Ringworm

Despite it’s name, ringworm is not a worm, but is caused by a superficial fungus (primarily, but not exclusively Microsporum canis). Ringworm is a fungus similar to athlete’s foot in humans. Any warm-blooded animal can develop ringworm. Ringworm is not life threatening and is a treatable condition. It is basically self-limiting (will resolve on it’s own), but is contagious to other animals and humans. It is estimated that over 50% of cats, especially longhairs, could be asymptomatic carriers of ringworm. The Persian Breed Group and Hybrids (Napoleons) are especially
susceptible.
Most breeders do not knowingly sell a cat with ringworm. In fact, many have a medical maintenance/prevention program, which includes methods of preventing ringworm. Incubation period for ringworm is usually two to four weeks, but can be as short as five days. No preventative treatment will be 100% effective for all cats, especially younger cats (under three years) and kittens with immature immune systems. As a practical matter all longhaired cats and/or Persian Breed Group/Hybrids are considered at higher risk and are possible carriers that can develop ringworm especially in times of stress or when exposed directly to ringworm. Breeders may attend cat shows and exhibit their cats on a regular basis; therefore, these cats are regularly exposed to hundreds of other cats that might have been exposed to or might be carriers of ringworm. Breeders regularly add new cats that could be carriers or have active ringworm when they arrive. A cat living in a normal pet (non-breeding) household will have a far lower risk of exposure to ringworm.
Ringworm can be transmitted to humans.
Most breeders cannot and will not guaranty against ringworm. If your cat develops ringworm, you can contact most breeders and/or your vet for tips on treating and controlling it. There are numerous tips and hints for prevention and treating.

THIS SITE DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE SAFETY OF ANY PRODUCTS USED ON YOUR CAT.A few are outlined below.
PROGRAM is a flea control medication manufactured by Norvatis. The use of PROGRAM as a means to control ringworm is currently an off-label use and the dosage for such use is higher than the labeled use as a flea control. However, PROGRAM (Lufenuron) is considered virtually non-toxic and is used by some breeders regularly (even on pregnant or nursing cats and kittens) for the control of ringworm. Many oral medications prescribed for ringworm by the vet should not be used on pregnant or nursing cats and kittens under the age of 16 weeks.
Fung-A-Way is a spray for horses that is labeled safe for use on cats and dogs. Many breeders find it very useful in preventing ringworm by spraying pet areas and resolving it by direct application to the ringworm lesion.
Lamisil Cream and Spray for humans with athlete's foot is used by some breeders as a topical treatment for lesions.
Lym Dyp is a lime/sulfur solution used by some breeders to bathe the affected cats in.