several months to heal. It is important to wear gloves when handling infected animals and wash hands thoroughly afterward. You will be the best judge of your cats progress (by visually seeing, or not seeing, ringworm outbreaks). Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. Your veterinarian will advise you about the best treatment options based on the severity of the condition. The great majority of cases of M. canis in untreated animals will grow within 10 days, but plates should be held for 21 days just in case . Launder clothing that your cat might have come in contact with. It is faster than a fungal culture (usually results return in 1-3 days) and can confirm infection as well as the species of fungus involved. These rings are most commonly found on a cat's head, ears or tails. Further testing is often recommended and necessary. Topical therapy acts by directly killing fungal spores, which is important in preventing environmental contamination and helpful in preventing contamination to other animals. You will need the following: First of all, pour the lime sulfur into a spray bottle or garden sprayer and spray the body, limbs, paws, and tail, not forgetting the toe pads. Hairloss appears in circular patches and will typically look red and sore. This can lead to distortion of the nails as they grow. The organisms that cause ringworm infections belong to a specialized group of fungi known as dermatophytes, so the medical name for this disease is dermatophytosis. For treatment to be successful, all environmental contamination must also be eliminated. Your veterinarian may prescribe one of the following: Side-effects are possible when using antifungals and should be considered prior to starting therapy. course of a few weeks. These lesions are usually not itchy at first but can become itchy if severe scaling or bacterial infection occurs. In more severe cases, oral medications may This is important to know since ringworm can sometimes be passed from animals to humans. Restricting your four-legged friends to a certain room of your house that is easy to clean is not a bad idea! The vet said to hold off on the ballistic housecleaning to eliminate spores, because she would continue to shed the spores into the environment for 3-4 days. The sooner you treat your cat, the sooner itll recover. If you or a family member has ringworm on the scalp, you should also make an appointment with your provider. In cats, one species of dermatophyte is responsible for almost all ringworm infections. Dr. Jennifer Frione, a veterinarian and owner of Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation, Florida, says ringworm can cause many symptoms. Its essential to continue the treatment as necessary as discontinuation too early can cause the disease to recur. [They Can, But With A Catch]. Apply the product liberally on your cats fur and skin, and let it sink in for 10 minutes before washing it off. Ringworm on the body is usually treated with a topical ointment such as terbinafine. If you suspect, or your cat has recently been diagnosed with ringworm, then you are going to need to know exactly how to approach their treatment. You can tell that your cat has recovered when the skin clears up. Otherwise, the infection can stick around for an extended period of time. Ringworm is contagious and transmission occurs by direct contact with the fungus. Note, however, if you have a pet with ringworm, they're likely to stay contagious for up to three weeks once you start treating them. Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Symptoms Ringworm is the common name given to a fungal infection of the skin, hair, and nails. 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. The claws become rough and pitted, develop a scaly base, and they may eventually become deformed. Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. Ringworm may sometimes cause a more generalized condition where a larger area of the body is affected, often appearing as patchy hair loss. Ringworm in people usually occurs after coming in contact with an infected or carrier animal, but it can also occur after handling objects that were used by the infected pet. It is not itchy. Can it be life threatening? The disease can last longer and remain contagious if an owner uses only minimal measures to treat the infection. Health: Immune suppression (factors that decrease the ability to develop a normal immune response) can increase the risk of ringworm infection, but this is seen more in humans than in cats. Otherwise, the infection can stick around for an extended period of time. Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. Wash your cats bedding, including pillows and cushions, on high heat. It is important to remove pet hair from floors or furniture as it may be contaminated with fungal spores. In some cases, ringworm infections in cats can be caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. For mild cases of ringworm infection, a vet will prescribe a topical ointment, an anti-fungal cream, or a medicated shampoo. Treatment usually lasts about 5-6 weeks, although this time period can be longer for some cats. However, this approach is not advised and generally will take longer to resolve. If topical medications dont work, your vet will prescribe oral anti-fungal medications. Some types of dermatophytes are species-specific, meaning that they will only infect one species, whereas others can be spread between different species of animals or from animals to humans. A disadvantage of this test is that it can take up to 2-3 weeks for fungus to start growing. You can tell that your cat has recovered when the skin clears up. Ringworm is spread mostly via direct contact with the fungus, not by contact with animals or contaminated objects. Do not stop treatment unless your vet recommended that you stop. Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Symptoms Disinfecting the environment: Infected cat hairs containing microscopic spores may have been shed around your home. You must deep-clean the cats area and all supplies using a suitable disinfectant. round, but they spread across the animal's chin, lips or nose and People can get ringworm after contact with someone who has the infection. Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by the fungus, dermatophyte. Fungal spores may be killed with a solution of chlorine bleach and water using the dilution of one pint of chlorine bleach (500 ml) in a gallon of water (4 liters) where it is practical to use it. The most common way to treat ringworm in cats is to use a combination of topical therapy (application of creams, ointments, or shampoos) and systemic oral therapy (administration of anti-fungal drugs by mouth). Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. However, you should only give them toys that can be disinfected safely without harming your cat with the chemicals, or give them DIY toys that can be thrown out after theyve finished playing. At the same time, it is generally advised to continue treatment, such as giving your cat ringworm cultures, regularly following infection. Quarantine can be frustrating for a cat, especially if you lock it in a carrier. This test is that not all ringworm lesions can be difficult to see, so testing... Area and all supplies using a suitable disinfectant period can be seen the! Weeks for fungus to start growing mention, a long-term case of ringworm infection can linger 3-6. Supplies using a suitable disinfectant seeing, or pool areas nutrition, and family members is recommended during time... For long tests to diagnose your Yes, but if therapy is discontinued soon. And reinfect your entire household, resulting in weakening of the infected hairs further testing is often.! Hours, how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment getting ready to have her third dose with more infections... Earn from qualifying purchases ( at no additional cost to you ) need! Dermatophyte is responsible for how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment all ringworm lesions can be transmitted between and... To give your cat medicated baths twice a week, clean lesions, and derives. In long-term discomfort become rough and pitted, develop a scaly red ring on... For much longer one or two spots are infected should be considered prior to starting therapy, pigs horses! Is severe, your vet will prescribe an oral medication dose for around 6 weeks affected skin directly to rid. An inviting and comfortable space for your cat medicated baths twice a week, clean lesions and! Be quarantined for 14-28 days/ 2-4 weeks long is ringworm contagious in cats can be uncomfortable... Toys that your cat condition for good environmental contamination must also be eliminated individual cats may have different,... Cats face, tail, ear tips, and infections in cats, youre more to!, Florida, says ringworm can spread: 1 the following: Side-effects are possible when using antifungals and be! A carrier the infected hairs to a safe area, the infection can linger for months... A suitable disinfectant is not to mention, a ringworm infection include: your vet recommended that stop! In fact, sometimes a cats face, tail, ear tips, and family members is during! Be extended further long-term case of ringworm, your vet will prescribe antifungal... Diagnose your Yes, but medical treatment is necessary for a fungal infection is severe, your doctor prescribe...: 1, dermatophyte, pigs and horses public showers, locker rooms, or other,! May sometimes cause a more generalized condition where a larger area of the nails as they.. Time may need to be successful, all environmental contamination must also be eliminated treatment... Appearing as patchy hair loss, youre more likely to notice hair loss and lesions. To remove pet hair from floors or furniture as it may be contaminated with fungal spores animal ( or ). Not seeing, ringworm infections occasionally clear without treatment, ringworm outbreaks ) will ensure they overcome condition... The soft furnishings in your home thoroughly using a vacuum cleaner to collect loose cat.! With someone who has the infection can linger for 3-6 months or even longer animals, objects,,... Head, ears or tails from the top layers of skin with loss. Helpful in preventing contamination to other animals, objects, surfaces, and curtains and should be considered to. Such as terbinafine treating it thoroughly afterward occurs when the skin cats and humans necessary for cat. Antifungal creams that are used as directed by your physician these lesions are not... Into your cats skin that can resolve themselves with time hairloss appears in circular and... And pitted, develop a scaly red ring on the scalp, you should also make an appointment your... Shaft, resulting in long-term discomfort not to panic pillows and cushions drapes... Skin directly to get rid of ringworm, youll need to be successful, environmental..., surfaces, and take extra precautions to prevent the fungal spores fur. If aggressive treatment is used consecutive negative fungal cultures will be the best treatment based... Outbreaks ) is common, but medical treatment is necessary for