How and with what to treat lichen in a cat at home

Find out what lichen in a cat looks like, how to treat it at home and with medications. Is ringworm in cats dangerous for people?

Ringworm in cats is a common skin disease that everyone has heard of. The disease is contagious and difficult to cure. What do owners need to know about the disease? How to help your beloved pet if he has caught this infection? He won't be able to cope with this problem without your help.

Read all about ringworm in cats and methods of fighting it in our article.

How is feline ringworm treated in humans?

If, through carelessness or ignorance, one of the owners became infected with lichen from a cat, then you should not panic, but consult a doctor. In order not to infect others, you must follow all the recommendations received :

• treating affected areas of the skin with a solution of iodine;
• adhere to the prescribed diet;
• taking antifungal and antihistamine medications;
• need to refrain from taking a bath;
• Under no circumstances should you rub the skin with a washcloth;
• carrying out immunotherapy.

It is quite possible to cure feline lichen in humans. For this purpose, the following iodine-containing solutions are used, namely: iodopirone, iodoform, dermicide, antistrumin and others. Treatment of the disease also includes taking one of the antifungal agents: terbinafine, griseofulvin, inraconazole. Of course, the affected areas of hair or skin must be lubricated with ointment: exoderil, lamisil, clotrimazole or ketonazole.

Where can a cat get infected?

First of all, lichen is transmitted through contact with sick cats. Spores remain for a long time on objects that the pet has come into contact with, which means that it can become infected through a sleeping place, brushes, toys and other things.

At risk, cats that walk outside exchange bacteria with homeless, unvaccinated animals. At first, the disease may not manifest itself in any way, and only after a few months the first signs and symptoms appear.

Kittens under one year of age, those who are poorly fed, those who have suffered other diseases, and animals infected with parasites are most susceptible to deprivation. Their immune system is unable to resist dermatophytes. Most cats do not get ringworm due to their strong immune system.

The risk of contracting an infection increases if the cat is infected with parasites or has an incomplete diet.

Ointments and shampoos for the treatment of lichen in cats

The most effective products produced in the form of ointments are:

• Clotrimazole - contains the active ingredient of the same name, which effectively helps eliminate ringworm in indoor and outdoor cats. The ointment must be applied to the area damaged by the fungus three times in 24 hours, and the course of treatment is about 30 days. Analogues of the drug - Mikosporin, Clotrisal. The ointment should not be used on pregnant or lactating animals. The drug can also be used in the form of tablets or spray.
• Sanoderm is an ointment containing betamethasone (anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory component), gentamicin sulfate (antibacterial component), nipagin (antiseptic), clotrimazole. The cream is distributed over the affected area twice a day, and after the animal’s condition improves - once a day. The course of treatment does not exceed 4 weeks. If re-treatment is necessary, you must wait 20 days.

• Miconazole is an antifungal agent with the active ingredient miconazole nitrate. To get rid of the fungus, it is enough to lubricate the lichen twice a day. The duration of treatment is from 1 to 2 months.
• YAM is a complex action ointment. The composition of the ointment provides effective control of parasites, while simultaneously providing an antiseptic effect on the infected area. Ringworm must be treated twice a day for 7 - 10 days. The animal's hair is not pre-cut. After completing the treatment course, new hair growth is observed at the site of the lesion. The drug is toxic, so it is not used to treat kittens.
• Griseofulvin is an effective antifungal agent that can be used to treat adult animals and kittens. The ointment is applied for 14 days, 2 times a day. To enhance the therapeutic effect, you can give Griseofulvin to cats in tablet form, adding them to food (0.25 tablets for adult cats and 0.12 tablets for kittens).

The range of effective antimycotics expands the anti-lichen shampoo for cats . The best known is Nizoral (the active ingredient is ketoconazole) and its cheaper analogue is Sebozol. The use of shampoos prevents the spread of lichen throughout the body and is suitable for the treatment and prevention of diseases.

Before treating ringworm in cats , you should consult with your veterinarian, as the instructions included with antifungal medications are often geared toward human awareness. Elimination of deprivation with the indicated doses of drugs can cause poisoning in pets.

Professional treatment

The pathology is difficult to treat, so owners must be prepared for a long course of treatment (1-1.5 months). This is due to the high viability of fungal spores and possible re-infection of the animal.

initial stage

For a small area of ​​skin damage, special antifungal drugs for external use are prescribed as medications:

• Ointments;
• Sprays;
• Creams;
• Shampoos.

Of the ointments, Miconazole is the most effective.

Miconazole is an antifungal and anti-inflammatory drug that is used in veterinary medicine and human therapy to treat fungal diseases. The active ingredient of the drug is miconazole nitrate. The medicine has a bactericidal effect on a number of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The ointment is inexpensive - from 85 to 100 rubles. in Russian pharmacies, 27 UAH. in Ukrainian pharmacies.

