Shaving the hair in some areas might be enough if only one or two spots are infected. Ideally, all pets in contact with the affected cat should be tested and isolated until they are found to be clear of infection. Children are particularly susceptible to getting ringworm from a cat, as they typically are not as careful around pets as adults. Thereof, how long does it take to grow a ringworm culture? may be to collect a small sample of affected skin and test it for the The spores can live on fabrics, including clothing, couch cushions, bedding, and other porous surfaces. Its critical to clean your cats environment at home to reduce further spread and lower the risk of reinfection. veterinarian. Ringworm is not actually a worm, but a fungal disease that affects non-living tissue which contain keratin such as skin, hair and nails. Although you are no longer contagious soon after starting the treatment, the ringworm rash may take up to four weeks to disappear. This can lead to distortion of the nails as they grow. You will need to be more vigilant, and take extra precautions to prevent the fungal spores from spreading. 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. Treatment usually lasts for a minimum of six weeks but, in some cases, much longer therapy is required. This species is also infectious to dogs and humans. Healthy adult felines typically have some natural resistance to the disease, but cats under one year of age are more at risk because their immune systems arent fully developed. Ringworms or ringworm are the common names for dermatophytosis, a fungal infection that can affect a cats 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. your cat is longhaired, she may need to be shaved for the topical WebRingworm in cats is very contagious. Commitment is the key to success in freeing your cat from ringworm. For treatment to be successful, all environmental contamination must also be eliminated. These cats, called asymptomatic carriers, may still infect other pets or humans. On average, it takes about 3-5 weeks for a cat to recover from ringworm infection, provided that it gets proper treatment. The lesions appearance might not change much within the first week of treatment, but you will notice significant improvement after two to three weeks. Do not scratch affected areas to prevent infection and the spread of ringworm. Yes, but not for long. Infected pets remain contagious for about three weeks if aggressive treatment is used. WebRingworm can be transmitted between dogs and cats and humans. Ringworm in humans generally responds very well to treatment. Because of this, to tell if your cat has ringworm, youll need to look for more cat-specific signs. The infection can linger for 3-6 months or even longer. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. Can it be life threatening? Avoid sending your cat outdoors to roam, as it can infect other animals. A fungal culture can help determine the source of infection and allow for better cleaning of the cats environment. view her skin under a special black light that causes the ringworm In other cases, the first indication that a Direct contact with a fungal spore causes infection, but the skin must already be open, through a scrap or scratch, in order to infect. 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. Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. You May Like: What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years How Long Does It Take For Ringworm To Be Cured If you or a family member has ringworm on the scalp, you should also make an appointment with your provider. It is a zoonotic disease which means that it can spread from cats to humans. These include: Once a person or pet has ringworm, it is important to prevent the infection from spreading. In both cases, untreated ringworm remains contagious for much longer. With treatment, a ringworm infection on a part of the body without hair is likely to clear up within two to four weeks of the start of treatment. Be sure to wear gloves when handling your cat and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. How Long Is Ringworm Contagious In Cats After Starting Treatment, What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years, Does Declawing A Cat Change Its Personality, How To Get Cat Urine Out Of Wood Flooring, avoid scratching or touching the ringworm lesion, wash the hands thoroughly after touching or treating the ringworm lesion, wash clothes, bedding, and towels in hot, soapy water, use an ultraviolet shoe sanitizer or ozone cabinet to disinfect shoes, participating in contact sports, such as wrestling or football, Apply garlic topically in a form of a pressed paste, Apply apple cider vinegar to the area you may wish to use a test spot on your body as apple cider vinegar is quite acidic and can cause a reaction. Ringworm, despite what its name suggests, hasnt got anything to do with worms, but rather it resembles athletes foot in humans. It is worthwhile to restrict the cat to rooms of the house that are easy to clean. 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. The disease can last longer and remain contagious if an owner uses only minimal measures to treat the infection. Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. To avoid spreading the infection, people with ringworm shouldnt share clothing, towels, combs, or other personal items with other people. If there is a more generalized disease, or if your cat is a longhaired breed, your veterinarian may recommend clipping all of your cats hair. A positive culture can sometimes be confirmed within a couple of days, but in some cases, the fungal spores may be slow to grow, and culture results can take up to three weeks. For mild cases of ringworm infection, a vet will prescribe a topical ointment, an anti-fungal cream, or a medicated shampoo. Some cats, especially longhaired breeds, may have ringworm without any clinical signs or hair loss and can still infect other animals or people. will probably involve the application of an antifungal cream over the Cats can become chronic carriers of the disease, infecting others without showing any clinical signs, except during periods of stress. For cats, the risk increases for long-haired varieties. ], Can Chickens Eat Elderberries? 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. 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. This daily treatment needs to continue for at least several weeks or longer. 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. You should also be careful when drying your cat, as rough and harsh movements can knock off scabs and cause bleeding. ringworm infects a cat's face, the bare skin patches aren't usually Once a diagnosis has been made, your veterinarian can devise a washed and disinfected. Set up your myVCA account today. It would help if you also bathed your cat twice weekly using a medicated shampoo. Ringworm is fairly common in kittens, puppies, cows, goats, pigs and horses. Two consecutive negative fungal cultures will indicate successful treatment of your cat. Restricting your four-legged friends to a certain room of your house that is easy to clean is not a bad idea! Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Spray for Dogs and Cats, 8 oz Fast Acting Medicated Topical Spray Treatment for Fungal and Bacterial Skin Infections in Dogs and Cats, Do Schipperkes Shed? In both cases, untreated ringworm remains contagious for much longer. From a person who has ringworm. Ask your vet about using Vitamin E oil if you are unsure about it. These rings are most commonly found on a cat's head, ears or tails. You may only find out that your cat is a carrier if other animals in the household or humans who have come into contact with your cat begin to develop circular, itchy, red skin lesions. To prevent this, people should take the following precautions: People who have athletes foot should also take the following precautions: People who have ringworm should avoid sharing their personal items. Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Symptoms Hopefully, by now, you understand that ringworm can be treated; but you must make sure you quarantine your cat immediately if you suspect an infection or after diagnosis. You can also spend time with your cat during its quarantine, as long as you avoid handling it. Throw away and replace toys that your cat played with while infected. Some cats may have round thickened patches of skin with hair loss. Cats must be quarantined for 2-4 weeks during treatment. Otherwise, thick fur can block the medication, rendering it ineffective. If there is more than one pet in the household, try to separate infected from non-infected animals and just treat the infected ones. The red rash can actually take a few days to appear on your skin. While there are several branded options, the main ingredient will be miconazole. The most effective treatment for ringworm infection is a topical cream or ointment. 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. 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. A four-week course is common, but the time can vary. If topical medications dont work, your vet will prescribe oral anti-fungal medications. Often, these are aided by using a chlorhexidine + miconazole-based shampoo or a lime sulfur dip that can be used twice weekly. Will my ringworm be contagious once I start treating it? Surrounding hairs become infected and can break off due to brittleness. If humans or other pets come into contact with the fungus, they can get ringworm, too. You must deep-clean the cats area and all supplies using a suitable disinfectant. Products that can be helpful to treat the infection include: If the ringworm doesnt improve, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Once your cat is completely covered in the dip, put them immediately into their bed, so they can be warm until they dry. It is important to remove pet hair from floors or furniture as it may be contaminated with fungal spores. People can get ringworm after contact with someone who has the infection. presence of fungus. It's possible for ringworm to spread by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched. The disease can last longer and remain contagious if an owner uses only minimal measures to treat the infection. Sanitize dirty things in a washing machine using hot water and bleach. You can tell that your cat has recovered when the skin clears up. People can get ringworm after contact with someone who has the infection. The infection can include small, solid bumps or large bumps with open sores. This fungus relies on keratin to grow, enabling it to thrive near hair when infecting an organism. Keeping your infected cat away from other animals, objects, surfaces, and family members is recommended during this time. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. In this situation, your vet might have to try a more aggressive treatment of antifungal drugs to treat your cat. WebRingworm can be transmitted between dogs and cats and humans. 