| Back to Home > Bulletin Board > O/T Off Topic > Topic: cat lovers - help! |
Topic: cat lovers - help!
| Author | Message |
| HisGirlFriday | Posted – 1/15/2008 1:04:07 PM | show profile Long story short .... I wound up rescuing this stray cat from an abandoned lot last week and now I think he's given me ringworm. (Though not actually a worm - still ... Ick.) The vet said the cat might have it and I have been giving him topical cream for it. But I have washed my hands, kept him locked in bathroom, etc. Strangely the little marks seem to be on my elbow, which is always covered with my sleeves. Now, of course, I'm worried about giving it to my kid and wondering what I can do to decontaminate my bathroom? Oh, and also I want to keep my other cat from getting it too ... Any other crazy cat people out there who have suggestions on dealing with a ringworm outbreak? I checked a few other pet sites and read about YEARS that it takes to go away ... What have I done??? My husband is going to kill me :) |
| Mag Girl | Posted – 1/15/2008 1:12:12 PM | show profile No, it doesn't take years... even enimal shelters get rid of it before that long :) I believe vinegar is probably the best thing to kill it with at home without using harsh chemicals. You can even put it on yourself to stop the spread. Bleach will work as well to kill it in your bathroom- it's a fungus, so anti-fungal cream will work on your arm. TO keep your other cat from getting it, keep the two cats strictly separated and don't touch your cat until you know your outbreak is gone. |
| HisGirlFriday | Posted – 1/15/2008 1:50:45 PM | show profile YIkes - I've already been touching the other cat (although the stray is locked in the bathroom and I wash my hands every time I leave.) How long does it take to go away? When do you think I can let Ringworm Boy out of the bathroom? |
| Mag Girl | Posted – 1/15/2008 4:20:54 PM | show profile It really, really varies how long it lasts with cats and with people, but if you're aggressive in treating it, it should only be a month or so. If both of the cats can stand it, baths with an anti-fungal shampoo help to rinse away the spores being produced by the fungus. And the reason not to touch the other cat is so you don't accidentally rub off spores from your arm onto him. Those spores can also live in carpeting and bedding and such (that's where they can live a long time), so clean, clean clean! Like I said, anywhere you can use bleach or vinegar, use it. Sorry to hear of your pet troubles! But good for you for rescuing the stray cat. And kids seem to be more susceptible to ringworm thatn adults- so keep the kid away from the cats andthe main areas they have been in until you know the infections have cleared. |
| HisGirlFriday | Posted – 1/15/2008 9:40:58 PM | show profile Thanks Mag Girl for all your help! *sigh* The problem with keeping the kid (and me and husband) away from Ringworm Boy is that he's locked in the bathroom to keep him away from the other cat. And we only have one bathroom. And you know how many times a 4-year-old wants to use the potty. I'll be happy if no one else gets it - I've actually had it before (from another cat) so I think I get it particularly easily. He is sure a cutie ... hope he's worth it! ;) |
| wineaux | Posted – 1/16/2008 12:41:08 AM | show profile Oh, I think you are wonderful for taking in the stray, and the ringworm is a problem that will go away in time and without too much discomfort. It is really catchy w/ children, unfortunately. My son got it a couple of years back when we stayed w/ a friend who fed a lot of stray meow meows. He was walking out every morning, stroking the kitties and got it. He doc gave him a topicle (sp) type of anti fungal ointment that was over the counter, and it went away after just a week or so. The rest of us didn't catch it, however. The doc had said to me at the time that ringworm gets a bit of a bad rap, and really should just be treated as a minor and easily treatable skin condition. He said to frequently wash the bed linens, be mindful that the area not infected not be moist, and if it didn't go away within three to four weeks to come back. Clean the bathroom w/ Softsoap that has bleach in it, and just keep the whole family washing their hands frequently. If the area becomes swollen, itchy, or spreads, see the doc for a stronger, prescription anti fungal cream. I'm no physician, but that's what I was told to do and it worked. I remembered when my kids were very small that lots of kids at the playground got it. Cats probably like the park and think of it as one big litter box. Ick. |