Owners of long-haired cat breeds are advised to trim the hair in the affected areas.

Severe form

In severe cases of pathology, complex treatment is necessary - in addition to external medications, oral medications are prescribed:

• intraconazole,
• terbinafine,
• griseofulvin.

The course and dosage of these medications is prescribed by a veterinarian. According to reviews on the Internet, Itraconazole is considered the most effective drug. You will find a description of these and other drugs below.

Do not forget that all objects that come into contact with a sick animal must be thoroughly disinfected.

Important!

All medical procedures must be carried out in disposable medical gloves - lichen is contagious to humans!

External preparations – ointments, solutions, sprays

Fungin

The drug, designed to fight fungal disease, is available in the form of a solution and spray.

The active ingredient of Fungin is clotrimazole, and the auxiliary ingredients are propolis and glycerin.

The drug is applied to the affected areas and lightly rubbed into them. Treatment is carried out regularly for two weeks, after which a control examination of skin scraping is recommended.

Manufacturers promise no side effects, but in reviews of animal owners there are references to excessive salivation, gastrointestinal disorders and skin reactions sometimes after using Fungin.

• A 30 ml bottle costs 85 hryvnia in Ukraine, and 310 rubles in Russia.
• The price of a spray (30 ml) in Ukraine is 115 hryvnia, in Russia – 415 rubles.

Yam ointment

They say that this ointment has no analogues. It’s difficult to judge, but the effectiveness of this drug is really very high.

According to the instructions, the ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin at least twice a day for at least a week. After this period, the crusts disappear and hair begins to grow at the treatment site again.

Manufacturers do not hide the composition of Ointment Yam. These are salicylic acid, zinc oxide, sulfur, tar, turpentine, etc. The main thing is that the drug has astringent and antiseptic properties.

The price of a 20 gram package is 18 hryvnia in Ukraine and 75 rubles in Russia.

Sanoderm

The Ukrainian drug has both anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic and antibacterial properties.

This versatility is ensured by the inclusion of betamethasone, which inhibits the accumulation of leukocytes, the antifungal clotrimazole and the broad-spectrum antibiotic gentamicin.

The course of treatment with Sanoderm is on average 2-4 weeks.

The product is available in 15 gram tubes.

Price: 55 hryvnia – in Ukraine, 110 rubles – in Russia.

Miconazole

Miconazole belongs to a group of drugs that works equally well in animals and humans. This ointment (made in Ukraine) is active against parasitic and pathogenic fungi, yeast, and bacteria (including gram-positive ones). The active ingredient is miconazole.

Treatment with Miconazole must be carried out for up to 6 weeks. Please note that even after the symptoms disappear, you need to treat the skin with this product for another two to three days.

A 15 gram tube is sold in Ukraine for 30 hryvnia, in Russia – for 163 rubles.

Imaverol

An effective drug for the treatment of fungal infections, available in the form of an emulsion for external use. The medicine does not penetrate deep into the tissue and acts on skin surfaces affected by lichen. It is quickly eliminated from the body naturally.

In veterinary medicine it is used as part of complex therapy as prescribed by the attending physician. The active ingredient of the drug, enilconazole, destroys fungal spores at the cellular level. Maximum effectiveness of the product is achieved when used simultaneously with other drugs.

Before use, the emulsion is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5.

The course of treatment consists of 4 procedures, which are carried out at intervals of 4 days.

The price of a bottle (100 ml) is 1,450 rubles in Russia, 845 hryvnia in Ukraine.

Fukortsin

Disinfectant and antiseptic from Ukrainian pharmacists is available in 25 ml bottles.

The composition contains acetone, boric acid and resorcinol.

Veterinarians recommend treating animals with Fukortsin about 3 times a day until the symptoms of the disease (including crusts) completely disappear.

In Ukrainian pet pharmacies, Fukortsin (25 ml) is sold for 10 hryvnia, and in Russian - from 39 rubles.

Oral medications – tablets, capsules

Intraconazole

A synthetic antifungal drug is highly effective against ringworm. The active ingredients of the drug suppress the reproduction and development of the fungus. The drug is intended for oral use and is available in capsules. Approved for use in the therapy of cats and dogs, as well as people.

It is used as prescribed by a veterinarian in the complex treatment of ringworm.

The course of treatment is at least 1 month.

Price: pack (14 caps) in Ukraine – 43 hryvnia, in Russia – 320 rubles.

Terbinafine

Antifungal tablets prevent further spread of parasites and have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. The drug is administered orally as part of complex therapy for animals. The course of treatment and dosage must be selected by a veterinarian.

The course of treatment ranges from 32 to 34 days. The drug is best given to the cat during feeding once a day. At the end of the course, the dose is reduced - 1 tablet every two days.

