Cat Ringworm Home Remedies

The name, ringworm automatically makes one imagine it is a worm infection, like tapeworms and roundworms. The fact is that ringworm is not caused by a worm, but a fungal agent. The fungal species that infect cats are Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Ringworm is also referred as dermatophytosis and affects the scalp, body, and nails. In this article, you will learn some effective cat ringworm home remedies.

Feline ringworm can be transmitted directly from an infected animal to other animals. The fungal spores can remain viable for over 13 months, and can spread indirectly through the environment by bedding, grooming machines, clippers, sharing food and water, hair brushes, furniture, contaminated soil, etc.

This infection forms a lesion on the skin that looks like a coiled worm. Cats may develop scaly, dry patches on the body. They may even show red lesions and hair loss in the area of infections. You need to visit a veterinarian for their treatment, as it is highly contagious and can spread to other animals as well as humans.

You can always try some simple remedies along with medical treatment to heal the infection quickly.

The vet may prescribe oral and topical medications for treatment. The topical creams contain miconazole or thiabendazole that are effective against the fungus. When applying these topical ointments, you should wear gloves. Oral medications include Itraconazol and griseofulvin. However, many pet owners try dealing with this infection naturally.

Apple cider vinegar is a natural way that will help relieve your pet of the constant itchiness and even eliminate the fungi. You will need to dilute the apple cider vinegar before application, as cats may not tolerate the smell. You can dilute 1 tablespoon vinegar in 1 cup water. Dip cotton balls in the diluted vinegar and dab it on the infected area several times a day for a week. You can even bathe your cat with diluted vinegar to get rid of the spores.

You can try using goldenseal tincture. You need to carefully clip the area around the infected area. Then, apply goldenseal tincture by dipping a cotton ball. Do not apply all over the infected areas at one time. Limit the application to a size of a dime. Apply the tincture one spot a day.

You can buy grapefruit seed extract at a health store and dilute it with water. You need to dab the affected area twice a day with this diluted grapefruit seed extract.

You need to cut a clove of garlic into half. Now, rub the garlic several times a day over the infected spot for a week. You can even mix garlic and aloe vera gel together and apply it to the skin of the cat.

You can apply calendula directly on the infected areas. It is one of the effective treatment methods.

You can make a paste of neem leaves and turmeric powder and apply it to the infected area. Neem is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties and so is turmeric powder. This home remedy will help cure the infection safely and effectively.

You can place fresh slices of a raw papaya and rub it on the cat's infected skin. This is also one of the effective home remedies.

Another way of dealing with this infection naturally is trying a homeopathic treatment. The homeopathic veterinarian may advice use of Bacillinum, Berberis, Chrysarobinum, and Sepia as an effective treatment method.

Many sites on Internet advice use of tea tree oil and bleach. But I will strictly ask pet owners from trying out these remedies. This is because the cat may lick the tea tree oil applied and it is highly toxic for cats. Bleach can cause allergic reactions on cat skin and burn a lot. Also, the cat may lick it off to get rid of the burning sensation and will get sick due to ingestion of bleach.

These are a few home remedies for cats that you can try out. If you do not observe any improvement in the infection, then it is wise to speak to the veterinarian for further advice. Treating it is very important, as it can be contagious to humans.

DISCLAIMER:- The information offered on this site is not to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. The reader is advised to consult with a veterinarian before taking any home remedies, supplements, or following any treatment advised by anyone on this site. A veterinarian will be able to provide the reader with an advice that is safe and effective for an individual pet's specific needs and diagnose a particular health problem based on the pet's medical history .