Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why isn't my cat's ringworm cream working? Are there other options?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hi there Are there different topical treatments for ringworm in cats and reasons why one would work over the other, if a cat is not responding to a given cream? Could one active ingredient Terbinafine hydrochloride vs Miconazole nitrate work but not the other? Trying to find a reason why ringworm is not improving after a few weeks of treatment. thanks

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 29th, 2020

Hello. Yes, sometimes ringworm can be stubborn. If your cat has numerous lesions, or they are along the eyes and mouth, your cat should be on an oral antifungal medication. Also, cats will often lick the medication off as soon as you apply it, so it is not effective. If you are not using an Elizabethan collar, that could help prevent licking. Cases that do not respond to topical treatment often do better with a prescription oral antifungal. I would also make sure that it is actually ringworm. It may need to be rechecked by your veterinarian. Thank you

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on February 3rd, 2018
Topical treatment is not recommended in cats unless there is no other possible alternative and should not be used until the results are back. Cats are very active groomers and there is always the concern of ingestion of creams/ointments during grooming and they would not be used without an accurate diagnosis to guide their use
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on April 17th, 2017
Topical ointment or systemic treatment formulations are available. Itraconazole is one of the most effective active molecules in these cases. Discuss it with your veterinarian and have it prescribed.

Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My vet suggested cream for cat ringworm, but it's not working. Help!

The cream isn't harmful but 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. Since the topical treatment isn't working and Nova's spots are worse, I would go back to the vet to get an oral treatment. I hope that all goes well!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's ringworm cream rubs off and irritates her eye. What to do?

Unfortunately, it sounds like a cream will not be a good option for Ember due to the location. Antifungal creams can be very irritating to the eyes. I have attached a link below that discusses treatment options for ringworm. You may have to change to an oral medication to cure the areas, so I would contact your veterinarian and see what they recommend. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=559 I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Best antifungal creams for cats with ringworm? Vet recommended?

Miconazole and clotrimazole are the most common topical anti-fungal medications that we use for ringworm, but you will want to consult with your veterinarian before starting any treatment for ringworm to make sure that Pita Boo is confirmed to have ringworm, to make sure that he doesn't need oral medication as well and to make sure that the topical product is safe for cats. I am including a handout on ringworm below for your reference which discusses treatment. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951439 Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What safe over-the-counter cream for cat ringworm that's lick-safe?

Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) can be tried, with or without the steroid. It is always recommended to apply a thin layer of the product on the skin and allowing it to air dry for 20-30 minutes. The product should not be allowed to be licked by your pet during the drying timeframe, and gloves should be worn when handling this medication. Use care when treating a large area, smaller areas of application are preferred. If no improvement is seen within 7-14 days then most pets require an oral anti-fungal prescription medication from their veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has ringworm. How can I treat the skin spots and scabs?

Hello, and thank you for your question. Ringworm can be very stubborn to treat in cats and requires both oral medication and topical baths, often for several months until the ringworm is cleared from the cat and the environment. Unfortunately a benzalkonium chlorine spray will have no effect on ringworm. The only thing I could suggest at home would be a topical antibiotic cream that may help to treat any secondary bacterial infection. Besides that, I would highly advise seeing a veterinarian for more definitive treatment for the ringworm. I hope this helps, and that Smoky is feeling better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat keeps licking ringworm cream on her whiskers. What to do?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You should rub Lamisil into the skin as soon as you apply it. Creams get absorbed rapidly into the skin and rubbing it in will enhance absorption even more. Lamisil is not toxic when ingested but it may produce upset stomach, so your Batty may vomit if she keeps licking it. Licking the cream off may slow down the healing. If after 10-14 days there is no improvement to the skin, your vet may have to change the treatment to anti-fungal tablets.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Can I treat my cat's ringworm at home with over-the-counter medicine?

Unfortunately no, there are no OTC medications you can use to treat Magick's ringworm. She needs an oral anti fungal medication because Microsporum canis (fungal organism causing ringworm) is spread diffusely throughout a cat's entire hair coat, and the whole body needs to be treated. The oral anti fungal medications are prescription only, so you have to make an appointment with the vet. You will also need to disinfect the home, as ringworm spores can live up to 18 months in the environment. I will put a link below on how to do this. I hope this helps! http://www.livestrong.com/article/49666-rid-home-ringworm/

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share