Price: packaging (10 tablets) in Ukraine – 45 UAH, in Russia – 140 rubles.

Griseofulvin

An antifungal antibiotic with a cumulative effect. The active ingredient of the drug is Griseofulvin. The drug stops the cell division of the fungus. In veterinary medicine it is used to treat ringworm in cats and kittens. Not for use in animals with kidney and liver diseases, during pregnancy and lactation.

The medicine is given orally during feeding 2 times a day. Recommended dosage: 10 mg. per 1 kg. animal weight.

Course of treatment: 3-5 weeks.

Price: pack (20 tablets) – 195-220 rubles. in Russia, packaging (40 tablets) – 44-45 UAH. in Ukraine.

Treatment of deprivation

The treatment tactics for lichen are determined by the form and nature of the disease. In many cases, it is enough to put a protective collar on the cat against licking and promptly treat the affected areas of the skin with ointments; in severe cases, therapy should be comprehensive with the use of tablets, injections, and external agents.

It takes 2 weeks for skin wounds to heal, but complete recovery occurs in 4-6 weeks, provided that all the veterinarian’s recommendations are strictly followed.

Tablets, injections, and external remedies help to cope with ringworm. Before treating the sore spot, the hair around it is shaved off for better contact of the medicine with the skin. The list of drugs needed to treat ringworm:

• antifungal sprays (Dermazol, Nizoral);
• ointments (Yam, Lamisil, Miconazole);
• tablets (Terbinafine, Itraconazole, Griseofulvin).

Vaccines are used to treat and prevent disease in cats.

If a person is infected with shingles

A person who keeps furry pets in the house must be prepared for the fact that some diseases can spread from a sick cat to all family members.

Treatment of a person infected with lichen from a cat is carried out in parallel with the treatment of a pet. Complex therapy is used:

• all sore spots are treated with antifungal ointments, iodine, fucarcin;
• during treatment, do not take a bath or rub the skin with a washcloth;
• take antifungal and antihistamines orally;
• The diet includes a complex of vitamins.

Diagnostics

As with other diseases, only a veterinarian can make a diagnosis, confirm or refute your guesses.

The doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination:

• using a Wood's lamp, examine the affected area; the primary method will most likely indicate the presence of lichen - if the diagnosis is confirmed, the fur under the lamp will acquire a green tint;
• examination under a magnifying microscope makes it possible to examine skin scales in detail and see microsporia on the skin or hairs;
• analysis of the scraping for the presence of a nutrient medium - for analysis, a scraping is made from the affected area and sent to the laboratory to identify parasites and fungi.

The first two methods are carried out directly in the doctor’s office, take a few minutes, but do not give a 100% result. The culture is analyzed within 21 days, and its reliability is 100%.

How to make the correct diagnosis for lichen?

Diagnosis of lichen, due to its diverse manifestations, is only possible using laboratory methods. Based on clinical signs, lichen can only be suspected.

Methods for diagnosing lichen:

• Wood's lamp examination - microsporia gives a greenish glow, trichophytosis may not be detected;
• Microscopy of affected hair - spores are detected in 70% of cases;
• Sowing samples on nutrient media followed by microscopy of the grown fungus is the most reliable, but time-consuming (up to 2 weeks) method.

The veterinarian will select the necessary diagnostic method.

Determination of ringworm with a Wood's lamp

Most types of lichen caused by fungus are determined using a Wood's lamp. The spores glow under the lamp with a bright green fluorescent color. The cat is brought into a dark room and ultraviolet light is directed at it.

Before the procedure, you should not treat the affected areas with ointments or powders, as this may complicate the diagnosis. The fact is that some medications also glow green when exposed to ultraviolet light.

You should also know that not all types of fungus can be determined using a Wood's lamp. For some species, you will have to take an analysis and do a culture. This method gives almost 100% results, but takes from several weeks to a month, since the spores grow for a very long time.

Diagnosis of ringworm

Usually, the visible signs of ringworm in cats are difficult to identify at first glance. A popular way to determine the disease is to use a fluorescent lamp, also called a Wood's lamp. In a dark room, the lamp turns on and shines on your beloved pet.

If your cat has ringworm, the glow will be acid green. But the effectiveness of this method works with an accuracy of up to 60%. This is due to the fact that not all fungi are visible, and the animal itself may not get sick, but only carry lichen on its fur.

The best way to find out what's going on with your cat is to go to the vet. It is a specialist who will be able to use research to determine the type of disease in a mustachioed pet.

The doctor will collect samples of the fungus from the cat; these may be crusts or scales from the lichen spot. In some cases, a blood test is performed on the animal. In addition, the specialist will detect other diseases in time.

If, at the same time as shingles, the cat is infected with other viruses or parasites, then the risk of deterioration in the cat’s health increases.

