Rescuers and animal lovers, in general, may eventually encounter the dreaded ringworm. For cats in shelters, having ringworm can mean life or death, not so much because of the fungal skin infection (no worms involved) but because overcrowded shelters sometimes euthanize cats with it. One reason is how quickly it spreads without complete sterilization and containment, including to humans.
However, it’s manageable with careful attention, persistence, and dedication. Most pets, including cats, will recover with appropriate and aggressive treatment, but it’s always a hassle. Then, you have to clean everything, or the spores pose a reinfection risk for over 18 months.
Encountering Ringworm Fungal Infection
For cat rescuers, it’s a general rule to find cats struggling to survive outdoors. Such stresses lead to compromised immunity and thus to many nasty things like ringworm. But, as we have shared, one can overcome even the worst outbreak. A veterinarian will help you diagnose and treat with topical creams, anti-fungal prescription shampoos, and oral treatments (for adult cats).
It’s also a good idea to consult your doctor about ringworm exposure. Those with compromised immunities, kids, and older adults are generally more susceptible.
Often, ringworm caused will glow with a yellow-green or purply fluorescence under a blacklight or Wood’s lamp. But a vet’s diagnosis will confirm ringworm.
Testing a cat for ringworm with a blacklight. Screenshot via YouTube/Fostering Cats.
Overcoming ringworm is what amazing rescuer Nikki, who rescues with Wrenn Rescues in Ventura County, CA, has been doing. She found a method to battle the ringworm, and while it’s not a cure, it could be helpful to know about it if you’re ever in a similar fungal battle. The chances are high for anyone who regularly fosters kittens.
Treating the Fungus Among Us with Light Therapy
Nikki took in a family of cats, Mama Chanterelle and her babies, and all had ringworm. Along with the vet’s ongoing treatment plan, Nikki added a special “spa treatment,” a handheld UV light to help eliminate the “fungus among us.” While not a cure, it could help with a ringworm outbreak. (It’s not to be confused with the Wood’s lamp used to detect glowing ringworm.)
“I wouldn’t say it’s a cure, but it’s a great addition to help the skin heal during the ringworm process. We ordered ours from Neu-Tech Energy Solutions and would keep it off the face, so it can stay away from their eyes.”
UV light to treat ringworm, Neu-Tech Energy Solutions. Image screenshot via Instagram/nikkifosterscats
Neu-Tech specializes in sterilizing lighting for catteries, veterinarians, and kennels (as well as human dwellings). The lighting kills bacteria and viruses, and they suggest fungal pathogens, too. That said, they also suggest anti-aging and pain relief could be possible with some types of lighting, which makes us skeptical.
However, some research suggests that light-based therapies can help treat fungal infections in people. And, of course, natural sunlight in a room tends to inhibit fungus. So, while this type of UV lighting may not eliminate the ringworm, it makes sense that it could be helping. So, we thought we’d pass it along to anyone that would like to investigate more. Let us know if you’ve had success in the comments.
(Cole and Marmalade have no affiliation with Neu Tech and cannot verify their claims about ringworm.)
Nikki treats a kitten with ringworm
Leaving Ringworm City
Although Nikki endured tragedies along the way, Mama Chanterelle and three kittens survived, leaving “ringworm city.” Soon, they would be ready for “spay/neuter town.” Then, they could start their lives with their new human families.
Without Nikki, fellow rescuers, and veterinarians, none of these cats would be alive today. Because of her, the happy lil’ kittens below will start new lives.
“So incredibly thankful for these lil turkeys and the butterball of them all Mama 🥹 we’ve been thru a lot together, and I am so grateful they are here and I am their foster mama 😻”
To learn more about the kittens and Mama Chanterelle, follow Nikki’s fostering journey on Instagram.
Our own ZigZag had ringworm when Chris rescued her too! She had to be quarantine on the screened porch for a month, but remained as happy as ever.
