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What is the Best Ringworm Shampoo for Cats?
- Best Overall Ringworm Shampoo for Cats: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo
This is our top pick because it is not only an effective ringworm treatment but is also a great value for money product. - Best Multiuse Ringworm Shampoo for Cats: VetWELL Micoseb Medicated Shampoo
This shampoo is geared toward treating a broad range of skin issues, from fungal infections to dermatitis and flaking. - Best Soothing Ringworm Shampoo for Cats: VetWELL Ketoconazole Chlorhexidine Shampoo
Mint-scented pet shampoo that helps manage ringworm infections while being gentle and nourishing on the skin. - Best Scented Ringworm Shampoo for Cats: Pet MD Medicated Shampoo for Cats
The peppermint aroma is a crowd-pleaser, placing this efficient medicated shampoo on the list of the best antifungals. - Best Ringworm Shampoo for Kittens: Pet MD Micoseb-CX Medicated Shampoo
pH-balanced, fragrance-free, medicated shampoo for broad-spectrum skin infections that can be used on kittens. - Best Anti-Itch Ringworm Shampoo for Cats: Jungle Pet Antiseptic Shampoo
Cucumber-melon scented shampoo for dogs and cats that hunts down the skin problem and provides itch relief.
How does Ringworm Shampoo for Cats Work?
The ringworm shampoo for cats is an antifungal shampoo that contains ingredients like kill fungi and help manage fungal skin infections. Commonly active ingredients are ketoconazole/miconazole as an antifungal and chlorhexidine as a broad-spectrum antibacterial.
What are the Benefits of Ringworm Shampoo for Cats?
In addition to helping with fungal infections, ringworm shampoos for cats have other benefits. Let’s take a closer look at those benefits:
- Ringworm. Ringworm or dermatophytosis is a common skin problem that can be solved with shampoos. The shampoo contains ingredients that kill the ringworm spores. It also has anti-itch properties to manage the symptoms and help the round, itchy lesions heal faster.
- Skin Infections. The antifungals work on various types of fungi, not just ringworm. Since most ringworm shampoos contain different active ingredients, they often work on several infections and skin conditions like pyoderma, hot spots, and bacterial dermatitis.
- Skin & Coat Care. Same as any other shampoo, ringworm shampoo contains ingredients that nourish the skin and condition the coat. They provide deep cleaning, moisturization, and deodorization. Some even have detangling features.
The Best Ringworm Shampoos for Cats Reviewed
If you have a ringworm-infected cat, you need a high-quality shampoo. But, with so many products on the market, it is hard to find the right one. We have selected and reviewed the best ringworm shampoos for cats.
Summary: With a formula made to be both an antiseptic and antifungal medication, Veterinary Medical Shampoo for Cats treats infections brought on by bacteria and yeasts while promoting a healthy coat and keeping skin strong and healthy.
Shampoo Scent: Unscented
Key Ingredients: Benzethonium chloride and ketoconazole
Pros
- High-quality, vet-grade ingredients
- Soap, phthalate, and paraben-free formula
- Fast-acting shampoo for dogs and cats
Cons
- Ingestion of shampoo can lead to nausea and diarrhea
Review: This ringworm shampoo for cats is overwhelming highly rated with over 19,000 five-star reviews. Those who were critical were seemingly disappointed in the reaction their pets had after ingesting it due to licking after a bath.
Summary: VetWELL Medicated Shampoo is made with miconazole and aloe vera. The antifungal manages the ringworm spores, and the aloe vera helps soothe the irritated and itchy skin. This pet shampoo can be used on cats, dogs, and horses.
Shampoo Scent: Unscented
Key Ingredients: Miconazole, chlorhexidine, and aloe vera
Pros
- Soothes and moisturizes the cat’s skin
- Works for a broad spectrum of skin conditions
- Made in the USA with vet-grade ingredients
Cons
- Does not lather very easily and quickly
Review: Most reviews were positive, with some going as far as to say “every dog owner needs this.” The chief complaint seemed to be the lack of lather which made users feel like the shampoo was not working properly.