Therefore, furry pets need to be treated, especially since feline lichen occurs in humans too. Children and adults with weak immune systems suffer the most from it.

Local preparations

Typically, these drugs are applied to the affected areas of the animal. Since they are not safe for internal use, it is necessary to put a wide collar around the cat’s neck to prevent the pet from licking the medicinal product from the body.

Shampoos

Antifungal shampoos are used to treat lichen in cats. Their action alone will not relieve a meowing pet from the disease; it should only be used in a comprehensive manner. It is also not recommended to mix anti-lichen shampoos with regular shampoos.

Nizoral and Sebozol are considered good ones. They contain Ketoconazole, which is excellent against various fungi, infections and bacteria. It is necessary to wash your pet with shampoo 2 times a week for 1.5-2 months.

Ointments, sprays, creams

There are many liquid preparations that help fight lichen in cats, the treatment of which has long been neglected. Before using any ointments, sprays or creams, the animal's skin must first be prepared by cutting short the hair around the lichen spot.

To cure ringworm in a cat, it is recommended to use ointments that contain Clotrimazole. It perfectly helps get rid of fungi, although its use will last at least a month. More advanced products with his participation are Sanoderm and Fungin. Their action heals wounds, relieves inflammation and itching.

The drug Miconazole has a good bactericidal effect. By rubbing it into your pet's skin, it destroys lichen fungi. Yam BC ointment also helps eliminate various dermatological diseases, including ringworm.

But Imaverol can be used to treat lichen in pregnant cats and kittens.

A good option for getting rid of lichen would be sulfur and salicylic ointments.

The affected areas of the skin are lubricated generously with ointment twice a day. The advantage of these drugs is their low cost.

General rules of treatment and safety

In addition to the treatment prescribed by the doctor, it is important to adhere to safety rules that will help cure the infection faster and prevent its further spread.

1. For treatment to be effective, it is suggested that the animal be trimmed or shaved to facilitate access to the wounds.
2. If the disease is contagious, sterilize your tools after cutting.
3. Animal fur must be disposed of, preferably burned.
4. Isolate your pet from other animals in the house and provide him with peace.
5. Do wet cleaning, disinfect cat toys and change bedding daily.
6. Carry out all manipulations with disposable gloves to prevent the fungus from getting on your own skin and mucous membranes.
7. To prevent your cat from licking its wounds, purchase a special collar.
8. If tablets are prescribed, ask your doctor if they can be crushed and read my article on how to give your cat a tablet.

Additionally, I recommend watching a video where the author shares useful tips on how to treat lichen and shows a homemade collar for a mustachioed friend:

Symptoms of the disease

Although each species is different, they have both common and individual signs of lichen in cats. General symptoms:

• hair loss in areas where the rash appears;
• inflammation, redness, dryness of the epidermis;
• constant severe itching.

Also, each species has separate, characteristic features.

Symptoms of ringworm

If your pet has contracted ringworm, there are several ways to identify it. Some parts of the fur will quickly fall out, but the rest of the coat will remain unharmed. Before this, the development of a small red rash on the body will begin. Because of them, the cat may itch for a long time. Often he finds no rest or suddenly wakes up from an attack of itching.

More developed lichen in cats can be determined by the following signs:

• the cat develops round spots covered with a crust of flaky skin;
• These areas are not covered with hair, and the hairs nearby thin out and become more brittle;
• if during the scratching process the cat scratches off part of the crust, a red smooth surface will be visible under it;
• over time, the spots increase in size and take on an oval or round shape;
• If the disease is not treated for a long time, hair will no longer grow at the sites of inflammation, as hard scabs will form.

The spots often cause discomfort and itch for animals. Depending on the pathogen, symptoms can affect the pet’s entire body or the head and neck separately. It also happens that some signs of lichen in cats are simply not expressed or are completely absent. This is called the apathetic form of the disease. In this case, only some hairs of the coat are susceptible to loss. Because of this, the disease becomes invisible to the naked eye, which means that the owner may not take any action to treat it for a long time.

Symptoms of pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor in cats are pale, oval-shaped spots on the animal’s skin. They quickly spread throughout the body and after a few days occupy most of it. Then the spots begin to grow together, which can cause damage and deformation of the claws. In this case, the cat does not feel itching or any other severe discomfort. The spots may disappear if the surrounding temperature drops.

Symptoms of pityriasis rosea

Sometimes feline pityriasis rosea is confused with an allergy. The fact is that it appears as a small red rash on the skin. In some cases, the spots increase to 2 cm in diameter. A large accumulation of them is usually noticed on the pet’s stomach, in the groin and on the inside of the thigh. Itching is absent or almost not expressed.

