Expert: Jessica - 6/9/2010

Question
Hello there, and thank you for taking the time to read this as I know you must be very busy.

I found a litter of four newborn kittens that were born into a feral colony. Yet the mother cat was nowhere to be found and the babies had called for her all day. Finally at night we checked and no cat around there was claiming them so I took them in. They were under 3 days old (still had their little cords attached) and some of them were very chilled.

I bottlefed them and cared for them for a couple of weeks but I lost three of the kittens at intervals because they were very ill with the Feline cold virus that is common in that feral colony.

Losing the little ones was tragic after I spent long nights feeding and caring for them but one kitten is doing very well despite everything.

He is a black and white little boy now 1-month old. He is eating from a bowl of softened kitten food mixed with formula, drinking water from a bowl and using the litterbox. He plays and has lots of energy.

But a couple of weeks ago I developed ringworm under my jawbone, and later several spots on my arms. I've done lots of research on the matter so I know that's what it is. Back then I noticed thinning hair on the little black and white kitten, but I thought it was due to the lice infestation I was treating in all the kittens way back.

But I'm convinced he has a mild case of ringworm on his tail, feet, and ears. He scratches some but otherwise is healthy-acting.

I've already been treating myself but my biggest concern is helping my little kitten. I know how bad ringworm can be contagious. I don't have a whole lot of funds to go towards this kitten with vet visits and I was hoping there was a less expensive treatment plan for him.

My only choices are taking him to the animal shelter (which I seriously hate cause I know they'll put him to sleep instantly) or finding inexpensive treatments.

I've done hours of research on Ringworm in pets and haven't been able to come up with much.

Its a tough situation and I hope you might be able to offer some advice.

Thank you so very much!
Susan, Texas

Answer
Hi Susan.  Fortunately, ringworm can be treated at home in all but the most serious cases.  To get rid of ringworm spores carried throughout the fur coat, you should bathe him with a shampoo.  There are a few different ones that are effective against ringworm, including Paraguard, Malaseb and Mal-A-Ket.  These each contain different ingredients that kill ringworm.  Paraguard is probably the least expensive but doesn't smell the best, because its active ingredient is sulfur.  The down side of using any of these products is that the kitten needs to let the shampoos soak for 10 minutes for them to be effective!

After the shampoo has been performed and the kitten is dry, you should treat localized spots where any ringworm lesions are apparent using a topical cream.  Apply cream in a thin layer and rub in.  If the cream feels too heavy, the kitten is more likely to lick it off before it has a chance to treat the infection.  Most any product that is suitable for treating athlete's foot or a yeast infection is acceptable.  You typically will get the most product for your money if you buy an old-fashioned tube of cream that is meant to treat a yeast infection.  Preferably, look for a big tube of medication containing the active ingredient miconazole 2% or 4%.  Four percent won't harm him and may help get rid of the infection faster.  If, for some reason, you can't find this, just search athlete's foot products for those that give instructions on how to treat ringworm.  Miconazole is preferable, but ticonazole, clotrimazole and tolnaftate creams may be used if necessary.  Avoid using the aerosol sprays, however.

The baths should be repeated at least once a week, and the creams must be applied twice a day for at least 4-6 weeks.  Most times, cats don't actually NEED treatment this long, and you'll see their fur begin to grow back in just a couple of weeks.  But if you want to be sure the fungus will stay gone, it's best to keep up the routine for a couple weeks after you see fur regrowth.

Remember, however, that this will treat only ringworm, and if the kitten shows no improvement, it's possible he's suffering from something like mange, which also causes hair loss in a similar pattern.  

Best wishes!

Jessica