holistic cure for ringworms in cats?

Question

my cat has ringworms and we need a natural cure to help him get rid of it

Answer 1

Don't mess with holistics in this case. Ringworm (not "ringworms") is a fungus, like athlete's foot or jock itch. It is VERY CONTAGIOUS to humans and other furry pets. You are best off seeing your vet for safe and effective treatments.

Don't use over-the-counter treatments unless your vet says it's okay because cats can lick them off and get sick. Depending on how bad the fungal infection is, your vet might prescribe a safe topical medicine, a special shampoo such as Malaseb that treats fungal and bacterial infections (the two often go together), and/or an oral medicine. S/he might want to do a fungal culture to be sure that it really is ringworm, and will probably use a special light called a Wood's lamp to look for suspicious areas. Not always, but many times a ringworm lesion will glow green under the Wood's lamp. It's not a definite diagnosis, and not all ringworm spots will glow, but it's often enough to warrant treatment-- especially of you have small children or people with immune system problems in your household.

Stay away from tea tree oil!! It's TOXIC to cats-- cats have DIED following the use of tea tree oil. Some major pet store chains are carrying it, despite warnings from the Animal Poison Control Center. Use only products that are safe for cats-- your vet is the best guide in this matter. Also, your vacuum is your best friend. Vacuum daily and throw away the bag. Bleach all hard surfaces with a 10% solution (a coke can full of bleach with enough water to make a gallon of solution). Clean all grooming tools with bleach solution or throw them away. Change all your bed linens and towels daily to minimize your own contact, and wash your hands well after petting your kitty.

I feel for you... here I am, a vet tech, and even I'm battling a ringo infection in my home. We have 3 cats and the carrier was our new high-pedigree Himalayan kitten. Funny how we never had RW with our reformed strays and I never got RW from any patients, but as soon as the "royalty" comes in... sheesh! All of us humans are on oral meds and creams, and the cats are on orals, baths every 5 days (fun!) and topicals.

Answer 2

Do not use tea tree oil. It has been fatal to some cats.

But if you want to treat your cat holistically there are things you can do. You really need to do some reading before you treat your cat with anything.

On google, search for Dr. Pitcairn. He is a reputable holistic vet.
He also has a book out on holistic animal care.
Another book is called: The New Natural Cat, by Anitra Frazier. You may want to get a copy of that because both books explain in great lengths the holistic treatment of ringworm, which does not include Tea Tree oil.

You should know that you must be a knowledgeable person when it comes to Holistic Care, just as in traditional medicine. What you are talking about, I think, is a home remedy. Home remedies are not necessarily holistic in nature. Always use caution when treating your cat with any product. Some products that are used on humans, dogs, etc., can make a cat sick or be fatal to them.

If you want to treat you pet holistically, then I would suggest you find a good and reputable Holistic Vet. When you do, you will be able to appreciate the benefits of both worlds, both Holistic and Traditional.

Hope your cat gets better soon.

Answer 3

Ringworm is often self-limiting and may go away by itself. It is not typically life-threatening (I've personally never known a case where it was, but anything's *possible*), so it's a situation where you have the oppportunity to try a couple of remedies. Depending on the seriousness of the infection, you could just wait it out a bit and see.

HOWEVER, the cat can transmit the fungal infection to you and you can get ringworm. Additionally, some of the symptoms of ringworm, such as redness in the skin and hair loss, can lead to other infections as well as a result of scratching and bacteria that could get into the wound.

I've heard brewer's yeast works well but I've personally never tried it.

Answer 4

Just so you know, 'ringworm' is not a worm, it is actually a fungus. It is highly contagious and I would bet that you and anyone else who has contact with the cat will contract it. Antifungal creams of various types will usually take care of it. If you have a 'natural' antifungal treatment, by all means give it a try. But don't be surprised if the infection spreads. Best bet is just take the kitty to the vet, who will treat the ringworm appropriately.

Answer 5

As strange as it sounds, you can go to the store and buy the cream for women's yeast infections (like Monistat, etc) and put it on the ringworm. I've never tried it but I know quite a few people who swear by it. There is also a cream called Miconizole Cream that is for ringworms.


*BTW* just in case you don't know, ringworms are contagious to humans and dogs. You might want to watch out for ringworms on you or your dog (if you own one).

Answer 6

Go to the vet and get your cat properly treated. You said on your other post you were concerned about your birds getting it...so why would you want to mess with useless medications that are not going to work while putting your entire household in danger of getting ringworm. YOU can get it from your cat as well, and if you wait in treating your cat...you can end up spending A LOT more money treating yourself and your other pets....so stop being a cheapsake and treat the problem while you can afford it!!

Answer 7

You DO know that holistic is another way of saying it doesn't work?
Holistic believes that the more dilute it is..the better it works

Answer 8

Go to the vet and they will know what to do!

Answer 9

brewers yeast in there food