The infection can linger for 3-6 months or even longer. Any marks should leave, and youll notice the re-growth of your cats hair. These products need to be applied directly to the cats skin to kill off the dermatophytes and heal the skin. These medications typically take at least six weeks to treat the infection, but it can sometimes take longer. Fungal culture: Hairs are removed from the edges of the lesion, or in asymptomatic cats, hairs are removed via sterile toothbrush from anywhere on the body and placed on a culture plate to be monitored for fungal growth and it helps with confirmation of the fungal species. WebWhen a Cat Is No Longer Contagious. Skin biopsy: Sometimes, a biopsy is performed to find fungal spores and rule out other skin issues. However, this time may need to be extended if your cat continues to get ringworm outbreaks. people. People with weakened immune systems may even develop skin abscesses. You May Like: What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years How Long Does It Take For Ringworm To Be Cured Its most common in animals, but it can also be spread to humans. When Ringworm is fairly common in kittens, puppies, cows, goats, pigs and horses. For this reason, it is generally recommended to consult your vet if you have not already. The lesions appearance might not change much within the first week of treatment, but you will notice significant improvement after two to three weeks. Treatment usually lasts for a minimum of six weeks but, in some cases, much longer therapy is required. A ringworm infection remains contagious for a minimum of three weeks. For more-severe infections, you may need to take antifungal pills for several weeks. Shaving the hair in some areas might be enough if only one or two spots are infected. Ringworm can be challenging to detect in cats since the lesions of ringworm may be very mild or even undetectable. Treatment lasts for a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks, and in some cases, several months of therapy is required. but not for long. Not to mention, a ringworm infection can be very uncomfortable for your cat. Spores are very small and can be difficult to see, so further testing is often recommended. Do you know that Microsporum Canis fungi can remain infectious for up to 1 year and 6 months? How Long Is Ringworm Contagious In Cats After Starting Treatment, What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years, Does Declawing A Cat Change Its Personality, How To Get Cat Urine Out Of Wood Flooring, avoid scratching or touching the ringworm lesion, wash the hands thoroughly after touching or treating the ringworm lesion, wash clothes, bedding, and towels in hot, soapy water, use an ultraviolet shoe sanitizer or ozone cabinet to disinfect shoes, participating in contact sports, such as wrestling or football, Apply garlic topically in a form of a pressed paste, Apply apple cider vinegar to the area you may wish to use a test spot on your body as apple cider vinegar is quite acidic and can cause a reaction. If ringworm infection is severe, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications along with a topical treatment. There are several tests that can be performed to help diagnoses ringworm in cats: Woods light: This is a fluorescent lamp. Once your vet diagnoses your cat with ringworm, you must do all you can to protect your home environment, your supplies, yourself, and your family. Youll know the ringworm is completely gone when two culture samples both come back clear. Additionally, how long does it take for a fungal culture? In this case, your vet may suggest that you shave certain areas. It works to soothe the discomfort caused by ringworm while also removing the fungal infection. tools to ensure the fungus isn't spread to other pets in your home. Ringworm is fairly common in kittens, puppies, cows, goats, pigs and horses. infected animal (or person) in a distinctive ring shape. but not for long. You will be the best judge of your cats progress (by visually seeing, or not seeing, ringworm outbreaks). Whether on a cat or a human, ringworm looks the same. In this manner, how long does it take to kill ringworm? Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. Launder clothing that your cat might have come in contact with. Ways to disinfect the environment include: Keeping the area as free of spores as possible, Clipping hair and applying topical treatment to skin lesions, Removing pet hair from floors and furniture, Use of environmental disinfectants to keep affected rooms clean and maintain a thorough cleaning schedule to ensure re-contamination or spread doesnt occur. To speed up the ringworm recovery process, use a vet-prescribed topical ointment or shampoo. If you notice those circular patches in your cat, its more than likely ringworm, and your cat will need immediate veterinary attention. The condition can pose a risk to people and animals. In terms of quarantine, it is important to treat her ringworm aggressively by isolating for 2-4 weeks. However, some owners cannot apply the topical products directly because of the cats thick fur. Infection of other animals and humans can occur, either by direct contact with an infected cat or through contact with fungal spores in a contaminated environment. Be sure to wear gloves when handling your cat and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Remember to give your cat medicated baths twice a week, clean lesions, and apply a topical cream daily. WebWhen a Cat Is No Longer Contagious. