Ringworm isn't a worm at all - it's a fungal infection of the skin that typically presents in people as a small red scaly patch of skin often on the arms or trunk. It is also called athlete's foot or jock itch. These fungal infections are a fairly common nuisance in the United States as the fungus thrives in warm humid environments (like locker room showers) and is more common during hot summer months.

In cats it is most often seen in kittens because their immune systems aren't fully developed yet. Elderly cats and cats dealing with other injuries or infections are also susceptible. It is typically seen as crusty hairless patches on the nose, ears, face, stomach and paws. The good news is that ringworm isn't life threatening and cats don't even seem to notice it.

Treatment usually consists of 6-8 weeks of Sulphur Lime baths, topical antifungal ointment application, or oral medication for about 5 weeks. Left untreated a typical cat or kitten can clear the infection on their own in about 4-6 months but they remain infectious during that time. Contact does not always result in infection.

The bad news is that many shelters and rescues don't have the funding or the manpower to be aable to isolate and treat an infected cat or kitten to get them through weeks of treatment and if the infection spreads to the other animals in the shelter it may force them to shut their doors. Because of this many shelters across the country will EUTHANIZE at the first sign of ringworm. Shelters that do accept cat and kittens with ringworm often depend entirely on fosters to get animals with ringworm out of the shelter environment and through treatment.

The Ark Cat Sanctuary believes that no cat or kitten should be euthanized because of a superficial fungal skin infection. We take them in as space allows, keep them isolated and treat them until they are clear of infection. They are then put up for adoption.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

It takes TIME and MONEY to be able to save cats and kittens with ringworm.

DONATE Medications and treatments for rignworm are expensive! One gallon of sulphur lime is over $100, one bottle of oral meds is $55, and one tube of topical antifungal is $15.

FOSTER Fostering healthy cats and kittens frees up space and allows us to take in more cats and kittens including those with ringworm that most other shelters won't take. Fosters can choose adult cats or kittens, singles or multiples, moms and babies, weaned kittens, and more according to their situation and preferences. Typically cats/kittens need to be fostered for 48 hours up to a few weeks. We can work with you to find a foster that fits your home and schedule.

A couple ringworm stories

Juniper was found dumped in a box behind a store with a likely spinal injury dragging her entire back end and crying. Adding insult to her injury we soon found out that she also had ringworm.

After multiple vet visits, some time to heal, and a lot of luck she got feeling and normal use back in one of her back legs and partial use of the other. She got through 8 weeks of ringworm treatment in foster - she was such a happy kitten she even purred while getting sulpur lime dips. After getting spayed Juniper went up for adoption and found a forever family who had experience with special needs cats. This sweet girl may have one leg that doesn't work so well but it doesn't slow her down much!

Rascal, Jinx, Spice and Archer were brought in from a remote part of Arizona with patches of ringworm mostly on their feet and faces. They were very scared of people at first but are learned that people were okay even while getting smelly baths to treat the ringworm. This pic is them drying off after a dip in front of a heater after another round of bathtime fun. All four got through treatment and have since been adopted into loving homes.

Tips and Hints for Doing Ringworm Dips at Home