We did let her out frequently to play and just be with us, but she was such a hot mess that all she would do is roll around on the floor. However, if using the coconut oil topically, licking will remove it and prevent it from taking action and exerting its benefits. What causes ringworm then? A few months later we had the opportunity to try this treatment again on one of our other cats, Bobo. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. These benefits come from the lauric acid and antimicrobial lipids found in the medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. Turmeric can be used to get rid of ringworm by mixing a half teaspoon of turmeric with coconut oil and apply on the . Feline Miliary Dermatitis is sometimes known as Miliary Eczema and can affect cats. In most animals, ringworm causes round hairless patches that are red and itchy, but some cats will be carriers of ringworm, meaning the dermatophyte can be found throughout the skin and hair but does not cause solitary lesions. Neem oil is a natural, plant-based solution that can be used to help treat ear mites in cats and dogs. Its also something you likely have on hand. If your cat won't eat coconut oil on its own, try mixing it with a tablespoon or two of especially pungent, canned cat food. When searching for natural remedies, youre likely to come across all sorts of recipes that promise to clear up ringworm in no time. It's been used to treat cats suffering from uncomfortable skin conditions. Review: Cat owners are pleased with the quality, efficacy, and price of the product. . You can apply the liquid oil directly to the skin up to three times per day. Steps to be followed Add few drops of tea tree oil in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. While this wont actually treat the ringworm, it can stop it from spreading and containing the infection should be your priority. This oil is 100% pure, natural, and cold-pressed with no GMOs, trans or hydrogenated fat. The best part is, even if it doesn't work, your cat will have a shiny, beautiful coat from all the oil. The most reliable way to remove a cyst is to have your doctor do it. I know they smell wretched and that cats hate them but they truly are the most efficacious in terms of eliminating ringworm. Internally, coconut oil can benefit a cats immune system, help with hairballs, reduce arthritis inflammation, improve bad breath, and help with a healthy stomach, she says. Coconut oil can be used every day, as it will not soak into your skin and cause problems the way sea salts do. Apply the paste over the skin and then wipe it off. This didnt seem to be a typical grooming session, he had been licking the same spot for far too long. - Frank Lloyd Wright, Although it would be highly arrogant of us to think we could actually design ecosystems, we believe that we can create a balanced ecological agricultural landscape by allowing nature to return to the land., How happy I am to be able to walk among the shrubs, the trees, the woods, the grass and the rocks! So I mix a small dose with chicken broth and mix it with the wet food. Discontinue use of any conventional or natural treatment for ringworm if you experience any side effects such asnegative skin reactions. All things considered, it is not too difficult to treat ringworms in cats. Many people will wonder that, does coconut oil really works for treating ringworm? Summary: This is an excellent product that offers a wide range of health benefits for both cats and dogs. Vets suggest starting with as little as 1/8 of a teaspoon daily. There are also much better and safer options for insect repellants. Coconut oil can be used to help treat a ringworm infection because it contains lauric acid. Coconut oil has several anti-inflammatory compounds as well as naturally occurring antioxidants. Lemongrass Oil Apply pet coconut oil directly on skin as a rash cream for dogs and cats or as a bite treatment to provide calm itchy skin relief for your pet. In fact, Stupine says that coconut oil seems to be used in a manner similar to fish oil, though coconut oil doesnt have the Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. Always opt for a popular brand, especially when buying from online platforms such as Amazon or. The Best 8 Home Remedies for Cysts: Do They Work. It's advisable to use disposable gloves to apply coconut oil as ringworm can spread quickly. Get it on Amazon Get it on Chewy. Coconut Oil. Also adding too much too fast could cause diarrhea.. There are actually a fewtypes of ringworm. If these dont work, your doctor can prescribe oral antifungal pills. These include: Ringworm is a fungal infection affecting the outer layers of the skin. This natural oil is able to prevent the ringworm infection within 1 week but you have to follow it for another week to ensure that the fungus has been killed and also to prevent its recurrence. (16) Using a cotton ballsaturated (but not dripping) with apple cider vinegar, gently dab the ringworm area two to three timesa day until the ringworm clears up. Dr. Jeffrey Stupine, VMD, head veterinarian for wellness at the Pennsylvania SPCA, doesnt recommend giving coconut oil on a regular basis, but he says his colleagues have seen it offer such benefits as treating dermatitis. Research into lauric acid shows that it has antibacterial and antifungal activities against a wide range of pathogens. Its best to mix and store these ingredients in a glass bottle. Because of its lauric acid content, it has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, meaning it can prevent infections and fight off harmful pathogens. Coconut oil is considered as a most popular home remedy for treating many health and skin problems including nail fungus, ringworm, acne, athletes foot, etc. Until they do, though, the disease will remain highly infectious. (9), Your risk of contracting ringwormis higher if any of the following risk factors are true: (10). These often come in lotions or creams, but they may also come in powder form. Tea Tree Oil. If you have ringworm of the scalp, your doctor may likely recommend a medicated shampoo as part of your conventional ringworm scalp treatment. Also, people can use coconut oil as a moisturizing lotion, which may be an effective way to prevent future . It also works great as an ear cleaner. 