Find love for a lifetime when you adopt one of our recovering ringworm kitties!
All of our recovering ringworm kitties are free to adopt!
(Regular adoption policies and procedures apply)
(Regular adoption policies and procedures apply)
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Been thinking about adding a champion catnapper, a bookshelf nook lounger, or a feather wand phenom to the family? Well, you’re in luck...because we have some purrfect feline friends to introduce you to! All of these kitties pictured on this page are currently recovering from ringworm—a temporary skin condition—and they are friendly, playful, loving, ready for new homes...AND are FREE to adopt! (Regular adoption policies and procedures apply.) Interested in meeting them? These fantastic felines are available for meet and greets anytime during our business hours (every day but Wednesday from 12-5pm). Come up the ramp into our front office, and let us know who you're interested in meeting. Since these kitties are free to adopt, there's no fee unless you need to purchase a cardboard carrier for $10. Questions about a specific kitty? Email us at [email protected]! Ringworm FAQsWhat is ringworm?
Despite what its name might imply, ringworm is not a worm at all. It is a fungal infection that is easily treatable with inexpensive topical creams or dips. Most often it is identifiable by a circular shaped pot of hairloss that can be red and slightly scaly. Ringworm may have other characteristics, but typically hairloss and the resulting lesions tend to be the most common.
The most important thing to remember is that ringworm is temporary. And with consistent treatment and a little time, this will be a momentary blip in your new forever friend’s larger story. Am I going to get ringworm from my new kitty?
It is possible. Ringworm is similar to athlete’s foot in humans, and it is contagious to people and animals alike. So it is possible that those living in your household may contract it from your new feline friend.
Some people may be at greater risk than others. Typically for people with healthy immune systems, ringworm isn’t more than a mild inconvenience, but for young animals, young children, elderly pets, elderly people, those who are HIV+, people on chemotherapy or taking medication after transfusion or organ transplant, and/or highly stressed people and animals--individuals falling into these categories may find themselves a bit more susceptible to contracting ringworm. Frequent hand washing, especially after interacting with your kitty can help reduce the risk of catching ringworm from your new feline friend. Also laundering clothing and bedding that’s come in contact with your kitty can also help you stay ringworm-free. What if I get ringworm?!
If you have ever had athlete’s foot, then you have already had a skin fungus like ringworm. The good news is that it is much easier to treat on humans. Why? Because we don’t have fur!
The treatment is much the same as if you had athlete’s foot, and consists of merely applying a little anti-fungal cream, like Lamisil. Lamisil is an over the counter anti-fungal cream that can be found at any pharmacy. Apply the anti-fungal cream liberally to the infected area, a few times a day, and cover with a bandaid to keep the area clean and dry. In a few days, no more ringworm! What about my other animals?
In order to keep your other pets from contracting ringworm, we recommend that you keep your newly adopted cat in an isolated room that is easy to clean, such as a bathroom. Washing your hands and changing your clothes in between petting your ringworm kitty and other animals can reduce the chance of spreading the fungus as well. Remember, your shoes can also be a carrier of the spores.
What kind of treatment does my cat need?
Kitties who are recovering from ringworm are treated twice daily with miconazole cream (OTC athlete's foot cream) directly to their spots. Your veterinarian may recommend oral medicine such as Itraconazole, and twice weekly with Lyme medical dip bath, which can be a little stinky, but is very effective.
What about getting ringworm my house?
If you put the cat with ringworm in a bathroom or other confined tile space, clean up is easy. Ringworm can be killed by diluted bleach; a 10:1 ratio water/bleach solution works well. Apply this water/bleach solution to the surfaces your ringworm kitty has come into contact with and let it sit for approximately 15 minutes. Wipe down those surfaces. All of the ringworm kitty’s bedding should be washed with bleach weekly while they are still infected, and then once more after your new cat is cleared of ringworm to kill any possible residual spores.
If you’re looking for a vet clinic to provide wellness and advice as you care for your new kitty during this recovery process, our Southern Pines Healthy Pet Clinic provides affordable wellness services to our greater community. Please give them a call today at 601.544.5678 or book an appointment online at www.sopineshealthypets.org!
A great overview of ringworm from The Kitten Lady! |
A big thank you to Petco Foundation for helping to make fee-waived adoptions possible for our ringworm kitties!
Meet the kitties! |
