Is it safe to end cat ringworm isolation after one negative test?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Loki. The standard recommend is to have a minimum of two negative fungal cultures performed 2 weeks apart from each other. I hope this information helps!

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/

I've found that if you wash your hands after handling Sierra and do not have any open wounds it is uncommon to catch this from her. Since you've treated her and are giving the medicated baths she should be even less likely to spread Ringworm. Follow your veterinarian's advice on treatment but if she's been treated now for two weeks or more she should be safe to handle. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Sierra.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sadly some cats can be carriers. I would encourage you to ask your Vet to do the fungal culture. If it is negative I would feel more comfortable telling you he is fine to be put up for adoption. Or you just have to tell the adopting family that he had ringworm so they are aware. Good luck!

Great question! I would wait until after they have a negative fungal culture to have the vents professionally cleaned as well as the carpet, but there are things you can do now. You can vacuum the home yourself, clean all surfaces, and put things outside on a sunny day as well as opening curtains. I will put a link below on how to do those things. Good luck! http://www.livestrong.com/article/49666-rid-home-ringworm/

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.

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.