Natual Cat Ringworm Remedies

Natural cat ringworm remedies offer pet owners safe, non-toxic methods of treating the fungal infection responsible for this unpleasant skin condition. Feline ringworm, or dermatophytosis, is a highly contagious and widespread disease caused by fungus species like Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton and Microsporum canis. A cat that comes into contact with the spores via an infected animal or an infested environment may become a host for the harmful fungi. Conditions like warm, humid environments may encourage the organisms to spread from a cat's hair follicles to feed on its decaying fur, nails and skin. The resulting infection typically causes a cat's hair to break off in circular patches or rings. Infected animals also may develop scaly and itchy lesions throughout their bodies.

Owners may consider consulting a veterinarian before initiating a natural treatment plan for cat ringworm. Caution is also advised when handling an infected animal, since ringworm can easily spread from cat to human. Here is a summary of some of the most common natural remedies used to treat this skin disease.

Bathing and Grooming

One important step in treating cat ringworm is to bathe the infected animal. This may help stop the infection from spreading by removing excess fungi and spores from a cat's fur, nails and skin. Some animal care experts recommend bathing infested cats with anti-fungal shampoo every other day for a few days. A growing number of all-natural animal care manufacturers like Synergy Labs and Ark Naturals feature cat-safe shampoos with anti-fungal properties.

Long-haired cats and pets living with other potentially infected animals may also benefit from a complete shave. This process may eliminate the organism along with a cat's fur. However, some experts caution that a poor shaving job may leave an animal with open, exposed skin that is vulnerable to further infection.

Clean the Environment

Since ringworm spreads easily, it's highly recommended to clean as much of an infected cat's environment as possible. Many supporters of natural pet and household products suggest that an effective anti-fungal cleaner can be made at home using such ingredients as vinegar, tea tree oil, lavender extract and lime or lemon juice. Tea tree oil and vinegar are especially well-regarded for their anti-fungal properties. Owners may want to keep infected cats away from household areas during cleaning. This may help reduce the chance of an animal reinfecting a newly clean space or experiencing an adverse reaction to the cleaning solution.

Homeopathic Topical Treatments

Some supporters of homeopathic remedies suggest using all-natural topical treatments on cats infected with ringworm. Apple cider vinegar is reported to be effective against ringworm fungus, when gently applied directly to areas infected by the organism. Other common remedies include rubbing raw papaya or water-diluted grapefruit seed extract onto the affected skin of a cat suffering from ringworm. Other all-natural or household products that are sometimes recommended to combat fungal infections in humans many not be appropriate for use in cats. Tea tree oil, when applied directly, can have toxic effects on felines. Owners should also avoid using any topical solution containing bleach on their cats.

 

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