How to treat ringworm in a skittish cat who won't take 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/

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

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.

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.

Cats are typically treated with oral anti-fungal medications for ringworm infections. We don't typically hospitalize cats and treat with IV medications when they have ringworm. The oral medications are very effective. Talk to your vet about the best protocol for your cats.

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!