2. (2018). Some of the most common signs of ringworm in cats and kittens include: Dry and flakey skin Skin redness or irritation Tiny raised bumps on the skin Circular lesions, comparable to the appearance of cigarette burns Itchy skin Patches of hair loss Rough or crusted skin Irritation around the nail beds Secondary skin infections from scratching ( 18) For natural ringworm treatment, you can apply pure tea tree essential oil to the affected area or you can combine it with an antifungal carrier oil like coconut oil. Customers give this coconut oil for cats 4.4 out of 5 stars. Soon Louies fur grew back, and you would never know hed had ringworm. If your ringworm symptoms havent gone away after a week and a half of using coconut oil or other OTC remedies, make an appointment to see your doctor. The only ingredient in this product is USDA-certified organic coconut oil. It can be spread from cats to dogs and even humans via skin-to-skin contact. See your healthcare provider if any of the following is true: (21). Thankfully, there are several natural options with proven anti-fungal abilities. Everything You Need to Know, Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Ingredient Analysis: The only ingredient is 100% cold-pressed organic coconut oil. It isnt a life threatening disease but a contagious disease that have to be treated immediately without spreading it to other body parts, with many over the counter medications or natural remedies. When coconut oil is mixed with any essential oil and applied topically on affected area then it provides effective relief from the ringworm and its symptoms like itching and flaking. Tea Tree Oil. You also may want to try my homemadeApple Cider Vinegar Antifungal Sprayas a natural treatment of ringworm. For this article, Im going to focus on treatment for ringworm in humans when the fungal infection ison the body. Use an Elizabethan collar to ensure that your cat does not lick the oil off after a topical application, Run the oil between your hands to soften it and apply it all over your cats coat, Remove the collar once the coconut oil is absorbed into the skin, 2022 Veterinarian.org, LLC. Instead, they have a bumpy red patch. Coconut oil has antioxidant properties, which help soothe the damage skin. Other times, a person or animal can have ringworm and not have any obvious symptoms at all! No, when used correctly, coconut oil for cats is neither toxic nor harmful. It works great on your cats dry nose, elbows, ears, and paws, which heals and softens a pets dry skin. Stir well and apply this mix on the ringworm infected skin areas. So we started Louies natural ringworm treatment. that support healthy liver function. This includes cooking, baking, and even first-aid. You or your child has ringworm on the scalp. As with any diet addition, consult your veterinarian before using coconut oil for your cat. However, when misused, coconut oil can have some side effects. I would introduce it slowly because, like anything, some cats tolerate it better than others or the cat could be allergic to itwhich is rare but happens with any dietary supplement, Gardner says. During the first application, Louie squirmed a bit, wondering what the heck we were doing to him. Both tea tree oil and coconut oil have antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that give you relief from ringworm and its symptoms. Get in a habit of not sharing towels, clothing or other personal items with others. It might keep some insects away, but there is no evidence that it actually works for these other conditions. The easiest way to use coconut oil for cats is to melt the product in the microwave and pour it over the kibble. Required fields are marked *. Mayo Clinic Staff. It is the most effective daily defense and best anti-itch topical solution for your pets health & sensitive coat (fit for itching, rashes, cuts, and seasonal allergies). If your cat wont tolerate coconut oil, there are alternatives to consider. What You Need to Know! However, when misused, coconut oil can have some side effects. Coconut oil has both microbial and antifungal properties that can help treat ringworm infections. For treatment to be successful, all environmental contamination must also be eliminated. Even after your symptoms have resolved or disappeared, continue using coconut oil on the affected area for at least one week. Thank you everyone for your replies! Start by mixing of a teaspoon of virgin and organic coconut oil to your cat's food plate once a day. The consensus was that coconut oil worked well for this. If you buy something from a link on our site, we may earn a commission. Ringworm may also be referred to by different names depending where on the body it appears. Yet another cat lover hit with a possible $2-2.5K bill for bladder stone surgery + putting him on expensive prescription food ($3/can - yikes!!! ) This will allow the cat to get used to the new supplement. Make sure you treat the original site for at least a month and all sites for at least two weeks after symptoms resolve. Discover ways to treat ringworm symptoms with home remedies. This will make sure that the infection is gone and reduce the risk of recurrence. Featured Image Credit By: George Hodan, public domain pictures. Turmeric. Itraconazole is a frequently used medication for pets with ringworm. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. While coconut oil does have some benefits for cats, it's important to note that the ASPCA has it on their list of "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets," saying that it probably . I can be so stupid sometimes. Immediately, thoughts of a vet visit in the height of the COVID pandemic swirled into my head. Review: This coconut oil is excellent as a protector and repair & relief ointment for scaly, dry, and damaged skin. Ringworm infections may be itchy and often begin as a flat, scaly area on the skin. If you suspect your dog has ringworm, take him or her to the vetas soon as possible. About TheCatSite.com. Its likely that youll need prescription medications to treat the infection successfully. If the infection is severe, you may have to use them for anywhere between one to three months. Coconut oil is also used to help wounds heal faster. In these cases, ringworm can just look like a bad case of dandruff. We also put her in isolation in a spare bedroom because we have a neutered male cat who kept trying to have his way with her even though his plumbing had been removed several years prior. Talk to your doctor about continuing the use of coconut oil once medications are begun. Studies have shown that colloidal silver haspotent antifungal abilities. It has both antimicrobial and antifungal properties and is effective against several strains of bacteria and fungi. The oil provides relief to itchy skin while smoothing and softening the infected area. Wash the affected area and your hands thoroughly with warm water. In addition to treating ringworm in your cat, it's important to treat the environment where he's been. Leave the coconut oil on the skin. What exactly causes ringworm? 4 Sometimes topical ointments are used to treat ringworm in conjunction with oral treatments. But are there any benefits of coconut oil for cats? (2017). ). It's pretty contagious, so you probably all have it. Mix turmeric powder with water to form a paste and apply it to the affected area. Great benefits for your feline friends, all natural coconut oil, a moisturizing treatment for cats itchy skin, cracked paws, and effective in cleaning cat ears. of Spray . While coconut oil in its natural state is potent enough, make sure that any substitute you buy contains the right concentration of oil. (11). Animals such as cats, dogs, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, rabbits, rodents, and even birds can be infected with ringworm. TheCatSite.com is a community of cat lovers dedicated to quality cat care and cat welfare. To prevent GI upsets and allergic reactions, cat owners should start with a smaller amount. How To Use: Dilute tea tree oil with water and dab it onto affected areas. Coconut oil can be used in many ways for treating only mild and moderately affected ringworm infection but make sure to consult your doctor if youre suffering from severe ringworm infections. You can also mix a few drops into their shampoo and wash them with it. Just a note about the lime sulfur dip: it stinks. It took a long time, 3-4 months, 3-4 treatments/daily. The tricky thing about ringworm is that it doesnt always appear in a ring pattern, especially if you haveringworm of the scalp or of the beard. Ringworm of the scalp, for example, is an extremely contagious infection. The most common dermatophytes in cats include: Microsporum canis: Usually following contact with another infected cat Trichophyton mentagrophytes: Typically following contact with rodents Coconut oil for cats can be used orally or topically. You can try them if you like, but we recommend starting with the lime sulfur therapy if you definitely want to see results. Customers give this coconut oil for cats 4.5 out of 5 stars. Before we talk about the specifics of ringworm treatment, I want to clear up one of the top ringworm misconceptions that ringworm is caused by a worm. Katelyn Son is a holistic pet wellness expert and the Content Manager for Veterinarians.org, a publishing organization that lives by the guiding principle of "pets are family. Ringworm, in case you didnt know, is not actually a worm. Also, I made a separate solution to spray on the carpet area to ride of any parasites or fleas. Heres what to expect both with treatment and, A purpuric rash is made up of small, discolored spots under your skin from leaking blood vessels. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Just remember that for dogs and cats and small animals, the smaller they are, the more you want to dilute it. I started using diluted ACV (1tbs per cup of water) on my 9 week old kitten for his ringworm 3 days ago. 1/4 tsp of borax. So started searching, found this site and so happy. are clickable links to these studies. Coconut oil helps with certain skin issues, in which cases it can be applied directly to the skin. If you or someone you know has this fungal infection, you may wonder, how long is ringworm contagious? Still, go easy on the application, as your cat can get diarrhea if they ingest too much. This can also help to decrease redness and other visible symptoms of the infection. which can be easily purchased over the counter and is very effective at treating ringworm. Powerful components of oregano oil, such ascarvacrol, have been shown in studies to have impressive antifungal powers. Vets often recommend topical creams or shampoos and oral anti-fungal medications. Clear it up: Use it twice a day, and the infection should start clearing within a few days, Dr. Vij says. Powder is particularly common for athletes foot. Hope youll get rid of this infection using coconut oil and dont forget to share your experience with us. One of the conditions coconut oil is used to treat is ringworm, a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin. Thats why most vets would discourage their use, as they prefer other treatments like lime sulfur therapy. But as soon as we put him down and he was free to lick a bit of the oil off of his belly, he was a happy cat, enjoying the taste of the coconut oil. Various pharmacological aspects of cocos nucifera A review. Vets don't usually like to neuter a cat when they are sick. This all-natural and organic coconut oil acts as the perfect skin soother. 