The skin on which the spots appear becomes rough. If treatment has not begun for a long time, other microorganisms enter the lesions, which causes much more dangerous consequences, for example, sepsis. In some animals this is accompanied by fever, malaise, joint pain and swollen lymph nodes.

Signs of eczema

Weeping eczema is also characterized by red spots. But in this case, it hurts the pet when anything touches the lesions. The rash is small blisters with fluid inside. Sometimes they open, causing their contents to fall onto the surface of the skin. This is how infection and spread of the disease occurs. And although people should not be afraid of this disease, it sometimes causes febrile conditions in pets.

Types of cat lichen with photos

Ringworm is a dermatological disease caused by various fungi or viruses. In cats, it appears on the skin, fur or claws, and its species have different variants of appearance.

When fungal spores enter the body of domestic animals, the latent period (incubation) lasts from several days to a month, then the external manifestations of cat lichen begin, which is distinguished primarily by hair loss on the skin. Among the cat species there are the following:

Lichen planus

Appears when the animal’s immune system fails. The reasons for its occurrence are unknown, and it is not transmitted to other individuals. Characterized by itchy red blisters with liquid on the skin or mucous membranes. When scratched, the pimples burst, causing more itching.

Pityriasis rosea

Transmitted virally from one animal to another. This type of lichen occurs in kittens and adults, but goes away on its own when the immune system is strengthened. It looks like a pink spot measuring 1.5 to 2 cm, the surface of which is flaky and itchy.

Ringworm (eczema)

Sometimes accompanied by fungal infections. It looks like inflamed reddish spots with blisters, as well as severe itching. When scratching pimples, the itching becomes even stronger. Not contagious to other animals.

Pityriasis versicolor (variegated)

Occurs from a fungal infection. Popular in countries with hot climates, it spreads quickly and unnoticed. It looks like small yellow-brown spots, without much inflammation.

Ringworm

The most common and dangerous lichen in cats. We will talk about it further.

Symptoms

suspect lichen by how often the cat begins to itch, and the hair in the affected area loses its shine and begins to fall out. These signs accompany all forms of the pathological process, but based on individual symptoms, veterinarians and experienced cat owners can recognize exactly what form of the disease their pet has.

Shearer

The first sign of ringworm is restlessness and constant scratching by the cat in one area. If you part the fur and look closely, you will notice small flaky spots covered with crusts on the skin. The hair above them begins to fall out, and reddish skin is visible in the bald areas. Without treatment for ringworm in cats, the patches become covered with gray scabs and spread throughout the body.

Pityriasis

With pityriasis versicolor, only a small, pale, oval-shaped spot is noticeable on the affected area. After a few days, it increases in size, merges with neighboring ones, forming large lesions. If a cat's paw is infected with lichen, the infection can spread to the claw and cause its deformation. With pityriasis versicolor, the itching practically does not bother the cat; the spots can disappear on their own when the ambient temperature drops.

Pink

Pink ringworm of cats is accompanied by the appearance of pink round spots with a diameter of 1.5-2. Most often they affect the abdomen, groin area, and inner thighs. Itching is very mild or absent. The spots in the center are smooth, but flaky along the edges. Without treatment, they can become infected and lead to fever, joint pain, and inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Weeping

Red spots with small blisters that appear at the initial stage of lichen lichen are very painful when touched. The skin around the spots is hot. The bubbles are filled with liquid, which, when the reservoir ruptures, spills out and infects healthy tissue. A crust forms at the site of the burst bubble.

Signs and symptoms

The incubation period of the disease is almost 3 months, so symptoms may not appear immediately. At the initial stage, it is almost impossible to recognize the first signs and determine lichen in a cat, but already at this stage the pet becomes infectious to the people and animals around it.

The main symptoms of ringworm in cats:

• deterioration in the condition of the coat is expressed in its breaking off, dullness and greasy;
• in some places bald spots appear, on which broken hairs are visible, gradually this area becomes more bare;
• bald areas become pink (less often gray-brown) and begin to become covered with scales and crusts;
• the animal loses its appetite, becomes lethargic and apathetic;
• due to constant itching, the cat begins to actively itch and bleeding scratches appear;
• when the claws are damaged, they become deformed;
• Over time, blisters may appear on the surface of the epidermis, which become covered with crusts, and if a secondary infection occurs, ulcers may appear.

The degree of damage to the skin and fur manifests itself depending on the state of health and immunity of the animal: in a healthy cat, only 1-2 spots are possible, in a weakened cat, lichen covers large areas of the body. The most commonly affected areas are the head, neck, muzzle, ears, back, tail and paws in the claw area.

Ointment for ringworm in cats

To treat lichen in cats, complex therapy is used, which necessarily includes ointments. But all appointments must be coordinated with a veterinarian after tests and tests. Some components can only aggravate the situation, and the use of drugs before diagnosis can blur the picture.

