Can my cat's ringworm spread to me, and does sun help treat it?

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!

While I don't think it will harm Sunny, unfortunately there are no OTC treatments you can use on him. 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. He needs a topical prescription medication. I would call his vet to see if there is way you can get him on a cancellation list to get him in sooner. Only touch him with gloves so you don't get it as well. Best of luck.

Hi and thank you for using PetCoach. If the fungal infection is ringworm, it can take weeks to months to fully resolve. Many times treating the environment as well as the cat is needed. Keep Mia indoors may make it easier to contain the infection and prevent reinfection. The vet can look at hairs under the microscope or try to culture the fungus from Mia to assess if she still has it. Here is more information on Ringworm that may help. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=559

I'm glad that Minou is safe after the scare with her liver! To treat ringworm, I will often use a special solution called a lime sulfur dip. The cats need to be fully immersed ion the liquid twice a week for 4-6 weeks. They need to wear an elizabethan collar while drying so they do not lick the solution off. As a warning, the lime sulfur dips smells like rotten eggs. It will also stain surfaces. However, it is effective and once the cat is dry, the smell is not as pungent. Talk to Minou about this treatment and see what the doctor thinks. Please post again if you have any further questions.

The cream should be applied always with gloves and extra care should be payed regarding hygiene. It would be best to avoid close contact with the cat and the infected area. Systemic medications are available but that would depend on the severity of the infection (if your vet prescribed an ointment that means it will be enough to resolve the infection).

The treatment is with an oral antifungal, it's not recommended if your kitten is asymptomatic as this medication can have severe side effects. The medication is prescription only and can be given only by your vet, in this specific case I do not believe any vet would recommend this treatment though.

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.