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Can I treat my cat's ringworm at home with over-the-counter medicine?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 2 days old | 1lb

I believe she’s got ringworm, cuz now I’ve got it and I’ve never had it before. She has bald spots throughout her fur and she’s scratching the patches a lot. I’m wondering what I can buy to treat it at home without an expensive visit to the vet. Is there an over the counter medicine available I can buy? And if so, from where?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 17th, 2018

Unfortunately no, there are no OTC medications you can use to treat Magick's ringworm. She needs an oral anti fungal medication because Microsporum canis (fungal organism causing ringworm) is spread diffusely throughout a cat's entire hair coat, and the whole body needs to be treated. The oral anti fungal medications are prescription only, so you have to make an appointment with the vet. You will also need to disinfect the home, as ringworm spores can live up to 18 months in the environment. I will put a link below on how to do this. I hope this helps! http://www.livestrong.com/article/49666-rid-home-ringworm/

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