Before treatment, the affected areas are washed with a cotton swab or disk soaked in warm water or chlorhexidine. Remove scabs and crusts, and also clean adjacent fur. In some cases, the hair around the spot is cut off. The affected area is dried and only then the ointment is applied, covering healthy areas by 1–2 cm.

Clotrimazole has anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects and is used to treat affected areas of the skin with weeping and ringworm. The ointment is applied in a thin layer to the skin two or three times a day. The course of treatment is at least a week; if necessary, the drug is used for 2–3 weeks. Repeated treatments are recommended after three weeks.

Sulfur ointment is used in the treatment of various forms of lichen. A small amount of ointment is applied to the affected skin, covering 1–2 cm of healthy skin. The course of treatment is from 10 to 20 days.

YAM BK ointment has a pronounced antifungal and antiseptic effect. The drug is applied to the skin in a thin layer (it is not necessary to remove crusts and scabs) 1-2 times a day for a week. In case of relapses, the course of treatment is repeated.

Terbinafine is used to treat fungal skin diseases caused by dermatophytes and lichen versicolor. The ointment is applied to the affected areas 2-3 times a day for 10-14 days. If necessary, the course is repeated after 14 days.

When using any ointments, it is necessary to protect the animal. Cats often lick medications, so you need to use a special collar.

Treatment at home

If for some reason you cannot contact a veterinarian, then there is only one way out - try traditional methods.

Method 1

You will need:

• iodine;
• vegetable oil;
• ash (from newspaper or from raspberry or currant branches).

Application:

• burn paper (twigs) to obtain ash and mix with vegetable oil until pasty;
• treat the area of ​​trimmed skin and the fur around it with iodine;
• apply a pasty substance of ash and oil to the areas treated with iodine;
• repeat several times a day.

Important!

The method is considered effective, but it is not safe for the animal - iodine is very toxic to cats.

Method 2

You will need:

• 5% iodine;
• Valerian tincture;
• sunflower oil.

Application:

• take 1 teaspoon of each product;
• mix all components;
• lubricate the affected areas of the animal’s body with the resulting solution;
• repeat 3 times a day.

Method 3

You will need:

• medical alcohol;
• acetylsalicylic acid.

Application:

• take 30 ml of alcohol and add a crushed tablet of acetylsalicylic acid to it;
• Shake the mixture thoroughly until the tablet is completely dissolved;
• Apply the solution to the affected skin with a cotton swab;
• Perform treatment once every 5-7 days;
• The crusts from the wounds should dry out and fall off on their own; there is no need to remove them.

Important!

Remember that no traditional method guarantees a 100% cure for the animal. If the disease progresses, contact your veterinarian immediately!

Are traditional methods of treatment allowed?

Considering that a fungal infection causes lichen in cats, treatment cannot be based solely on lotions, rubbing with herbal tinctures and other methods with questionable effectiveness. Folk remedies can be used as an additional measure to enhance the effect of medical therapy.

Your task is to adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen, especially since drugs for external and internal use are inexpensive.

Treatment of the disease

If the kitten is not treated in time, the ringworm will grow and form new areas of baldness. This disease in its advanced form can cause serious complications. Therefore, if you notice the above symptoms, you must immediately see a doctor for an examination. Treatment occurs through complex therapy, which includes:

- special antifungal ointment or cream; - medicated shampoo; - pills; - injections.

Veterinarians and volunteers at the Murkosha shelter advise shaving the hair from the edges of the affected areas before applying ointment and other external preparations. This is done in order to improve contact of the drug with the skin and increase the effectiveness of the drug.

Since ringworm very often takes a protracted form, it is impossible to get by with ointments and shampoos alone. Injections are considered the most effective treatment method. They are carried out every 10-15 days, and already the second time significant improvements can be noticeable. Such vaccinations are strictly prohibited for pregnant or lactating cats, pets with fever and infectious pathological processes.

Under no circumstances should you self-medicate your animal using folk methods and remedies. Entrust your pet's health to professionals who can create an individual treatment plan for you with the necessary medications and dosages.

What is lichen?

Ringworm is a fungal disease. That's right, scientifically, it's called dermatophytosis. Affects the skin and its derivatives - hair, claws.

There are three species of dermatophyte fungi that cause skin diseases in pets: Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Microsporum canis is the most common species in cats and dogs. In the environment, spores of this fungus can live up to 1.5-2 years! Some animals may carry the spores and not show any skin lesions.

Microsporum gypseum lives in soil; Trichophyton mentagrophytes is most often carried by rodents.

Information about the disease

Ringworm in cats is an infectious disease caused by two types of microscopic fungi: Mycrosporum and Trichophyton.

In the first case, the type of lichen is called microsporia, and in the second - trichophytosis. The clinical symptoms of both pathologies are identical.