6. Ringworm can be very tough to treat and can takes weeks to get under control so you have to be aggressive and use effective medications or you will have a very har dtime treating it.Write back if you have more questions,Dr Karen Customer Coconut oil has long been used as a treatment for ringworm for several reasons. However, do your research before using any of them, as many of the most popular cures are actually toxic to cats. Dilute a few drops of the oil in water. If you are buying a coconut oil product made especially for cats, it will have dosing instructions on the package. Feed your pet about 1 teaspoon of coconut oil per 10lbs of body weight each day. Discover how to lessen their appearance or get rid of them permanently. We typically use a one to 2% dilution for dogs. It took a long time, 3-4 months, 3-4 treatments/daily. Mix about a teaspoon of ACV into your cat's freshwater supply. The colon cleanse has been used throughout history to improve the bodys Have you ever had a migraine headache? To use coconut oil in supporting your cat during ringworm, you can either apply it as a topical ointment to the affected areas or integrate the whole thing with your cat's diet. Ringworm is a type of fungal skin infection that commonly spreads outward while the inside of the circle clears up. When my kitty went into heat while waiting for her spay date, we found that confining her to her carrier with a towel draped over it helped calm her down. As a result, many people are drawn to natural home remedies like those shown above. However, a doctor can guide you on the correct dilution rate and process. Simply combine a couple of drops of myrrh essential oil with coconut oil and apply it a couple of times per day. This article looks at the evidence to determine whether coconut oil is also good for your. Review: This cold-pressed organic coconut oil offers allergy relief, moisturized skin and coat, a natural hairball remedy, and acts as a lotion for dogs and cats. There is definitely some overlap with naturalringworm treatment for humans and natural treatment for ringworm in dogs. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. #4: Echinacea is tough on skin diseases. So even without symptoms, a person or animal can be spreading ringworm. If you have a a really stubborn case of ringworm, then I recommend usingtea tree oil as well as oregano oil. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. Review: Pet owners are happy the product promotes healthy skin & coat, immune system support, and a healthy GI tract. Crush camphor to make it as 5 grams powder. If you are just opening a jar of coconut oil, start with 1/8 of a teaspoon per day and work up to whatever works for your cat without exceeding 1/2 teaspoon twice a day. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal skin infection. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Customers give this coconut oil for cats 4.4 out of 5 stars. Combined with a carrier oil like coconut oil, its another option for treating ringworm if you already have it on hand or perhaps prefer its aroma to tea tree or oregano. Coconut oil contains saturated fats from medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) or medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), including lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid. To avoid excessive sweating, avoid wearing thick, unbreathable clothing for long periods of time, especially in humid environments. In the long run, it can also lead to weight gain and obesity. before using coconut oil for your cat. All rights reserved. In cats, about 98% of ringworm cases are caused by the fungus Microsporum canis. Your email address will not be published. But lots of other (more common) skin conditions look very similar and some cats will show no signs at all. Coconut oil has long been used topically and as a part of a healthy diet, and it has been shown to have powerful antifungal and antimicrobial properties. If you own cats long enough, sooner or later, you might see them: little lesions all over the animals skin, right below the fur. Customers give this coconut oil for cats 4.5 out of 5 stars. Examples of over the counter treatment for ringworm include clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) and terbinafine (Lamisil AT). For grabbing best results, buy or use coconut oil in a glass jar rather than in a plastic container. There was a bare spot on his belly where there was no fur, and on that spot the skin was inflamed and red. Keep in mind that all cats are different and your veterinarian can help you determine if the benefits of using coconut oil with your cat outweigh the risks. Leave the paste on for 30 minutes before washing it off with warm water. on two levels. Find doctors by specialty. Here are some of the top natural ways to make your ringworm (which literally may feel and look like a ring of fire) quickly a thing of the past. