The Best Ringworm Treatment For Cats
While common, ringworm is a real nuisance. It causes discomfort and irritation to your cat, and most of the common strains can pass to humans and other animals, putting you and the rest of your pets at risk. That's why quickly finding an effective, high-quality treatment is essential. We've found quite a few that we think are worthy of your attention.
What to Look For
You want your cat happy and healthy, so choosing ringworm treatment as soon as you notice symptoms is a must. We recommend focusing on each treatment’s effectiveness, efficiency, and safety to ensure you get the best one possible for your specific kitty. For example, Banixx pet care spray has a burn-free formula that works on contact. However, if your pet runs from spray bottles, maximum strength Pet King Brands Zymox cream may be a better choice. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Banixx Pet Care Spray
Safe and effective
Many cats are extremely sensitive to harsh chemicals and common medications. If that’s an issue you face, Banixx pet care spray can help. This unique formula is as gentle as it is effective, so you can use it in any area of your cat’s body, including its face. Best of all, it provides powerful relief on contact without leaving behind sticky or oily residues.
Pros:
- Unlike most competitors, this spray won’t sting your cat’s eyes or skin, making it perfect for skin infections on their face.
- It works quickly. Most cats will have instant symptom relief and be completely ringworm-free within a week.
Cons:
- This spray isn’t helpful on its own for severe cases. It works better for mild to moderate infections.
Strawfield Pets Antiseptic Spray+ Chlorhexidine and Ketoconazole
Broad-spectrum protection
This spray from Strawfield Pets is a broad-spectrum treatment for ringworm, yeast infections, mange, hotspots, and other common skin conditions. The sting-free formula kills fungus and bacteria. It also has aloe and other skin conditioners to help it soothe the skin for maximum comfort, making it an excellent choice for cats who often fight treatment attempts.
Pros:
- The spray action helps you treat large areas quickly, making it much easier to treat feral colonies and aggressive cats.
- Because it fights so many infections, it’s a great starting point even when you aren’t sure what’s causing your pet’s skin problems.
Cons:
- A sticky residue attracts dirt and makes your cat lick the area.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Medicated Shampoo
Clean and clear
You can use all the topical treatments you want, but if your cat’s skin and fur are dirty, it may never reach the infection. That’s why we recommend Veterinary Formula Clinical Care’s medicated shampoo. It’s a fast-acting antiseptic and antifungal that doubles as a skin cleansing and conditioning shampoo. Plus, you can safely use other treatments after this to provide maximum relief.
Pros:
- In addition to ringworm, this shampoo does an excellent job relieving irritation from allergies, yeast, and other skin problems.
- If you use the coordinating spray with this shampoo, you can see complete relief within just a couple of days.
Cons:
- Although this shampoo works exceptionally well, it can only work if your cat allows you to bathe them. So if your cat runs from the bath, you may be out of luck.
Pet King Brands Zymox Cream
Maximum strength Pet King Brands Zymox cream has a thick consistency that helps it soak in and work for extended periods. Using both medications and natural remedies, it battles infections from both angles, providing fast, effective relief. Plus, it’s less intrusive to your cat than baths or sprays. As a bonus, all the ingredients are safe, even if your cat licks the area after application.
Pros:
- This cream usually clears up ringworm within a few days. As a bonus, it treats hotspots, wounds, and other irritations. So if your cat scratches themselves while itching the ringworm, this cream clears the wound and fungus.
- Application is quick and easy, minimizing stress to your pet.
Cons:
- It’s a little pricey for the quantity.
Mokai Antiseptic and Antifungal Wipes
Convenient application
Whether your cat hates being touched or you need a fast application that works around your schedule, these antiseptic and antifungal wipes from Mokai have you covered. They’re powerfully medicated with Chlorhexidine and Ketoconazole, which work together to kill bacteria and fungus, making it a fast and effective treatment for all ringworm strains.
Pros:
- Using these wipes is as easy as petting your cat while holding one in your hand. The medication provides relief almost immediately.
- Cats that fight baths, sprays, creams, and other invasive treatments will usually respond well to these. If they don’t, at least the application is fast.
Cons:
- The medication can’t penetrate a thick coat, making these wipes less effective on long-haired cats unless they have missing fur.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t treat my cat’s ringworm?
If you don’t treat your cat’s ringworm, it can spread across its body, causing extreme itching, pain, and irritation. The ringworm itself could eventually resolve itself. However, your cat will scratch and bite itself, causing injuries that can become infected and lead to death. Ringworm can also spread to other pets and humans, including you and your family. Leaving it untreated is never advised.
How often should I apply the ringworm treatment?
Every ringworm treatment has instructions for you to follow. In general, most creams, sprays, and other topical therapies require application two to three times a day.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.