Summary: Formulated with ketoconazole and chlorhexidine, this medicated shampoo for pets is an excellent treatment option for a variety of skin conditions. In addition to the active ingredients, it contains aloe and oatmeal that soothe the skin and have an anti-itch effect.
Shampoo Scent: Mint
Key Ingredients: Ketoconazole and chlorhexidine
Pros
- Effective on mange, mites, and ringworm
- With oatmeal and aloe to provide symptom relief
- Made in the USA with selected ingredients
Cons
- Does not lather very easily and quickly
Review: A surprising number of reviewers said they had used this ringworm shampoo for cats on their own hair as well as their pets and had equally positive results in both applications. The main critique of this ringworm shampoo for cats was the lack of lather which is expected since the shampoo is sulfate-free.
Summary: Pet MD Medicated Shampoo features two vet-grade active ingredients – chlorhexidine and ketoconazole. The veterinary strength of the medications makes the shampoo efficient in the treatment of abrasions, infections, and acne. This ringworm shampoo for cats is also moisturizing and soothing on the cat’s skin.
Shampoo Scent: Peppermint
Key Ingredients: Chlorhexidine and ketoconazole
Pros
- Cleans and medicates superficial cuts and bites
- Made with moisturizing oatmeal and soothing aloe vera
- Veterinary-strength shampoo made in the USA
Cons
- Some users find the scent too strong
Review: The majority of consumers rate this ringworm shampoo for cats highly, with one reviewer calling it a “miracle shampoo” that cured their pet’s skin issues. They were pleased with the scent as it did not smell “medicated.” However, some pet owners dislike the peppermint scent.
Summary: With a broad spectrum medicating formula Pet MD Micoseb-CX is made to target skin issues ranging from fungal infections to dermatitis to scaly skin. It has cleaning, conditioning, and deodorizing effects. Plus, it is made to be used on different pets and of all life stages.
Shampoo Scent: Unscented
Key Ingredients: Chlorhexidine and miconazole nitrate
Pros
- pH-balanced, fragrance-free, medicated shampoo
- Soothes, cleans, conditions, deodorizes, and degreases
- Veterinary-strength shampoo made in the USA
Cons
- The degreasing action is not very lasting
Review: Customers who had pets with yeast infection issues and hair loss mentioned how well it worked to relieve symptoms, however, more than one consumer complained about the reduction in greasiness their pet was experiencing lasted for about 48 hours.
Summary: Jungle Pet Antiseptic Shampoo for dogs and cats uses a formula of 2% chlorhexidine and 1% ketoconazole. The shampoo has strong antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. It also helps with deep-cleaning the skin and deodorizes the coat.
Shampoo Scent: Cucumber melon
Key Ingredients: Chlorhexidine and ketoconazole
Pros
- Works on bacteria, ringworm, and hot spots
- Antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal activity
- Crafted in small batched in the USA
Cons
- The formula lacks a conditioning component
Review: Most reviews tout Jungle Pet Antiseptic Shampoo is an effective treatment against fungal infections. Some going as far as to say it is “perfect” and the “best thing ever.” The most common complaint seemed to be the lack of conditioners to help soften the pet’s fur.
What Shampoo Kills Ringworm in Cats?
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo is the best ringworm shampoo for cats. It contains powerful active ingredients and low cost per unit.
When looking for a ringworm shampoo there are a few things to keep in mind. Below we list some common things to look for when searching for a ringworm topical treatment:
- Active Formulation. The shampoo should have antifungal active ingredients like miconazole or ketoconazole. It can also have chlorhexidine as an antimicrobial and disinfectant.
- Balanced pH. The cat’s skin is much more sensitive than human skin and with a different pH balance. Therefore the shampoo must be gentle and pH-balanced for pets.