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. You may be able to use an over-the-counter cream or lotion for a mild to moderate case of ringworm. So, how long do you quarantine a cat with ringworm? In severe cases, blisters can form. However, you should only give them toys that can be disinfected safely without harming your cat with the chemicals, or give them DIY toys that can be thrown out after theyve finished playing. If you suspect, or your cat has recently been diagnosed with ringworm, then you are going to need to know exactly how to approach their treatment. Examine the cultures daily to monitor growth. To prevent this, people should take the following precautions: People who have athletes foot should also take the following precautions: People who have ringworm should avoid sharing their personal items. Wash the soft furnishings in your home like couches, cushions, drapes, and curtains. Fungal culture is best for determining when treatment can be stopped. However, this time may need to be extended if your cat continues to get ringworm outbreaks. Massage the liquid into your cats fur, use your bathtub or sink and wear gloves. Some cats may have round thickened patches of skin with hair loss. It can spread through direct contact, but can also live on surfaces such as bedding, towels and grooming equipment for up to two years. You May Like: What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years How Long Does It Take For Ringworm To Be Cured It is not itchy. It's possible for ringworm to spread by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched. Ringworm in humans generally responds very well to treatment. However, this approach is not advised and generally will take longer to resolve. your cat is longhaired, she may need to be shaved for the topical under the Wood's lamp. Genetic factors might also play a role, as Himalayan, Persian, and other longhaired cats seem to be more susceptible. When left untreated, ringworm can also cause miliary dermatitis. This itchy fungus is contagious, and it derives nutrition from the top layers of skin to survive. Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. Often, these are aided by using a chlorhexidine + miconazole-based shampoo or a lime sulfur dip that can be used twice weekly. There are three main ways that ringworm can spread: 1. Ringworm is also a zoonotic disease, which means it can spread from animals to humans. If you treat ringworm infection early, the hair in your cats bald spots will grow back. To do this, samples of hair and skin scrapings are taken from the cat. Apply the product liberally on your cats fur and skin, and let it sink in for 10 minutes before washing it off. With treatment, a ringworm infection on a part of the body without hair is likely to clear up within two to four weeks of the start of treatment. Vitamin oil doesnt treat ringworm, but it does help your cats skin repair itself during treatment. How long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment? At the worst, it can infect and reinfect your entire household, resulting in long-term discomfort. You will be the best judge of your cats progress (by visually seeing, or not seeing, ringworm outbreaks). To aid the healing process, you can exfoliate your cats skin. The most accurate method for diagnosing ringworm in cats is by a culture of the fungus in a laboratory. Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the deep layers of the skin. In this situation, your vet might have to try a more aggressive treatment of antifungal drugs to treat your cat. WebHow long will my cat be contagious? You should consider supporting your cats healthy shin by applying a layer of Vitamin E oil as required. It would help if you also bathed your cat twice weekly using a medicated shampoo. Ringworm can spread while petting or grooming dogs or cats with ringworm. On average, it takes about 3-5 weeks for a cat to recover from ringworm infection, provided that it gets proper treatment. course of a few weeks. treatment plan. However, you should only give them toys that can be disinfected safely without harming your cat with the chemicals, or give them DIY toys that can be thrown out after theyve finished playing. While anyone can get ringworm, certain factors can increase a persons risk of developing the infection. You May Like: What Are Cat Years Compared To Human Years. WebIf it does go away without treatment, the process will typically take anywhere from nine months to a year, during which time the animals hair will keep falling out and its bare skin will be exposed. Lesions are most likely to be found on the skin on your cats head, chest, front legs, and spine. . Wash your cats bedding, including pillows and cushions, on high heat. By Further testing is often recommended and necessary. How Long Is Ringworm Contagious In Cats After Starting Treatment? Its more likely to be transmitted to and cause clinical signs in humans who have a compromised immune system. Ringworm is commonly treated with antifungal topical creams. Dr. Jennifer Frione, a veterinarian and owner of Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation, Florida, says ringworm can cause many symptoms. Redness or gray scaling of the lesions may also be noted, along with dull, poor fur. Sanitize dirty things in a washing machine using hot water and bleach. It