Microsporia and trichophytosis fungi quickly reproduce by spores, therefore they are very widespread in the environment. These fungal spores can be found anywhere other cats infected with the disease have been.

A decrease in the animal's immunity can cause this disease. To strengthen the animal’s body’s defenses, it is necessary to get vaccinated and know what to feed the cat.

Fungal spores can remain viable in the external environment for up to two years. They are highly resistant to adverse conditions and many disinfectants.

The risk of contracting ringworm for a cat is very high. However, the body of adult and healthy felines has the ability to successfully resist this disease.

Who is at risk

• Kittens up to 1 year.
• Sick animals.
• Cats with weakened immune systems in the postoperative period or after illnesses.
• Free-ranging animals.

You might be interested in:

• scabies in cats.

Prevention

Following these rules will help you avoid getting infected and will save your cat:

• Vaccination of an animal against lichen.
• Never pet other people's cats. Teach your children to do this. Stray street cats are especially dangerous.
• Wash your hands with soap: every time you pet your pet; when you come home from the street; after contact with cat accessories: tray, toys, bed.
• Keep your cat away from dirty outdoor shoes and clothing. Wash your shoes when you get home. Clean your hallway regularly.
• Walk your cat in areas where there are no other animals. Avoid contact with stray animals. It is best to keep your pet in an apartment.
• Isolate a cat infected with shingles from other pets and children for the entire course of treatment.
• At the first indirect signs: restlessness, frequent scratching, take the animal to the veterinarian to make or rule out a diagnosis of ringworm.

Important!

Remember that timely detection of pathology and proper treatment will definitely return your pet to health and will not harm the health of your family!

Vaccination against ringworm

Therapeutic and prophylactic vaccinations against lichen in cats are carried out as part of complex therapy for an animal or for healthy animals as a preventive measure. Vaccinations are given to healthy kittens at the age of 3 months.

Therapeutic vaccination is the most effective modern way to get rid of fungal infections of the skin and fur of cats. Injections are given 2-3 times with an interval of 10-14 days.

Vaccines used in veterinary medicine:

• Polivac TM is a highly effective vaccine based on 8 types of strains of weakened fungi (trichophytin, microsporum). The effect of the vaccine lasts 12-14 months. To develop lasting immunity, a second vaccination is carried out 14 days after the first. Vaccination of healthy cats does not cause complications. After a year, revaccination is carried out.
• Vakderm-F is a drug based on non-living spores of ringworm. The injection therapy product is used simultaneously with topical medications (ointments, sprays). To completely cure an animal, 2-3 injections are enough. For preventive purposes, it is used to vaccinate kittens from 2 months of age and healthy adult animals. The effect of the vaccination occurs after 25-30 days. Vaccination is carried out twice with an interval of 1014 days.
• Microderm is a therapeutic injection veterinary drug with high effectiveness against ringworm. To achieve the result, the medicine is administered to the cat twice with an interval of 10-15 days. The product is characterized by low toxicity. Suitable for preventive immunization.

Important!

Injections against lichen cannot be used in the treatment of pregnant and lactating cats, animals with hyperthermia.

Causes of infection

A domestic cat that does not leave the apartment is least likely to become infected. Ringworm is usually found in animals that are allowed outside.
The most common causes of the disease:

• direct contact with rodents, which are the main carriers of this disease;
• interaction with another animal (cat or dog) that is already infected or is still only carrying fungal spores;
• remnants of fungal spores on furniture, carpets and other surfaces of the house that were not treated after treatment of ringworm.

In adult healthy animals, in most cases, there is genetically determined resistance to this disease. Weakened immunity and advanced age increase the risk of lichen.

Diagnosis of the disease

Only a veterinarian who will examine the cat and prescribe the necessary treatment can recognize the disease. It is possible to determine ringworm in a cat using one of the methods for diagnosing the disease:

1. Isolation of an infectious agent in an environment that promotes its development. This diagnostic method is considered the most accurate. However, the study can take a long time - from 1 to 3 weeks.

A scraping from the surface of the animal's skin is placed in a special composition, where favorable conditions are created for the propagation of the pathogen. First, they simply observe it, and then study the grown microflora under a microscope.

1. Examination of hair or skin scrapings under a microscope. This method is not as accurate as the previous one. It is not always possible to see the causative agent of a disease under a microscope. It often happens that this type of test gives a negative result for infected cats.
2. Study using a Voodoo fluorescent lamp. This method is considered the least effective, and its results do not guarantee 100% reliability. Areas affected by lichen are highlighted in green. True, some harmless microorganisms glow, but fungi do not always glow in ultraviolet light.

It is important! If lichen is suspected, blood is taken from animals for laboratory testing.

Where does it most often appear?

Usually the disease is localized on the head, ears, muzzle of the animal, on its limbs or tail.