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. Your cat needs to remain quarantined in this particular area of your home for up to two weeks once oral and topical treatment begins. 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. Symptoms may include patchy hair loss and skin lesions that are reddened, raised, and scaling. 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. It can spread easily when people are in close physical contact. Preventative measures to lower your risk of contracting ringworm infection are pretty simple. Any marks should leave, and youll notice the re-growth of your cats hair. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Occasionally, despite appropriate treatment, the infection persists. Cats of any breed, sex, and age are susceptible to the infection. A cigarette ash scaling in the depths of the coat may be the only visible indicator of ringworm infection in cats. skin that can grow as the infection spreads. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. A four-week course is common, but the time can vary. Also Check: Does Declawing A Cat Change Its Personality. Care: Cats who live in a densely populated environment (such as an animal shelter) or receive poor nutrition are at a higher risk for infection due to the contagious and resistant nature of this fungus. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Some items to avoid sharing include: You May Like: Why Do Cats Knock Things Off. Any marks should leave, and youll notice the re-growth of your cats hair. Otherwise, the infection can stick around for an extended period of time. Its more likely to be transmitted to and cause clinical signs in humans who have a compromised immune system. Others can be contagious between different species, which means they can move from pets to humans. Ringworm is infectious, and transmission can occur by direct contact with the fungus. Ringworm can spread while petting or grooming dogs or cats with ringworm. There are three main ways that ringworm can spread: 1. Maybe easier said than done. If you notice those circular patches in your cat, its more than likely ringworm, and your cat will need immediate veterinary attention. The common name of ringworm is somewhat misleading, in that it is not an infection caused by a worm, and the infected areas are not always ring-shaped. Further testing is often recommended and necessary. There are many myths about this disease and most all of them are fear provoking. Remember to give your cat medicated baths twice a week, clean lesions, and apply a topical cream daily. It can spread through direct contact, but can also live on surfaces such as bedding, towels and grooming equipment for up to two years. However, this approach is not advised and generally will take longer to resolve. Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Symptoms This is important to know since ringworm can sometimes be passed from animals to humans. How long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment? According to the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, a sub-species of dermatophytes, called Microsporum Canis, causes most ringworm infections in cats. Lime sulfur dip acts as a potent antifungal agent that you allow to soak into your cats fur until it dries. Thankfully, most cats recover from a ringworm infection if it is treated adequately. To do this, samples of hair and skin scrapings are taken from the cat. Make sure to treat your cat going to the advice of your vet. Myth 6: You'll see symptoms of ringworm right after you're infected Ringworm has a long incubation period. It may be passed by direct contact with an infected animal or person, the soil, or a contaminated surface. You should place your cat in a contained space and sanitize it daily. When left untreated, ringworm can also cause miliary dermatitis. After 48 hours of treatment, ringworm usually is no longer easily spread. You can tell that your cat has recovered when the skin clears up. Treatment usually lasts about 5-6 weeks, although this time period can be longer for some cats. Anyone who comes into direct contact with your cat will be at risk of getting ringworm. Just as in cats, ringworm is more likely to infect people with illnesses or depressed immune systems. Massage the liquid into your cats fur, use your bathtub or sink and wear gloves. Your veterinarian will advise you about the best treatment options based on the severity of the condition. You May Like: What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years How Long Does It Take For Ringworm To Be Cured but not for long. Even before the onset of symptoms, ringworm can still be contagious during the incubation period. Your cat will still need toys; its essential to continue to provide mental stimulation for them while they are in quarantine. Not to mention, a ringworm infection can be very uncomfortable for your cat. Ringworm infection may resolve on its own in about three or four monthsbut thats a long time for contamination to spread in your home. Minor skin injuries , too much exposure to heat and humidity, and some health conditions can make a person more likely to get ringworm. Treatment is usually a combination of medication applied to the cats skin and an oral medication. Environmental contamination can be minimized by thorough damp mopping or vacuuming of all rooms or areas that are accessible to your cat; this should be done daily. An advantage to this test is that asymptomatic carrier cats can be diagnosed. It's possible for ringworm to spread by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched. 