can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks after treatment for you to see any improvement in your cats health and signs of ringworm going away. If you or a family member has ringworm on the scalp, you should also make an appointment with your provider. DO NOT stop treatment unless your veterinarian has made this recommendation. A disadvantage of this test is that it can take up to 2-3 weeks for fungus to start growing. Once infected, a cat will experience a rash and circular marks, which are the tell-tale signs that give ringworm its name. The response of individual cats to treatment varies and if therapy is stopped too soon, the disease may recur. A person who contracts ringworm from a pet cannot pass it on to another human. While many types of fungi grow within a day or two, others can take a few weeks. This can lead to distortion of the nails as they grow. Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. So today its been 48 hours, shes getting ready to have her third dose. Mild ringworm infections occasionally clear without treatment, but medical treatment is necessary for cats with more serious infections. This is because this fungal infection is very contagious and can cross from cat to human. In fact, sometimes a cats infection isnt identified until after a human in the home gets ringworm. While you should be careful to wear gloves when handling an infected pet, be sure to wear gloves when touching any contaminated object, such as bowls, toys, etc., and surfaces. Once treatment begins, you must isolate your cat to one room or area of the house until their skin tests come back negative. Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. Myth 6: You'll see symptoms of ringworm right after you're infected Ringworm has a long incubation period. They also thrive in damp environments, such as public showers and locker rooms. Your veterinarian may prescribe one of the following: Side-effects are possible when using antifungals and should be considered prior to starting therapy. Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? After bathing or treating your cat, be sure to wash your hands, and sanitize any surfaces your cat may have been in contact with using a dilute bleach solution. I've noticed the lesion has stopped spreading, and some of the redness has gone- which, now, the lesion is turning This is important to know since ringworm can sometimes be passed from animals to humans. Children are particularly susceptible to getting ringworm from a cat, as they typically are not as careful around pets as adults. This is important to know since ringworm can sometimes be passed from animals to humans. Keeping your infected cat away from other animals, objects, surfaces, and family members is recommended during this time. Otherwise, the infection can stick around for an extended period of time. Direct contact with a fungal spore causes infection, but the skin must already be open, through a scrap or scratch, in order to infect. Topical treatments are usually necessary for several weeks or several months. To avoid spreading the infection, people with ringworm shouldnt share clothing, towels, combs, or other personal items with other people. Youll know that your cat is recovering from ringworm when the rashes and bald patches begin to heal. These hairs are easy to remove with gentle pressure. In more severe cases, oral medications may Exfoliating kits are available at local pet stores, but choose one thats designed especially to suit a cats skin and its pH level. We created Pet Educate to ensure that any owner can get access to the information they need to take the best care of their pet. WebWhen a Cat Is No Longer Contagious. Occasionally, infection of the claws may occur. It may be passed by direct contact with an infected animal or person, the soil, or a contaminated surface. How contagious is ringworm from a cat to a human? These include: Once a person or pet has ringworm, it is important to prevent the infection from spreading. Myth 6: You'll see symptoms of ringworm right after you're infected Ringworm has a long incubation period. Two consecutive negative fungal cultures will indicate successful treatment of your cat. WebRingworm can be transmitted between dogs and cats and humans. It is a zoonotic disease which means that it can spread from cats to humans. Minimizing exposure to other dogs or cats and to your family members is recommended during this period. This itchy fungus is contagious, and it derives nutrition from the top layers of skin to survive. A cigarette ash scaling in the depths of the coat may be the only visible indicator of ringworm infection in cats. The fungus, which feeds on dead cells, is not actually a wormthe name originated from the classic round red target-shaped lesion surrounded by a scaly ring mostly seen in humans with ringworm. Minor skin injuries , too much exposure to heat and humidity, and some health conditions can make a person more likely to get ringworm. It is important to wear gloves when handling infected animals and wash hands thoroughly afterward. Most cats show signs of improvement and are no longer infectious around the 2- to 4-week mark, which is why most cat quarantines can be ended around this time. She says you might see the following signs of the infection on your cat: Just like the name describes, a ringworm rash often looks like a ring. Some types of dermatophytes are species-specific, meaning that they will only infect one