Question:
I'm writing about my daughter's cat Casey, who contracted ringworm after my daughter adopted a lovely, precious kitten (Lulubelle) from the animal shelter and found out later that she had ringworm.My daughter asked if Lulubelle had ringworm when she adopted her, and the staff at the animal shelter indicated that she'd been treated for ringworm and was fine and healthy. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Two weeks later, both cats came down with ringworm. This has been going on now for two months and my daughter is beside herself.Casey may have to be shaved because of his long hair and the fact that the ringworm has spread. After at least six visits to the vet, medicated shampoo and oral medicine, Casey still has ringworm and the bill is up to $450 so far.My daughter's house has been thoroughly bleached and cleaned, but the ringworm persists. Casey is confined to one room to prevent spreading this pest. Is there anything else that can be done?.
J.B., Belmar, NJ Jul 11, 2004
Answer:
Shaving a cat completely is advisable once ringworm is diagnosed. This is a highly contagious fungal infection and, as you have discovered, expensive to treat.Your letter puts all animal shelters and cat adoption organizations on notice to carefully test all cats and kittens for ringworm. All cat-holding facilities should have a quarantine room for incoming animals so as to help prevent the spread of ringworm to other animals and to the families who adopt them.
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