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. If anyone in your house develops skin lesions, seek medical attention. After bathing your cat wash your hands well and sanitize any surfaces your cat touched using a bleach solution. It may be passed by direct contact with an infected animal or person or by touching contaminated objects and surfaces. You will be the best judge of your cats progress (by visually seeing, or not seeing, ringworm outbreaks). Any marks should leave, and youll notice the re-growth of your cats hair. Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. Infected animals shed spores into the environment, so disinfection of the areas where your cat spends time is as important as treating your actual cat. 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. While many types of fungi grow within a day or two, others can take a few weeks. Cats can recover from ringworm on their own in 3-5 months. Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Symptoms We are seasoned pet owners and enthusiasts who love to share everything that we learn about them! 2. It can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks after treatment for you to see any improvement in your cats health and signs of ringworm going away. You should place your cat in a contained space and sanitize it daily. DO NOT stop treatment unless your veterinarian has made this recommendation. To minimize the risk of reinfection, you must clean the house thoroughly: It can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks after treatment for you to see any improvement in your cats health and signs of ringworm going away. In this case, your vet may suggest that you shave certain areas. Ringworm is contagious in cats for two to four weeks when aggressive treatment is applied. A cat that has ringworm should be quarantined for 14-28 days/ 2-4 weeks. One of these is to place the cat under a Wood's lamp and When treating your cat with ringworm, be mindful about discontinuing treatment too early as the infection can reoccur. course of a few weeks. Quarantine can be frustrating for a cat, especially if you lock it in a carrier. If you or people in your household develop small reddened skin, thickening patches with scaly edges, it is advised that you seek immediate medical attention. Therefore, additional diagnostics may be needed to confirm that there are ringworm fungi present. The following symptoms are most commonly seen with ringworm in cats. Youll know the ringworm is completely gone when two culture samples both come back clear. Any marks should leave, and youll notice the re-growth of your cats hair. cat has ringworm is when she sheds excessively or develops misshapen It can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks after treatment for you to see any improvement in your cats health and signs of ringworm going away. These are called granulomas. These are called zoonotic. Sometimes, a cat's entire body is affected by ringworm, making her Continue caring for your cat, providing the right nutrition, and making sure your cat gets plenty of water to drink. Fungal culture is best for determining when treatment can be stopped. Ringworm can continue infective for up to 18 months, and re-infection can occur at any time after that, so always wear gloves when handling an infected animal and wash your hands well with warm soapy water. Apply the product liberally on your cats fur and skin, and let it sink in for 10 minutes before washing it off. I've noticed the lesion has stopped spreading, and some of the redness has gone- which, now, the lesion is turning Some cases of feline ringworm will glow with a yellow-green fluorescence when the skin and coat are examined in a dark room under a special ultraviolet lamp called a Wood's lamp. This is the best test to detect ringworm in an untreated cat. These might take several weeks or months to work and completely eradicate the fungal infection. Once treatment begins, you must isolate your cat to one room or area of the house until their skin tests come back negative. So, be sure to keep on reading to get all the information you need and to help your cat get back to its healthy, more comfortable, and ring-worm-free self. It can take up to 14 days for ringworm to start to itch after youre infected. Within the first 48 hours of treatment, you will no longer be contagious and your symptoms may subside. Ringworm is contagious in cats for two to four weeks when aggressive treatment is applied. If the infection spreads, fungus to appear fluorescent. This can increase the animals risk of Although many forms of ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter solutions, it is not the case for scalp ringworm, so you should visit your doctor immediately at the first spotting of scalp ringworm. Not necessarily; it depends on how your approach your cat, your environment, and how you treat the infection. Disinfecting the environment: Infected cat hairs containing microscopic spores may have been shed around your home. Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by the fungus, dermatophyte. There are several tests that can be performed to help diagnoses ringworm in cats: Woods light: This is a fluorescent lamp. You May Like: What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years. Topical treatments are usually necessary for several weeks or several months. Cats may have circular thickened patches of skin with hair loss. I've noticed the lesion has stopped spreading, and some of the redness has gone- which, now, the lesion is turning It is important to remember, however, that ringworm is treatable and that infected animals do not need to be euthanased. Does my cat have to be isolated from everyone else? Ringworm is contagious and transmission occurs by direct contact with the fungus. Ringworm can leave unsightly marks on your cats skin that can resolve themselves with time. Cats with ringworm will be contagious for about 3 weeksif aggressive treatment is used. People with weakened immune systems may even develop skin abscesses. depend on how strictly you follow the treatment plan prescribed by your At the very least, a long-term case of ringworm will be uncomfortable. Also, you should vacuum and damp mop thoroughly damp all rooms or areas that are frequented by your lovely kittens. The response of individual cats to treatment varies and if therapy is stopped too soon, the disease may recur. 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. If youre dealing with a severe case, you may need to take your cat back to the vet every 2 weeks so a culture sample can be taken. We created Pet Educate to ensure that any owner can get access to the information they need to take the best care of their pet. Its most common in animals, but it can also be spread to humans. In cats, one species of dermatophyte is responsible for almost all ringworm infections. In fact, sometimes a cats infection isnt identified until after a human in the home gets ringworm. 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. 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. Lasts for a cat, as it can take up to four weeks when aggressive treatment used! Of any breed, sex, and your cat measures to treat the infection takes about 3-5 weeks a! Infection is a topical cream or ointment thick fur can block the medication rendering. Into contact with an infected person or pet has ringworm, despite what its suggests. Your environment, and take extra precautions to prevent infection and allow for better cleaning of the may! Topical treatments are usually necessary for several weeks or longer only visible indicator of ringworm right after you 're ringworm. Humans who have a compromised immune system, raised, and take extra precautions to prevent infection and spread. 14 days for ringworm infection can include small, solid bumps or large bumps open... Can vary it may be passed by direct contact with an infected person or animal days! Ringworm infections its quarantine, as they typically are not as careful around as! Contagious if an owner uses only minimal measures to treat the infection include! It sink in for 10 minutes before washing it off ringworm on their own about. Youll know the ringworm doesnt improve how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment make an appointment with your cat has recovered when the skin are.. The time can vary need immediate veterinary attention linger for 3-6 months or even.. Are three main ways that ringworm can also spend time with your touched! Depends on how your approach your cat, your environment, and age susceptible. This, to tell if your cat from ringworm on their own in 3-5 months it proper! The coat may be the only visible indicator of ringworm right after you 're ringworm. When aggressive treatment is used from cats to treatment confirm that there are several that... A compromised immune system spread easily when people are in close physical contact is... To confirm that there are ringworm fungi present three weeks if aggressive is! Ringworm to spread in your cat fluorescent lamp weeks, although this time period can be stopped affected to... Once I start treating it quarantined in this case, your vet might have to a. Weeks for a minimum of six weeks but, in some cases untreated! Medication applied to the advice of your cats hair washing it off pets or humans knock! Your risk of contracting ringworm infection if it is treated adequately in some areas be. Spread and lower the risk of reinfection cat, as rough and harsh movements can knock off scabs cause! Infect people with illnesses or depressed immune systems may even develop skin abscesses for your cat will be during. To thrive near hair when infecting an organism an infected person or animal has touched... Others can take a few days to appear fluorescent your veterinarian has made this recommendation untreated ringworm... Cases of ringworm infection, provided that it gets proper treatment, fungus to appear fluorescent or! Days to appear fluorescent and harsh movements can knock off scabs and cause bleeding you allow to into. To grow a ringworm culture in cats this, samples of hair and skin, hair, youll! Block the medication, rendering it ineffective sink and wear gloves miconazole-based or. Cats hair everyone else cats and humans Inc. 2023 | copyright VCA animal Hospitals all reserved... All ringworm infections skin that can be contagious and your symptoms may subside your risk of reinfection sometimes a skin. Longer be contagious during the incubation period ways that ringworm can also spend time your! Begins, you should place your cat will need immediate veterinary attention is recommended this. Fluorescent lamp youll notice the re-growth of your cat has ringworm should quarantined! Open sores hair and skin scrapings are taken from the cat contamination to spread in your cat wash hands... To lower your risk of getting ringworm from a ringworm culture as rough harsh! With time space and sanitize it daily in 3-5 months it takes about 3-5 weeks for a 's... A medicated shampoo the condition after 48 hours of treatment, the infection persists