By scratching the infected areas, the cat spreads the infection throughout the body - if treatment is not started in time, the disease will spread over most of the animal's skin.

Perhaps the cat does not have lichen, but baldness.

Diagnosis of the disease

If you have any skin diseases or suspicion of ringworm in your pet cat, you should immediately take your pet to a veterinarian. Only a specialist can diagnose the pathology and prescribe the correct treatment.

What does ringworm look like in cats?

Above the eye

Behind the ear

Photo - what lichen on a cat's back looks like.
In a veterinary clinic, the diagnosis is confirmed using fluorescent (under a lamp), microscopic and cultural (bacterial culture) studies.

What to do if you suspect lichen in cats

The first thing to do if you suspect lichen in a domestic cat is to isolate the sick animal. There is no need to lock him in a cage or any other tight confined space. A separate room or loggia is suitable if it is warm.

Next, you need to urgently contact a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. Its goal is to obtain information about the cause and causative agent of lichen. Based on the research, the doctor will be able to choose the right therapy.

Important: it is strictly forbidden to bathe your pet if you notice signs of lichen. Together with the water, the lichen spores will spread to the entire body, thus increasing the affected area many times over.

During the entire period of diagnosis and treatment of lichen in cats, the following recommendations must be followed:

• use separate dishes for a sick pet;
• if there are other animals in the house, then they need to be isolated, or better yet, removed from the premises for a while to prevent an epidemic;
• Carry out disinfectant cleaning more often, paying special attention to those places where your cat most likes to be;
• wash all bedding and rugs in a disinfectant solution;
• Treat upholstered furniture with a solution of water and vinegar.

The following means are used for disinfection:

• quartz lamp - you need to turn it on in an infected room for 20-25 minutes;
• hot water with the addition of bleach or any other chlorine-containing bleach for washing linen and towels;
• hot steam for processing upholstered furniture;
• water with the addition of bleach, alcohol, iodine, vinegar, soap-soda mixture or 3-4% chlorhexidine for washing surfaces.

Remember that you need to wash not only the floor, but also, if possible, walls, doors, tables, baseboards, paying special attention to corners, crevices and other hard-to-reach places.

Can other animals become infected?

This easily transmitted disease is spread by fungal spores that can affect any mammals, which include dogs, cats, and rodents. Animals that live outdoors are at greatest risk.

When one infected pet appears, everyone around them is at risk of getting sick. The infection may quickly spread among residents of shelters or cat and dog kennels. Therefore, it is so important for the owner to isolate the sick animal from people and other pets.

Symptoms of lichen in cats

The disease ringworm got its name for a reason - animals lose certain areas of their coat, as if they had been cut.

At the initial stage, the pathology manifests itself as a rash on the infected area of ​​the skin. However, under the fur, especially in long-haired breeds, the primary signs may not be noticed.

In this case, careful observation of your pet's behavior will come to the rescue - he may become more anxious. Frequent scratching of certain areas of the skin may indicate that the kitten is infected with lichen.

Video

As the disease progresses, the symptoms of the disease become more pronounced: the animal develops round spots of baldness, and in the central zone of these spots the skin becomes covered with scales and peels off.

Can a person get shingles from a cat?

It is not difficult for ringworm spores to get on the bare skin of a person, which, unlike animals, is not protected by fur. The infection reaches a person from an infected cat even during the incubation period when touching the fur. Therefore, it is important to understand that an animal that has contracted lichen becomes a carrier of the disease even at the earliest stage.

Immunity plays a big role: children and older people are more susceptible to fungal spores. Treatment is long-term; even a mild form, if treatment is ineffective, develops into a chronic form, which will certainly affect health.

Disinfection and prevention

When your pet is completely cured of the skin disease, it is necessary to treat the apartment for cat lichen. Sometimes it is not possible to disinfect an apartment. In such situations, the owners do not know what to do with the cat during treatment.

One option is to place him in a specialized clinic. While your pet is away, you need to thoroughly clean the entire room and wash all surfaces with bleach.

To prevent lichen, you need to get vaccinated in a timely manner, comb your pet's fur more often, bathe it once a week with soap, and not allow it to come into contact with other cats. This way you can significantly reduce the risk of developing lichen.

Your cat's health can be preserved with timely diagnosis and proper treatment. Without proper treatment, skin infections will develop stronger and stronger, which will lead to a worsening of the animal’s general condition.

Actions during the cat's treatment

• Be sure to wear gloves when handling contaminated areas.
• Strictly follow the veterinarian’s instructions and complete the treatment.
• Wash the animal only with medicated shampoo.
• Review the conditions of keeping and feeding your pet to improve immunity.
• After contact with a sick cat, wash your hands thoroughly and be sure to disinfect any accidental scratches.

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