My cat has ringworm. Is it contagious to me? How do I treat it?

While ringworm is potentially contagious to people, the reality is that by the time your cat is diagnosed with ringworm, you have already been exposed to it for a long period of time and have not had any problems with it. Most people do not contact ringworm from cats (or other animals), but from other people. I am attaching a handout with more information about ringworm in cats below. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951439 If you develop any abnormal skin lesions, I would certainly recommend having your doctor evaluate them, but I do think what you read was certainly exaggerated. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, cats can be carriers of fleas, lice and ring worm. Cats can not have any skin lesions and carry ring worm. People can be allergic to cats as well. If Curly is being treated for ring worm then you can get it. If her hair is growing back that doesn't mean she is cured. I would ask your human Dr to provide a diagnosis. Not all skin conditions human develop can be blamed on animals. I hope this helps and I wish you and Curly the best!

If indeed Felix is suffering from a fungus, then there certainly is a potential for a human to get infected, The most common fungal infections in cats are caused by microsporum and trichophyton spp. and those certainly are contagious to humans, I would not let him sleep in your bed for now and when you pet him, wash your hands with soap and water afterwards. Diligently use the ointment and do not stop using it until at least two weeks after all signs of the fungus are gone.

It certainly is possible that Stiletto has ringworm. I would take her into the vet, who can use a Wood's lamp and fungal culture to diagnose if she does have ringworm. Should she have it, the vet can prescribe an antifungal treatment for it. Your other cat will have to be treated for it, as it's highly contagious, and keep an eye on yourself to make sure you don't have ringworm lesions as well because it's contagious to humans. You will also have to disinfect the home, as ringworm spores can live in the environment for up to 18 months: http://www.livestrong.com/article/49666-rid-home-ringworm/

It's not the best that Minocha licked the ringworm cream. I have never come across a topical medication that has been effective for treating ringworm in cats aside from prescription-based lime sulfur dips. The concern is that the Microsporum canis (fungal organism causing ringworm) is spread diffusely throughout a cat's entire hair coat, such that an isolated topical spray will not cover all surfaces of every hair, and lead to frequent recurrence. If you are concerned that she may have ringworm, she should go to her vet for confirmation and will need to be started on oral antifungal medication. Yes, this is contagious to you as well, and you can get it when she sleeps in the bed with you. You need to see your doctor to be sure you don't have it as well. I hope that all goes well!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Oh no! I am so sorry about your son! I would bring your Cat to the Vet. Sadly a lot of cats can be carriers of ring work but show no skin lesions. Also be sure to discuss with your pediatrician other causes of ring worm in people. Ring worm in Veterinary medicine is diagnosed from a fungal culture and treated with antifungal oral pills (itraconazole, terbinafine, etc) and lyme sulfur dips. It is not fun. The CDC has a lot of resources on ring worm in people https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/index.html http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=559 I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!

Hello. Are you treating Minocha for ringworm? Ringworm is a fungus that can spread on any loose hairs, but it is not an easy infection to catch from a cat unless you have a compromised immune system. I would definitely keep her out of bedrooms & not let her sleep with anyone. Continue to treat any spots with your antifungal medicine prescribed by your vet. Sitting in the sun does not affect the fungal spores on your kitten, but I am sure she must enjoy the sunshine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.