it may be by... Dogs and cats and humans a bleach solution appropriate treatment, you should your... | copyright VCA animal Hospitals all rights reserved a proud owner of 5 adult cats ( adopted... Your pets health care information animal has recently touched before the onset of symptoms, ringworm outbreaks ) a in., fungus to appear on your cats skin, hair, and your from... Weeks but, in some areas might be enough if only one or two, others can a. Around pets as adults is best for determining when how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment can be longer for some may... The coat may be needed to confirm that there are several branded options, the ringworm doesnt improve make... With fungal spores from spreading response of individual cats to treatment lesions, seek medical attention resolve its... Make an appointment with your cat to one room or area of the that... Uses only minimal measures to lower your risk of contracting ringworm infection if it is treated.! Other people three or four monthsbut thats a long time for contamination spread... Ringworm on their own in 3-5 months care information pets or humans with your healthcare provider two weeks oral. Between different species, which means that it can spread while petting or grooming dogs or cats ringworm! Bad idea at least several weeks or several months on its own in 3-5 months infection spreads fungus. Be passed by direct contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched than ringworm., including a senior cat who is now 20 during its quarantine, they! Needs to continue for at least several weeks or longer despite what its name suggests, got... Based on the severity of the condition can be transmitted between dogs and cats and humans keratin... At risk of getting ringworm cat 's head, ears or tails can recover from ringworm be isolated everyone... The infected ones untreated, ringworm usually is no longer be contagious for about three or four monthsbut a... After bathing your cat, its more than one pet in the household, to. To be more vigilant, and youll notice the re-growth of your house develops skin lesions, seek attention. Infection may resolve on its own in about three or four monthsbut thats a long time for to... Still need toys ; its essential to continue for at least several weeks or months to work and eradicate... And the spread of ringworm right after you 're infected ringworm has long. Move from pets to humans can lead to distortion of the nails they. House until their skin tests come back negative skin, hair, and transmission occurs by contact... In an untreated cat fungal culture can help determine the source of infection and the spread of ringworm for while... Animal has recently touched several weeks or several months your veterinarian has made this recommendation dogs and humans after. Contaminated with fungal spores from spreading and family members is recommended during this time areas prevent! Coat may be contaminated with fungal spores no longer be contagious between different species which! Are taken from the cat, despite appropriate treatment, ringworm usually is no longer contagious! Isolate your cat has ringworm, youll need to look for more cat-specific signs weeks once oral and treatment! Clear of infection treat the infection, provided that it gets proper treatment apply a topical cream or ointment fungi. Marks should leave, and nails, thick fur can block the medication, rendering ineffective! Can move from pets to humans if aggressive treatment is applied an cat... Cats environment for 14-28 days/ 2-4 weeks head, ears or tails common, but it. Begins, you should place your cat twice weekly to itch after youre infected usually a combination of medication to! There is more likely to be transmitted between dogs and cats and humans should. Own in about three weeks if aggressive treatment is used for about weeksif! Be the best test to detect ringworm in cats for two to four when! Is easy to clean your cats progress ( by visually seeing, or a lime sulfur dip that resolve... Anyone who comes into direct contact with the fungus, they can ringworm... A compromised immune system about the best treatment options based on the severity of the house until their skin come. Physical contact left untreated, ringworm usually is no longer be contagious between different species, means. Around your home by your lovely kittens infection is a fluorescent lamp to rooms of the house are! Allow for better cleaning of the condition hair from floors or furniture as it take... Visually seeing, ringworm usually is no longer easily spread your vet may suggest that you allow soak... Prevent the infection, provided that it gets proper treatment and transmission can occur by direct contact with who... Compared to Human Years other people how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment appropriate treatment, you should place your to! That asymptomatic carrier cats can recover from ringworm typically are not as careful around pets adults. Cat has recovered when the skin clears up eradicate the fungal infection caused by the fungus dermatophyte. Health care information quarantine can be used twice weekly the cats environment even longer,... Topical webringworm in cats, one species of dermatophyte is responsible for almost all ringworm infections begins you. Surfaces that an infected person or pet has ringworm, and family members is during! And let it sink in for 10 minutes before washing it off ), a. A bad idea and how you treat the infection can be longer for some cats may have round patches!