Here's the low-down. In the beginning of November, I developed a small spot on my neck. It was super itchy, but didn't seem THAT bad, and it never occurred to me that I could have ringworm. In 2005, I was a teacher in Ethiopia, and actually had ringworm from my students a few times. It manifested a bit differently, so didn't cross my mind that a kitten could have brought the scourge about the household.
Eddie showed no real signs that he had ringworm. He was being quarantined because of ear mites and possible fleas, but we were not good at making sure he and the others were 100% separated. They would play back and forth under the door, and towels meant to be a barrier did not stay there. I did wash my hands after each time playing with Eddie, but he was SO lovey and reallllllly liked to snuggle right under your chin.
Here's a cat picture to break up these block of texts.
November 14, I realized that Cedric had some strange spots, and after googling way too many things, decided to let OPP know that I had a strong suspicion that we had a ringworm outbreak in our midst. By this time, I had developed more spots on my arms and under my own chin.
Eddie was tested the next day at the vet's office, and was positive for ringworm. They gave us some Micanzole 2% cream to put on his nose. Cedric was "clear" at that time. We continued to keep them separate but in hindsight, should have made a more airtight quarantine space. I started treatment with lamisil (over the counter anti-fungal), twice a day.
We continued with the cream treatment with Eddie, but in less than a week, all cats and humans began showing signs. Poor Cedric. He got it EVERYWHERE. Tom, the big orange cat, lost all hair on his ears. The cats were all banished together to the basement, where it was easier to clean.
I started the process upstairs. For those with a possible outbreak- this was as bad as treating the cats- cleaning the house! First, I cleaned the two rooms and used our extra vacuum. Then, everything was scrubbed or sprayed with a bleach solution. It was hard work, but I think stopped the initial spread. Next, I changed my clothes every time I saw the cats, and every day wore different pants. I used a different sheet each day. Everything was washed with the hottest water cycle possible. We also purchased a black light from Walmart, a long one. For the most part, ringworm will show up neon green under a black light. This was super helpful to see the progression.
I attempted to put cream on the cats' spots twice a day. It didn't go so well, for any of us. Cats hated it, I hated it, and it didn't seem to be working!! Finally, I contacted the vet and convinced them to give us oral medication. They got wet food with the medication once a day, and cream as well. For anyone going through this, I highly recommend getting this as soon as possible. The oral medication doesn't kill everything, though, and after almost two weeks on the medication and we didn't see any changes in the ringworm actually looking better on the cats. I ordered Malaseb medicated shampoo, and we began washing the cats! It was a two person process, as the cats had to be wetted and shampooed, and then they had to sit for ten minutes while the medication worked. Here are some great pictures for you to enjoy, so you all can share the joy that the cats had. Ryan and I survived with all fingers. The red lights were heat lamps that the kittens especially enjoyed.
Even though they were obviously not fans, the medicated shampoo and oral medication is what worked for us. Ryan and I ended up with pretty severe spots ourselves, which took about a month of twice a day cream to start looking better. The cats ended up with six weeks of medication and four total baths.
And now the good news: Cedric had an adopter in November, and we were in the process of scheduling his transport when the outbreak happened. Not only did this amazing lady wait for her sweet tuxedoed dude, she decided to take Eddie as well!! The boys left today for their new life. Even after all we've been through, I am thrilled that they were healthy enough to go to a new home and hope to keep in touch. These two will be beautiful cats!!
So, as a recap for those that are just scrolling and couldn't make it all the way through:
-Ringworm can present itself in different ways. (I think we'll be screening all intakes now :) ) Eddie's looked like a scuffed nose! No itching. He passed it to me and then everyone/every cat in the house. It is highly contagious!
-Although it is a lot of work, a ringworm outbreak is not the end of the world. Invest in bleach, laundry detergent, anti-fungal cream for humans, and oral medication for cats. Medicated shampoo helped to turn the corner with us!!
-Wash everything all the time, in hot water. Anything the cats touch should be disinfected with bleach daily.
-Use a vacuum you can also empty and use bleach on.
-Get ready for the long haul. It takes time.
Finally, here are a few more snuggle pictures of the crew. Our house will be quiet for a little bit now, although we hear that some other OPP fosters may need a change of scenery and join our crazy crew. I'll keep you updated!