- Skin-Sensitivity. If your cat has sensitive skin, it is important to get a ringworm shampoo with a hypoallergenic formula (with ingredients that are unlikely to irritate the cat’s skin).
- No Harsh Chemicals. Choose a shampoo formula that is free from harsh chemicals (parabens, soaps, sulfates, phthalates, DEA, MEA) and artificial additives (dyes, fragrances).
- Scent. The antifungal shampoo can be scented or unscented. Choose the option that fits you and your cat. You will be using the shampoo often, and you need to be comfortable with it.
- Brand. Always check the brand you are considering. Ideally, the brand should be transparent and based in the USA. It is a good idea to read reviews from previous customers.
- Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo for pets is scientifically formulated with benzethonium chloride (antibacterial) and ketoconazole (antifungal) to relieve bacterial & yeast infections.
- This shampoo for dogs/cats is pH balanced for your pet and paraben and soap-free. It will not remove topical spot-on flea and tick treatments and has been proven to safely treat Bacterial Pyoderma and allergic/fungal dermatitis.
- Medicated antiseptic and antifungal shampoo is for use on both dogs and cats over 12 weeks of age. Use twice weekly until skin conditions clear up, then once a week to prevent flare-ups.
What Ingredients Should Not be in a Cat Shampoo for Ringworm?
Artificial additives and harsh chemicals are common but hazardous shampoo ingredients. Here is an in-depth review of the ingredients that should not be in a ringworm shampoo for cats:
- Artificial Additives. This includes dyes and fragrances that are linked with allergic reactions, birth defects, organ failure, and certain types of cancer.
- Sulfates. Sulfates are cleansing agents that make lather. They are harsh and associated with exacerbated symptoms and skin irritation.
- Parabens. As chemical preservatives, parabens are used to extend the shelf life. They easily get absorbed and accumulate in the body, causing hormonal disorders.
- Phthalates. Phthalates are fragrances and are added to shampoos to enhance the scent. If in higher amounts, they are known to cause intense hormonal disorders.
Should You Bathe a Cat With Ringworm?
Yes, bathing your cat with ringworm is something you should do.
Ringworm cats require aggressive treatment with topicals. Sometimes, managing the ringworm infection requires oral antifungals too.
Getting to the bottom of the skin infection quickly is important. This is because ringworm is a zoonotic disease – it can get transferred to the owner. The disease is also contagious to other pets (cats and dogs).
How do You Bathe a Cat With Ringworm?
Start out by thoroughly wetting your cat with lukewarm or warm water. If your cat is dirty enough for a regular bath, use a cleansing shampoo first. Certain antifungal medicated shampoos have enough cleaning agents, but others do not.
Once the dirt and dandruff are removed, massage the ringworm shampoo into the cat’s skin and make sure you make lather. Pay extra attention to the areas with most lesions. Usually, these areas will be the feet and armpits.
It is advisable to let the shampoo stay for around ten minutes before rinsing. When bathing a cat, practice thorough rinsing as leftover shampoo can cause skin irritation. Then, soak the excess water with a towel and dry your cat.
How Often Should You Bathe a Cat With Ringworm?
When dealing with an infected cat, it is advisable to bathe it with medicated shampoo two or three times per week until the infection has subsided. This may also require some grooming.
Cutting the cat’s fur around the infected areas can help clear up the fungus faster, especially if your cat is a long-haired breed.
How Fast does Ringworm Shampoo for Cats Work?
The ringworm shampoo for cats starts working as soon as it is applied to the cat’s skin. However, depending on the severity of the infection, it may take several uses before there are visible effects.
Most cat owners see an improvement within 2 to 3 weeks of the initial treatment. Treatment may be required for six weeks or even several months, depending on the severity of the infection.
How Long Does Ringworm Shampoo for Cats Last?
Usually, one bottle of ringworm shampoo for cats will be enough to complete the full ringworm treatment. However, the exact timeframe will depend on the bathing frequency and the cat’s size.
