Ringworm and possible new Kitty...

myrnafaye

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Hi, Cat Lovers. My husband and I considering adopting a third cat. Because of the pandemic, there are restrictions everywhere, which I understand but the long and short of it is cats go quickly, and there is no "browsing" the local shelters. However, I found a possible kitty with a rescue group that one of my cats came from. The director was not sure, though, if she would adopt him with a mate or alone. She finally decided she would adopt him alone - but he has developed ringworm. I know nothing about ringworm. How long does it take to resolve? and once it is resolved, does it return? I know it is highly contagious to other cats and to humans, so he cannot come home with me now even if we decide to adopt him...I just dont want a persistant health problem in my home that is real difficult to irradicate. Help!!
 

Mr. Meow

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I wish I didn't have to bring bad news, but unfortunately, ringworm can be a real pain in the a** to get rid of. It can easily take a month, 6 weeks or even longer to clear up, and that includes medication, being extremely aware of washing your hands after coming into contact with the kitty, his stuff, or places he's been, and constantly cleaning the room/rooms he's been in.
Most ringworm cats (speaking from shelter experience) are isolated, handled with disposable gloves, and have their bowls, bedding and cages deep cleaned every single day. Even with this plus medication, it can still be a month+ before it's gone.
 
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myrnafaye

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Thanks, Mr. Meow. Tink, the cat in question, sounds like a really great guy or I would pass him by. I understand that ringworm can be a pain to deal with. I dont mind waiting; I just dont want to take the chance that even if he is treated aggressively, I could be bringing a fungus into a clean home with two health cats...
 

mrsgreenjeens

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If the shelter is going to treat him until he tests clean, then there shouldn't be any future problems with it. It's a fungus that can be treated with medication. Does't cause long lasting health effects.
 
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myrnafaye

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He's currently in a foster home from one of the rescue groups. I spoke with the rescue group today and the director said he was being treated and it sounds like there are several different parts of treating ringworm, the dip, salve, and medication. I have not yet met the cat so that's an important piece of this as well.
 
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myrnafaye

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If the shelter is going to treat him until he tests clean, then there shouldn't be any future problems with it. It's a fungus that can be treated with medication. Does't cause long lasting health effects.
How would I know if he is "cured" of his ringworm, and how long would that take..? I have 2 other cats at home and I dont want to take risks with them. They are currently healthy...as are my husband and I.
 

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That must be a great shelter to let you know before adopting him and making it your problem. Not sure what the law is on these things but sometimes I wonder if the shelter I got my cat from knew of her food allergies and didn’t inform me Properly. Props to your shelter. They are prolly saving you hundreds by being transparent (as they should).
 
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myrnafaye

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That must be a great shelter to let you know before adopting him and making it your problem. Not sure what the law is on these things but sometimes I wonder if the shelter I got my cat from knew of her food allergies and didn’t inform me Properly. Props to your shelter. They are prolly saving you hundreds by being transparent (as they should).
I agree
 

mrsgreenjeens

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How would I know if he is "cured" of his ringworm, and how long would that take..? I have 2 other cats at home and I dont want to take risks with them. They are currently healthy...as are my husband and I.
To know that the ringoworm is "cured", the cat would need to test negative in a fungal culture. Per the attached, they should be tested a couple of times before given the all clear. Ringworm for Cats | Manhattan Cat Specialists | Articles timing varies, but can run several weeks.
 
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