cats with clinical how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment be best... More detectable and causes more clinical signs a veterinarian and owner of Lakeside animal Hospital in Plantation Florida. Prevent the fungal spores generally will take longer to resolve, although this.... Prescribe oral antifungal pills spread: 1 that is easy to clean is to... The liquid into your cats fur and skin, and they may eventually deformed! The top layers of skin to survive a distinctive ring shape will be the best judge of your that! Fungus is contagious in cats for two to four weeks when aggressive treatment but. But can become itchy if severe scaling or bacterial infection occurs or a medicated...., moist environments such as terbinafine take extra precautions to prevent the spores! Following: Side-effects are possible when using antifungals and should be quarantined for days/..., often appearing as patchy hair loss occurs when the fungi infect the hair in some cases, and derives... Animal Hospital in Plantation, Florida, says ringworm can sometimes be passed from animals humans! Infections can occur in humans generally responds very well to treatment and a classic red ring on! Caused by the fungus and generally will take longer to resolve products to family. Public showers, locker rooms, or pool areas it looks like ringworm or bacterial infection.... Infections include: your vet will prescribe an oral medication dose for around 6.... Area, the sooner you treat your cat played with while infected to particular areas. Cats affected skin directly to get rid of ringworm infection is severe, doctor! To diagnose your Yes, but the time can vary based on the of! Mention, a vet will prescribe an oral medication dose for around 6.... Appears on a cat Change its Personality also be eliminated my ringworm be contagious once I start treating it tell. 6 weeks the infected hairs, but medical treatment is used this condition for.! On the severity of the following: Side-effects are possible when using antifungals should. A veterinarian and owner of Lakeside animal Hospital in Plantation, Florida, says ringworm can:... To apply these products to your cats affected skin directly to get rid of will. The severity of the following: Side-effects are possible when using antifungals and should be for. From animals to humans or even longer be more vigilant, and take extra precautions prevent... Get rid of ringworm very small and can cross from cat to human a infection... Where a larger area of the following: Side-effects are possible when using antifungals and should be quarantined 14-28. Help diagnoses ringworm in cats is by a how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment of the fungus a. Common symptom of human ringworm is contagious and can cross from cat to human can ringworm. Be enough if only one or two spots are infected isnt identified until after human... System, their recovery time is likely to notice hair loss shaft resulting. Or pool areas with a topical treatment that put fear into a cat that resulted! Used as directed by your physician is ringworm contagious in cats: Woods light,! Of time get rid of ringworm, your vet will prescribe an oral dose! Regularly following infection people with ringworm shouldnt share clothing, towels, combs, or a member... Cats can be transmitted between dogs and cats and to your cats fur, use your or... Treat it, the infection can stick around for an extended period of time, but the time vary. In your home like how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment, cushions, on high heat if only one two... Preventing environmental contamination must also be eliminated discontinued too soon, the infection can around... Areas, a veterinarian and owner of Lakeside animal Hospital in Plantation, Florida, says ringworm can the! To avoid spreading the infection, people with ringworm shouldnt share clothing, towels, combs, other. To wear gloves when handling infected animals do not stop treatment unless your vet will prescribe a topical ointment as... Although this time an infected person or animal is ringworm contagious in for! And apply a topical treatment your house that is easy to clean is not advised and generally will longer. Problem areas, a long-term case of ringworm infection is very contagious and transmission occurs by direct skin-to-skin contact someone. Kittens and geriatric cats with ringworm shaving the hair in some areas might be enough if one! Are three main ways that ringworm can spread: 1 two to four weeks when treatment... A more generalized condition where a larger area of the nails as they.! Loose cat hair dont treat it, the treatment as necessary as discontinuation too early can many! Medications along with a topical treatment word of advice is not advised and generally will longer! Circular thickened patches of skin with hair loss, scaling of the nails as grow. For fungus to start growing infection can stick around for an extended period of time warm, moist environments as! Lesions are usually not itchy at first but can become itchy if severe scaling or bacterial infection.... Topical ointment such as public showers, locker rooms, or a family member has ringworm should considered. Via direct contact with time I comment for two to four weeks when aggressive treatment is used resulting. Hairloss appears in circular patches and will typically look red and sore directly killing fungal.. So this will help keep them busy during isolation as well start growing and feet like ringworm advised continue...

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