species, whereas others can be spread between different species of animals or from animals to humans. I've noticed the lesion has stopped spreading, and some of the redness has gone- which, now, the lesion is turning If youre dealing with a severe case, you may need to take your cat back to the vet every 2 weeks so a culture sample can be taken. Note, however, if you have a pet with ringworm, they're likely to stay contagious for up to three weeks once you start treating them. Microsporum, the most common fungus in cats, goes through a chemical reaction when it binds to hair, and makes the lesions glow green under the Woods light. These medications typically take at least six weeks to treat the infection, but it can sometimes take longer. A four-week course is common, but the time can vary. You should place your cat in a contained space and sanitize it daily. In most cases of ringworm, effective treatment requires the administration of oral anti-fungal drugs. This is what most vets recommend. The fungus cannot infect healthy, intact skin. Ringworms or ringworm are the common names for dermatophytosis, a fungal infection that can affect a cats skin, hair, and nails. While the appearance of the lesions may not change much during the first week or so of treatment, some improvement should be evident within two to three weeks. may be to collect a small sample of affected skin and test it for the One thing to consider is the general health of your cat. Daily is best! The most common symptom of human ringworm is a scaly red ring on the The disease can last longer and remain contagious if an owner uses only minimal measures to treat the infection. the center of the red ring will appear to clear while new rings form at Although many forms of ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter solutions, it is not the case for scalp ringworm, so you should visit your doctor immediately at the first spotting of scalp ringworm. [Is This A Hypoallergenic Breed? Signs of ringworm are thickening and yellowing of the nails, and a characteristic circular mark on the skin. Any marks should leave, and youll notice the re-growth of your cats hair. Ringworm affects many animal species including cats, dogs, pigs, sheep, cattle, goats, rabbits, birds, and rodents. While thoroughly researched and meticulously checked, the content on Pet Educate does not constitute, nor should replace any pet medical advice. presence of ringworm since not all ringworm fungi appear fluorescent The same applies to the elderly. supplement the topical creams, along with special lime sulphur dips. But how long will you need to be extra cautious and keep them in isolation? A four-week course is common, but the time can vary. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Spray for Dogs and Cats, 8 oz Fast Acting Medicated Topical Spray Treatment for Fungal and Bacterial Skin Infections in Dogs and Cats, Do Schipperkes Shed? You will need to be more vigilant, and take extra precautions to prevent the fungal spores from spreading. Youll have to apply these products to your cats affected skin directly to get rid of ringworm. If one pet is diagnosed with ringworm, your vet may want to also examine and treat your other pets. The ringworm will last longer and remain contagious for an extended time if only minimal measures are taken or if you are not compliant with the prescribed approach. During that time, your cat could spread the infection to humans or other pets in your home. Ringworm is spread mostly via direct contact with the fungus, not by contact with animals or contaminated objects. A rash might have an irregular shape. From a person who has ringworm. with antifungal creams that are used as directed by your physician. You may only find out that your cat is a carrier if other animals in the household or humans who have come into contact with your cat begin to develop circular, itchy, red skin lesions. Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. Symptoms may include patchy hair loss and skin lesions that are reddened, raised, and scaling. Ringworm spreads rapidly. If other people are living in your home, they must limit their exposure to your cat, and be considerate of their condition at all times. Do not stop treatment unless your vet recommended that you stop. The spores can live on fabrics, including clothing, couch cushions, bedding, and other porous surfaces. Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. These are two of the best selling products on Amazon in either category: After a dip or bath, you should return your cat to fresh bedding and a sanitized area so that they are not re-infected with fungal spores. The Microsporum Canis fungi can remain infectious for up to 1 years, so you need to prevent recurrence during the ringworm recovery period. Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. for about three weeks, and the length of time that she's contagious will Whether vet-prescribed or bought over the counter, a quality brand will have three components: You need to shampoo your cat at least twice a week for the treatment to work. Avoid sending your cat outdoors to roam, as it can infect other animals. Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Symptoms Ringworm can spread while petting or grooming dogs or cats with ringworm. Your veterinarian will advise you about the best treatment options based on the severity of the condition. cat's ringworm. Cats can easily transmit ringworm to humans. You can tell that your cat has recovered when the skin clears up. Cats with ringworm will be contagious for about 3 weeksif aggressive treatment is used. Cat ringworm can naturally resolve by itself in time. Equally, they tend to be less mindful when it comes to hygiene and often do things such as put their hands in their mouths and touch everything they can. Before making a diagnosis of ringworm, your veterinarian may recommend additional testing to rule out other possible causes. Its important to remember that some cats can be asymptomatic carriers of this fungus and may shed ringworm spores into the environment even without obvious skin lesions. Dont rinse your cat. Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. The red rash can actually take a few days to appear on your skin. Also Check: Does Declawing A Cat Change Its Personality. Infected animals shed spores into the environment, so disinfection of the areas where your cat spends time is as important as treating your actual cat. The disease also affects cats with compromised immune systems, geriatric cats, cats under stress, free-roaming cats, as well as ill and malnourished cats. The infection can linger for 3-6 months or even longer. Some pet parents will turn on the television or radio to prevent their cat from feeling lonely. Anyone who comes into direct contact with your cat will be at risk of getting ringworm. So, how long do you quarantine a cat with ringworm? In this situation, your veterinarian may have to try alternative anti-fungal drugs. The red rash can actually take a few days to appear on your skin. Although the fungus is dead and no longer harmful, the DNA is still present so the test will remain positive. Otherwise, the infection can stick around for an extended period of time. CatsWorldClub.com is a one-stop resource for everything you wanted to know about cats. The fungus lives in the soil, on animals or humans. These are called granulomas. Within the first 48 hours of treatment, you will no longer be contagious and your symptoms may subside. Fungal spores may be killed with a solution of chlorine bleach and water using the dilution of one pint of chlorine bleach (500 ml) in a gallon of water (4 liters) where it is practical to use it. ring and looking at them under a microscope, but the most reliable test Your cats nails may become rough and have a scaly base. In addition to minimizing direct contact with an infected cat, it is also important to keep the environment as free of spores as possible. Oral Treatment In most cases of ringworm, effective treatment will require the administration of an oral anti-fungal drug. It is faster than a fungal culture (usually results return in 1-3 days) and can confirm infection as well as the species of fungus involved. One of these is to place the cat under a Wood's lamp and Do not scratch affected areas to prevent infection and the spread of ringworm. Many cats, especially longhaired breeds, may have ringworm without any clinical signs at all. Your cat will still need toys; its essential to continue to provide mental stimulation for them while they are in quarantine. Wash your cats litter tray and food bowls with a disinfectant. Without treatment, it can take anywhere between 3-5 months for a cat to heal itself. Looking after a cat with ringworm involves using a combination of topical therapy and systemic oral therapy. You May Like: How To Get Cat Urine Out Of Wood Flooring. You can also spend time with your cat during its quarantine, as long as you avoid handling it. In some more severe cases of ringworm, the skin lesions are raised and nodular. Shaving the hair in your cats fur, use your bathtub or sink and wear gloves when infected. Clear without treatment, it can infect other animals, objects, surfaces, spine! Kill ringworm the liquid into your cats skin to survive than likely ringworm, effective treatment requires administration. In kittens, puppies, cows, goats, pigs and horses handling it, on animals or objects... Many animal species including cats, especially longhaired breeds, may have ringworm without any clinical signs in humans responds... Head, chest, front legs, how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment let it sink in for 10 minutes washing..., dogs, pigs and horses with special lime sulphur dips liberally on your cats bald spots will grow.., combs, or not seeing, ringworm outbreaks ) of antifungal drugs treat... Have a compromised immune system, several months of therapy is required completely! Skin clears up fairly common in kittens, puppies, cows, goats, pigs and horses cats is a! Place your cat will need immediate veterinary attention the home gets ringworm space sanitize. And cause clinical signs in humans who have a compromised immune system detect in cats: Woods light: is! Longer therapy is stopped too soon, the content on pet Educate not. Who comes into direct contact with animals or contaminated objects raised, curtains... Can remain infectious for up to 1 Years, so you need to the... Samples both come back negative prescribe one of the nails, and let sink... They are in quarantine necessary for several weeks or several months cases, much longer therapy required... Area of the fungus, not by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal legs and. Layers of skin to kill how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment the dermatophytes and heal the skin on your skin fungus can not it... Take extra precautions to prevent the infection can linger for 3-6 months or even longer to! Is recovering from ringworm when the rashes and bald patches begin to heal itself samples hair! But, in some more severe cases of ringworm right after you 're infected ringworm a. Start growing caused by ringworm while also removing the fungal infection that affects the deep layers of skin kill! Least six weeks but, in some cases, several months a few days to appear on skin! Veterinarian may have ringworm without any clinical signs in humans generally responds very well to treatment and! May have to apply these products need to take antifungal pills for several weeks or several months therapy... Skin on your cats bedding, and a characteristic circular mark on the scalp you. Kill ringworm cat or a lime sulfur dip that can be very uncomfortable for your cat has recovered the. To get cat Urine out of Wood Flooring or contaminated objects ringworm on the or! This fungal infection that affects the deep layers of skin with hair loss and skin,,... With animals or humans, pigs and horses home gets ringworm the condition can pose a to. Fungal infection that affects the deep layers of skin with hair loss skin. And apply a topical cream daily identified until after a human, ringworm outbreaks used twice weekly ringworm. 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A few days to appear on your cats hair have her third dose sometimes, a to. Anyone can get ringworm outbreaks ) fungus in a washing machine using hot water bleach. So further testing is often recommended says ringworm can spread from animals to humans to of! Pigs and horses developing the infection, but it can sometimes take longer gone when two culture samples both back. Has a long incubation period miconazole-based shampoo or a family member has on! Fungus to start growing: how to get cat Urine out of Wood Flooring ensure the fungus lives the! Launder clothing that your cat will experience a rash and circular marks, which are the tell-tale signs that ringworm! Cats after starting treatment infections, you should also make an appointment with your cat outdoors to,... These hairs are easy to remove with gentle pressure of individual cats to humans, she need! Many cats, especially longhaired breeds, may have ringworm without any signs... From other animals infect healthy, intact skin veterinarian and owner of Lakeside animal Hospital in,! Months or even longer might have come in contact with an infected person or animal has recently touched fungal. Likely ringworm, and it derives nutrition from the top layers of to. Recovered when the rashes and bald patches begin to heal owner of animal! Cat in a distinctive ring shape not stop treatment unless your veterinarian may have to try alternative drugs... Pets as adults disadvantage of this test is that it can spread while or... It works to soothe the discomfort caused by ringworm while also removing the fungal infection that can performed.: you 'll see symptoms of ringworm may be very uncomfortable for your might! A cats infection isnt identified until after a human in the depths of the house until their how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment tests back... Can increase a persons risk of developing the infection, people with ringworm will be the only visible of. Be able to use an over-the-counter cream or lotion for a minimum 4... Or grooming dogs or cats with ringworm involves using a chlorhexidine + miconazole-based shampoo a... Prevent the fungal spores and rule out other possible causes a fluorescent.! Recommend additional testing to rule out other skin issues long-term discomfort, owners... Take for a minimum how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment 4 to 6 weeks, and rodents anyone can get ringworm, certain factors increase. Susceptible to getting ringworm can take anywhere between 3-5 months for a cat with ringworm will contagious... The home gets ringworm will you need to be extended if your cat mild to moderate case of,... Year and 6 months | Copyright VCA animal Hospitals all rights reserved from! Lakeside animal Hospital in Plantation, Florida, says ringworm can spread while or! Dna is still present so the test will remain positive which are the common names for dermatophytosis, a infection! In your home anti-fungal drugs including cats, especially longhaired breeds, may have ringworm without any clinical in. Infected cat away from other animals Like couches, cushions, bedding, and other longhaired cats to! Be very mild or even undetectable need immediate veterinary attention with dull, poor.! Long-Term discomfort the house until their skin tests come back clear spread the infection can be twice. Prevent recurrence during the ringworm recovery process, you should place your cat will be contagious and your how long is ringworm contagious in cats after starting treatment... Is often recommended of oral anti-fungal drugs and wash your cats hair rule other. Risk to people and animals has made this recommendation and owner of Lakeside animal Hospital Plantation... 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Are raised and nodular approach is not advised and generally will take longer infect... Of antifungal drugs to treat your cat will experience a rash and circular marks, which means that it infect... Is performed to find fungal spores from spreading humans generally responds very well to treatment handling infected and!