Will be fostering a cat that is currently in quarantine for Ringworm

[4legsmomma]

I have been volunteering at a local clinic and have fallen in love with an older cat with whom I am hoping to foster/foster-to-adopt.  Unfortunately, the cat, as well as his companions in the "free range" room have all been put in a 42 day quarantine due to an outbreak of ringworm.  The clinic seems to be doing a good job with cleaning and containment- when I've gone there to socialize them I've had to gear up with slippers, gloves,  hair net, etc.  I know they mentioned they are taking all the right steps and need to go through 2 tests to clear them so I'm likely looking at end of Nov/Dec before I can bring the little guy home.  My concern is that I have a cat at home and I live in a small home so there is not much separating that can be done should an outbreak happen here.  Besides the steps taken by the shelter, what can I do to ensure I do not contaminate my home environment?  I  made the mistake of reading up about ringworm online and it scared the daylights out of me!  Though honestly, I took in a feral kitten 23 years ago that had ringworm and other than me and my other kitties taking meds, I don't recall it being much of an issue.  Any advise is appreciated.

 

[feralvr]

I also took in a couple of kittens about 20 years ago who had ringworm!! I kept them in their "safe" room until cleared and my other two cats never contracted the RW nor did I. I think your taking great precautions at the shelter and then when you get home. I would just make sure to keep the clothes you wore to the shelter in the garage/or other to be washed. You might have do a bit more laundry during this time!!! I think I would wait till the shelter says you can bring home your foster kitty home and that he is just about cleared. Try not to worry so much about bringing home the RW - it is really the spores in the hair that will spread the RW and as long as you change clothes and keep shoes in the garage, you will be just fine. The fact that the shelter is having you all wear slippers, gloves and hats is really all you need to protect yourself, your home and your cat.

Bless your heart for helping and volunteering your time to needy kitties.

Here is our TCS article on RW.
[article="32416"][/article]

 

[Anne]

Welcome to TCS! 

 

You are right to be concerned with ringworm but there is no need for panic either. There are two factors here - 

1. The amount of spores in the environment.

2. The immune system of the other cats (and humans) in the house.

The more spores you have, and the weaker the immune systems, the more likely are other animals to develop lesions. Lesions then shed more spores, increasing the first factor and sometimes that can escalate into an infestation.

Do read the article @Feralvr   linked to. It has TONS of information on how to address the issue of ringworm, on all levels. It has some good links too. As I said, it's not a huge issue if everyone at home (humans and animals) have strong immune systems and as long as the amount of spores is under control.

 

[4legsmomma]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! My senior that I want to bring home to foster/adopt is still in quarantine. I play with him and the others in the room about 2x's a week and I've yet to see any active lesions on anyone so hopefully I'll be good. I guess I was just concerned about anything else to do once I bring him home to reduce the chance of bringing the spores into my home. I live in a very small home so there would be no way to contain an outbreak should it happen here. Fingers crossed it won't be an issue. I'm anxious to get the little guy home to me!

 

[stephenq]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! My senior that I want to bring home to foster/adopt is still in quarantine. I play with him and the others in the room about 2x's a week and I've yet to see any active lesions on anyone so hopefully I'll be good. I guess I was just concerned about anything else to do once I bring him home to reduce the chance of bringing the spores into my home. I live in a very small home so there would be no way to contain an outbreak should it happen here. Fingers crossed it won't be an issue. I'm anxious to get the little guy home to me!

Once they've had 2 neg cultures then they are free and clear and you should be safe.  Ringworm is mostly a cosmetic problem, i currently have an RW cat at home who isn't even quarantined. I'm not worried.

 

[4legsmomma]

Thanks!  Just brought the little guy home yesterday.  This facility has several clinics so I wasn't able to get the exact details on cultures but the room had been cleaned out and he was taken to another location and I was told he was good.  His medical charts say that he passed to Woods Lamps test, I know he was in quarantine for a month and I "think" they gave him a lime/sulpher dip (though it was not in his records).  Fingers crossed all is well because I live in a 550 sq ft home and this little guy has been over ever inch of it and me!  Now just have to deal with the runny eyes that have started.  One of his buddies had a bad cold so I suspect this is something I may be dealing with next.  

 

[feralvr]

Thanks!  Just brought the little guy home yesterday.  This facility has several clinics so I wasn't able to get the exact details on cultures but the room had been cleaned out and he was taken to another location and I was told he was good.  His medical charts say that he passed to Woods Lamps test, I know he was in quarantine for a month and I "think" they gave him a lime/sulpher dip (though it was not in his records).  Fingers crossed all is well because I live in a 550 sq ft home and this little guy has been over ever inch of it and me!  Now just have to deal with the runny eyes that have started.  One of his buddies had a bad cold so I suspect this is something I may be dealing with next.  

SUPER news that you have your foster kitty at home now. He must be SO very happy to be out of the shelter environment and I am not surprised that he is scouring all over your house checking out his new "digs". I wouldn't worry too much at all at this point on the ringworm front. :nod: The shelter did a great job. How are the foster kitty (does he have a name? or did I miss it.. ) and your resident kitty getting along? It sounds like you may not have much space to keep them separate so I hope it is going well. :cross: I would keep a close watch on those eyes that they do not become infected looking and keep a log on his eating/drinking/litter box habits. If he begins sneezing, and the eyes become more watery or goopy, then phone the shelter as they will be able to give you medications and/or see their vet. Since this is a foster kitty, then costs will be covered - medically anyway!!! Keep us posted.

 

[4legsmomma]

Hi!  The little guy's shelter name was "Healer" but I'll likely foster-to-adopt so I'm thinking of calling him "Hubble" (after the space telescope!).  Hubble is doing great- very playful 8 year old!  My resident boy "Botti" (just turned 2) is doing quite well.  They sleep all day (they each have 78" high cat skyscrapers in separate rooms) and play all night (I've bags under my eyes to prove it!).  I'm  keeping an eye on the eyes- no sneezing or anything yet so I'm hoping with a better diet and surroundings I can get him cleared up soon.  My biggest issue has actually been digestive issues- this normally sweet little Hubble was hissing and growling after going potty for about 3-5 minutes each time.  I suspect it may be the fact that although he's still on the dry kibble he was fed at the shelter, I know he's gotten into my Botti's food a few times and paid the price.  I ordered the best probiotics I could find yesterday and had same day delivery by amazon and have seen amazing results!  Fingers crossed this will be of big help to him!  I'm new to this but I think I can attach a picture- he's a quirky little thing! 

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• 4legsmomma
• Nov 23, 2015