HSIMC'S VOLUNTEER & FOSTER TEAMS MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Ringworm is the common name for the skin infection caused by a group of fungi; it is not caused by a worm. Most often it will cause a circular area of fur loss that is red and may be slightly raised. Ringworm can also have other characteristics but these circular, hairless lesions are the most common symptom. Ringworm is closely related to athlete's foot in people, and it is contagious to us: the young, elderly, and immunocompromised are more likely to get it. Ringworm is also very contagious to other animals including dogs, other cats, etc. 

It is possible for you and anybody in your living space to get ringwomr from your foster cat. Washing your hands after handling the cat and keeping them isolated to a bathroom for the length of their treatment can help reduce the chances of transmission, but some people may be at greater risk than others. 

We recommend you see a physician. while ringworm is a curable, self-limiting ailment in healthy adults, and while effective over-the-counter treatments are available, we always recommend getting professional advice to resolve it in a timely manner. 

In order to keep your other pets from getting ringworm, we recommend that you keep your cat isolated in a room that is easy to clean, such as a bathroom . Washing your hands and changing your clothes in between your ringworm kitty and other animals can reduce the chance of spreading the fugus as well. Remember, your shoes can also be a carrier of the spores. 

If you keep your cat in a bathroom or other confined, tiled area it is very easy to clean the space. Ringworm is killed using a bleach dilution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach. Let the solution sit for approximately 10 minutes for maximum efficacy. The area the cat is kept in, and all of their bedding should be washed using bleach at least once weekly. 

Your cat may be prescribed a once-daily oral medication (if they are at least 8 weeks old, weigh at least two pounds, and are otherwise healthy) in conjunction with lime sulfur baths once or twice weekly. Instructions for dipping and medicating will be included in take home instruction and staff will be available for advice and support.