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Expert: - 5/17/2011


Question
I got ringworm so I am pretty sure a couple of my cats have ringworm.  The bald spots scratching.  The problem is I have 14 cats and they are everywhere.  I know it is highly contagious What can I do to deal with this besides going to the vet.  I could never afford it.  They are inside outside cats so if they are getting from the outside which they must, how can I stop them from getting it again?

Answer
Hi Erica,

First, are you sure it is ringworm? Did a doctor diagnose it? And you need to make sure they have ringworm and not a flea allergy,(which can mimic ringworm).

This is going to be difficult to take care of. You need to figure which cats have it and which don't. I would take one of the ones you think has it to the vet to make sure. It may not have it. This would save you a lot of heartache. Or check them yourself with a black light. The hair around the ringworm will glow. This is only good for about half the different types of ringworm. But it can't hurt to check like this.

You then need to isolate the uninfected ones from the infected ones. Then you can either treat them or let it run its course. Here is the best article on what you need to do about this situation.

http://www.fabcats.org/owners/skin/ringworm.html

Now you can try some homeopathic treatments. Can't guarantee they will work but there seems to be a lot of good stuff written about them.

Apple Cider Vinegar is one. Coconut oil is another. This site lists a few. The next site also has a lot of good advice. Please read it through. There are a lot of treatments listed for you and the cats.

http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/ringworm.html

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/herbal/msg080117552815.html?45

And I remember my Father treating cats who had ringworm with something called Colloidal Silver.

This site makes a reference to it.

http://www.holisticat.com/ringworm.html

If the cats have Ringworm you need to treat you, the cats, the home as one infected unit. Keep everything clean and disinfected. Use Lysol liberally. Read those links through and then decide on a course of action. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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