How To Treat Ringworm in Cats and Kittens With Banixx

Regardless of the name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms – it’s a fungus, or more specifically, a collection of pathogenic fungi that infects all domestic animals as well as humans.

According to the AKC, the fungus responsible for 98 percent of ringworm in cats, is the same fungus responsible for most ringworm infection in dogs - Microsporum Canis, cat ringworm is one of the most common skin problems in cats and kittens. It’s called “ringworm” because it usually shows up as several circular areas of hair loss, each surrounded by a reddish ring. It’s usually found on the face, ears, chest, forelegs, and the back. While cat ringworm is irritating and uncomfortable for your furry pal (and an annoyance to you!) the good news is ringworm is not a fatal or debilitating condition and is highly treatable, especially with topical applications such as Banixx Pet Care. Read on and we’ll show you how to get rid of ringworm in cats and how to keep it away.

Ringworm IS highly contagious and transmissible to other cats, dogs, and other animals, or even to humans, so it’s important to find the best treatment method right away. If you have a long-haired cat it may be necessary to clip the cat’s coat to reduce the spread of ringworm spores when your cat naturally sheds.

Whether or not your cat’s coat is clipped, Banixx is a potent yet soothing immediate source of relief for treating ringworm in cats and kittens due to its amazing anti-fungal properties and unique pH formula.  Banixx is an American-made product that is stain and scent free, safe to use around your pet’s eyes with no oily residue. This formula’s ingredients attack the pesky fungal spores responsible for the spread of ringworm and it serves as a natural way to eliminate the infection.

Cat Ear Ringworm

Cat Ear Ringworm

Ringworm spores can linger for long periods of time, so it’s important to get rid of any source of the infection. Overall, it’s good practice to regularly wash and disinfect your cat’s bedding, toys, and dishes to reduce the chances of repeat infections.

Here are a few tips and best practices to eliminate and avoid future ringworm infections:

• Wash your cat’s bedding with a combination of bleach and hot water solution followed by a plain hot water cycle.
• Disinfect toys, dishes bowls or other items with pet-friendly cleaning products.
• Deep clean and disinfect your cat’s home or living environment to get rid of lingering spores.
• Avoid using Lysol (it’s not pet-friendly) but try spraying an apple cider vinegar solution on furniture and rugs. Its acidic properties repel fungal infections such as ringworm.
• Vacuum thoroughly all floors, carpeting and furniture. Ringworm survives in loose hairs from shedding so vacuum and dispose of the cleaner bag or contents immediately.
• And don’t forget about new pets.  To make sure your newest pet addition isn’t introducing ringworm into your household, you may want to schedule a thorough physical examination with your veterinarian.  Include a Wood’s lamp evaluation for any new pet addition to your family.

According to Morris Animal Foundation, in looking at the dynamics of ringworm infections, there is no age or sex predisposition to the disease.  However, Persian, Himalayan, and Rex cats, along with Yorkshire and Jack Russell terriers were found to be overrepresented in published studies.

Ringworm spores can linger for long periods of time, so it’s important to get rid of any source of the infection. Overall, as we said, it’s good practice to regularly wash and disinfect your cat’s bedding, toys, and dishes to reduce the chances of repeat infections.

According to William Miller Jr., a professor of dermatology at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, “Feline ringworm is not something that you want to take lightly.”  He advised that if left untreated in an otherwise healthy cat, ringworm will probably self-resolve over time, but without treatment the process would typically take anywhere from nine months to a year, all the while posing an increased risk of skin wounds and subsequent infections.  With treatment, improvement should be apparent within a week or two, but it may take up to six weeks or longer to completely cure a feline ringworm infection.

All cats and kittens can contract ringworm because the fungal spores can live on most surfaces – from animal or human skin to soil and other hard surfaces. Cats can easily become contaminated due to exposure to other infected animals or contaminated areas. Some cats, such as long-haired cats, are predisposed to ringworm as well as elderly cats and kittens due to their inability to properly groom or because of immature or compromised immune systems lend themselves to this malady. Cats groom as a natural defense mechanism to stay healthy, but all cats can get ringworm.

To prevent ringworm in cats or kittens, use some common sense measures like screening any new pet joining your household and regularly cleaning and disinfecting your cat’s favorite bed or toys. And don’t forget common areas frequented around your home, or your pet’s favorite hiding or sleeping places. Another effective measure is to always keep Banixx Pet Care handy. As always, consult with your veterinarian right away if you suspect your cat has ringworm.

Here's a quick clip showing how to apply Banixx using a cotton ball. Click on the picture below to start the video.