How contagious is cat ringworm and how long until symptoms appear?

I hate to hear that Boo has ringworm. The main problem with spreading is due to the spores of the fungus found in the environment. The spores are attached to pieces of shedding hair and can be active in the environment for months in ideal conditions. Environmental clean up is a must to control this fungus. As far as Boo himself goes, the topical treatments will help to remove the contagious spores faster and the oral medications will help to kill the fungus faster which will result in less spores. Unfortunately, Boo is considered contagious until he has two negative cultures done 1 week apart. Most cats will be start re-testing for ringworm 2-4 weeks after initial diagnosis. Here is a very helpful link about ringworm including environmental clean up: https://www.petcoach.co/article/ringworm-in-cats/ I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thanks for reaching out about Anfoosah and including a photo. Fungal infections can be contagious for several weeks. Keeping the environmental area clean. Oral systemic anti-fungal medications such as Griseofulvin might help also, inquire through your veterinarian. Keep separated from other animals to lessen the chance of cross contamination. Good luck.

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.

Cats with ringworm can remain contagious for about three weeks if aggressive treatment it used, which it sounds like you are doing. I would keep them isolated for at least another week. Keep in mind you will have to disinfect the environment as well because ringworm spores can live in it up to 18 months. I will link a website that details how to do this: http://www.livestrong.com/article/49666-rid-home-ringworm/

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about your kittens. The answer to your question is no but the mother is probably the source of the ringworm. Adult cats can carry ringworm (fungus) and not show any clinical signs. The fungal organisms are on the hair and skin so direct contact and even contact with shed hairs can be a source of infection to the kittens. I would advise you getting the kittens to your veterinarian. They can get a history and do a physical exam and then they can advise a diagnostic plan. A Woods lamp exam, fungal culture or other skin tests may be needed to diagnose this. Once a presumed diagnosis is made, treatment can be started while awaiting test results if needed. Your vet may advise topical treatment of the lesions and/or oral anti fungal meds to treat this condition. The worst part of this is that ringworm is very contagious to all pets in the household and all family members (Zoonotic Disease) so it's very important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Good luck.

Poor kitty. Treatment for ringworm can certainly damage their relationship with their owners. Try to spend some time with her playing that doesn't involve treatments and medications to help your bond. There is not usually much of the fungus left after 4 lime dips, so I usually re-evaluate my patients at that time. After 4 weeks of treatment I would have Sierra re-examined by your vet to see if she is still infective. By this time she shouldn't be losing any more hair and you might even see some regrowth in her areas of hair loss.

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.