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) I do my best to keep Hearthwilde a space free from ads. Spreading a little of the oil over your cat's skin . In a facility with an easily cleaned/disinfected euthanasia room, this might be a good place for clipping ringworm cats. Please note that we use cookies necessary for the functioning of our website, cookies that optimize the performance. Expose your infected skin to sunlight for not less than 30 minutes daily. All you have to rely on is anecdotal evidence and somewhat-related research. This how ringworm got its name because the pattern it forms on the skin often appears in a ring shape. Gardner says that fish oil and topical olive oil can be good alternatives, though ideally they would be used together to maximize fatty acids. Then dab some onto a cotton ball and apply to the affected area. It is also possible to get ringworm of the beard. For example, giving your cat too much coconut oil can cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea. Both tea tree oil and coconut oil have antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that give you relief from ringworm and its symptoms. For an average-size cat, give to teaspoon once or twice a day, Gardner recommends. This product is rich in medium-chain fatty acids as it offers several nutritional benefits to pets. Also, excess licking of coconut oil can trigger digestive upset. This is when a ringworm infection develops. Some of the most common types are:(3), For this article, Im mainly going to focus on ringworm of the body, which is a fungal infection that develops on the top layer of the skin. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisturizing benefits can soothe skin irritation and flakiness by lubricating the skin and reducing healing time. In vitro antimicrobial properties of coconut oil on Candida species in Ibadan, Nigeria. Ringworm is a skin rashcaused by a fungus. I'm going to treat my kitty with ACV as suggested here. Oregano Oilhas been shown to work just as well as antifungal treatments and antibiotics in some cases. The breeder took one of his to the vet that was showing a problem. Can Cats Eat Grapes? Sometimes these ringworm fungi exist as spores in soil for an extended length of time and then humans (or animals) can pick up the fungi through direct contact with the soil (another reason to wear gardening gloves!). Essential Oil Dilution for Animals. This is our top pick when it comes to the best coconut oil for cats, thanks to its high ratings on Amazon and Chewy. When these fungi come into contact with human or animal skin, the organism can start to multiply. This product contains nothing but cold-pressed coconut oil that has been manufactured with wheat and grain-free formula. Its not actually caused by a worm; it gets that name because it causes a red ring on the skin. In general, cold-pressed oil has a long shelf life and has more overall health benefits. And it never came back. . It also works great as an ear cleaner. Environments where you are more likely to catch ringworm include locker rooms (the floors), pool areas and shower stalls. While not dangerous, the rashes can be incredibly irritating and unattractive, so its not something that you want to catch. Myrrh essential oil is another one of my top picks when it comes to essential oils for treating ringworm. Apply the oil directly to the affected area two to three times a day. The first is that it has strong antifungal benefits that can eradicate mild or superficial fungal infections when. Another option is to use plain water if you don't want to use milk. If your cat wont eat coconut oil on its own, try mixing it with a tablespoon or two of especially pungent, canned cat food. However, they do like coconut oil in most cases. You can also use antifungal shampoo for treating ringworm infection. One will allow me to apply the other cat runs from me. Apply coconut oil to the affected area between four and six times a day. I had some in the cupboard, and it was certainly worth avoiding the logistics (and extra expense) of a visit to the vet. Along with the causes of dark, Split nails are often caused by an injury such as a stubbed toe or receiving a severe blow to a finger or thumb. coconut oil, sunflower oil and lavender oil to provide gentleness and healing power A small amount goes a long way Safer alternative to harsh chemical treatments Give your furry friend the relief he . Can coconut oil treat ringworm in cats? But it is wise to consult your doctor immediately if you didnt find any relief from the problem. They've got to! Giving your cat some coconut oil orally can boost their vitamin e levels and keep the skin in good condition and promote a healthy-looking coat. (18) For natural ringworm treatment, you can apply pure tea tree essential oil to the affected area or you can combine it with an antifungal carrier oil like coconut oil. Natural pet treatments such as apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, tea tree oil, papaya, garlic, and grapefruit seed extract are not effective and some of them are toxic to pets. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Dog Breed Guide Cat Breed Guide Apply the tea tree oil directly to the affected area. Engagingin physical activity that involves skin-to-skin contact, like wrestling. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. How to choose the right food for your cat. It is best to study several brands before opting for the perfectly priced product. so having ringworm in a building full of cats is something they want to manage. 3 By using both oral and topical treatment regimens, you'll kill both the spores on the skin and suppress the infection in the cat systemically. It seemed to me that coconut oil was worth a try! Living in a community that was at the time, strongly anti-mask, I felt a sense of dread.