Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Is my 5-month-old cat's skin problem ringworm? What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My cat has been having this for 2 weeks now. She is about 5 months old and I’ve been putting an ointment on her because i think that this is wringworm but i am not sure. I want to know what it is and what i can do to help her get rid of it. Thank u!

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 30th, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about your cat. It could be ringworm. I have never come across a topical medication that has been effective for treating ringworm in cats aside from prescription-based lime sulfur dips. The concern is that the Microsporum canis (fungal organism causing ringworm) is spread diffusely throughout a cat's entire hair coat, such that an isolated topical spray will not cover all surfaces of every hair, and lead to frequent recurrence. If you are concerned that she may have ringworm, she should go to her vet for confirmation and will need to be started on oral antifungal medication. I hope that all goes well!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Is this ringworm? What can I buy to help this skin problem go away?
Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Shadow. It could be ringworm, but I can't say for certain without seeing him in person. I have never come across a topical medication that has been effective for treating ringworm in cats aside from prescription-based lime sulfur dips. The concern is that the Microsporum canis (fungal organism causing ringworm) is spread diffusely throughout a cat's entire hair coat, such that an isolated topical spray will not cover all surfaces of every hair, and lead to frequent recurrence. If you are concerned that he may have ringworm, he should go to his vet for confirmation and will need to be started on oral antifungal medication. I hope that all goes well!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What is the best treatment for ringworm?
Loki would need an anti fungal treatment. I have never come across a topical medication that has been effective for treating ringworm in cats aside from prescription-based lime sulfur dips. The concern is that the Microsporum canis (fungal organism causing ringworm) is spread diffusely throughout a cat's entire hair coat, such that an isolated topical spray will not cover all surfaces of every hair, and lead to frequent recurrence. If you are concerned that he may have ringworm, he should go to his vet for confirmation and will need to be started on oral antifungal medication. I hope that all goes well!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
How do I treat ringworm on my cat's tail? Any cream suggestion? It keeps coming back
I have never come across a topical medication that has been effective for treating ringworm in cats aside from prescription-based lime sulfur dips. The concern is that the Microsporum canis (fungal organism causing ringworm) is spread diffusely throughout a cat's entire hair coat, such that an isolated topical spray will not cover all surfaces of every hair, and lead to frequent recurrence. If you are concerned that Baby may have ringworm, she should go to his vet for confirmation and will need to be started on oral antifungal medication. I hope that all goes well!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Ring worms treatment for kitten?
You need oral medication for it. I have never come across a topical medication that has been effective for treating ringworm in cats aside from prescription-based lime sulfur dips. The concern is that the Microsporum canis (fungal organism causing ringworm) is spread diffusely throughout a cat's entire hair coat, such that an isolated topical spray will not cover all surfaces of every hair, and lead to frequent recurrence. If you are concerned that Vainilla may have ringworm, she should go to his vet for confirmation and will need to be started on oral antifungal medication. I hope that all goes well!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
my cat is 18 months old. he has white fungi on his skin. his hair falls frequently and it's growing more into his skin. I think its called worm ring. what should i do to treat my cat?
It's called ringworm, and you need a prescription oral anti-fungal medication to treat it. Topical medications do not work on cats because Microsporum canis (fungal organism causing ringworm) is spread diffusely throughout a cat's entire hair coat, such that an isolated topical spray will not cover all surfaces of every hair, and lead to frequent recurrence. I would have Rooroo seen by a vet.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My vet recommended only OTC cream (Lotrimin AF) to treat my cats ringworm. He said he could prescribe oral anti-fungal (ITRAFUNGOL ORAL SOLUTION) if I wanted but that it is expensive. He also said I could do lime sulfur dips but they aren't that impo
The cream isn't harmful but I have never come across a topical medication that has been effective for treating ringworm in cats aside from prescription-based lime sulfur dips. The concern is that the Microsporum canis (fungal organism causing ringworm) is spread diffusely throughout a cat's entire hair coat, such that an isolated topical spray will not cover all surfaces of every hair, and lead to frequent recurrence. Since the topical treatment isn't working and Nova's spots are worse, I would go back to the vet to get an oral treatment. I hope that all goes well!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Ringworm in my cat
Hello and thank you for contacting Boop by Petco. You should take your kitten to your local vet, first of all to confirm what the problem is. It may be ringworm, but it could be something else, for example mange, skin infection, allergies and more. Once the diagnosis is made, your vet will prescribe the medication your kitten needs.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I believe a kitten that I am fostering has ringworm. I have tried to schedule an appointment with my vet but it’s in a week and I want to know if I can treat him now before it gets any worse. His skin is scaly and he’s been scratching his ears to the
While I don't think it will harm Sunny, unfortunately there are no OTC treatments you can use on him. I have never come across a topical medication that has been effective for treating ringworm in cats aside from prescription-based lime sulfur dips. The concern is that the Microsporum canis (fungal organism causing ringworm) is spread diffusely throughout a cat's entire hair coat, such that an isolated topical spray will not cover all surfaces of every hair, and lead to frequent recurrence. He needs a topical prescription medication. I would call his vet to see if there is way you can get him on a cancellation list to get him in sooner. Only touch him with gloves so you don't get it as well. Best of luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Training & Behavior
Our cats have always licked and scratched alot. No obvious cuts or rashes. My daughter had now developed a patch of ringworm diagnosed by her physician. We need to treat the cats and our home. Can I use shampoos, sprays or wipes ( 1% ketoconozole) an
Hello. Yes, you can use topicals, like LimePlus Dip, or oral medications as prescribed by your veterinarian. As for your home, the ringworm spores could be on any surface. Anything that you can wash in hot, soapy water ( especially any bedding the cats sleep on ) should kill the spores. Put a new bag in your vacuum & go over all surfaces, including walls, shelves, vents ( change all air exchange filters ), lights & fans & dispose of the bag. Wet mop & go over all surfaces with a cleaner to pick up every possible speck of dust. This should rid your home of ringworm & treating the cats should eliminate all potential spores. Thanks for using Boop by Petco.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What type of cream can be used as antifungal cream for cats? For a ringworm.
Miconazole and clotrimazole are the most common topical anti-fungal medications that we use for ringworm, but you will want to consult with your veterinarian before starting any treatment for ringworm to make sure that Pita Boo is confirmed to have ringworm, to make sure that he doesn't need oral medication as well and to make sure that the topical product is safe for cats. I am including a handout on ringworm below for your reference which discusses treatment. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951439 Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Boop by Petco.
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Related Searches

Antifungal Medication for Cats Prescription Dewormer for Cats Cat Food Heartworm Prevention for Cats Cat Medicine Prescription Flea & Tick Medicine for Cats Dewormer Treatments for Cats Flea & Tick Solutions for Cats Cat Thyroid Medication Antifungal Medication for Dogs Dermalone Antifungal Medication for Cats Dermalone Cat Medicine Ketoconazole Antifungal Medication for Cats Ketoconazole Cat Medicine Profender Prescription Dewormer for Cats Elanco Dewormer Treatments for Cats Zymox Cat Health & Wellness Fluconazole Antifungal Medication for Cats Animax Cat Medicine HomeoPet Dewormer Treatments for Cats
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored