Ringworm over--now introducing to other cats by: Merlene
Hi Donna-- Stubb's ringworm was a really bad case and just resolved at Thanksgiving after months of miconazole baths and griseofulvin. I've bleached and steam cleaned the house multiple times and have bought him all new furniture.
Stubbs is now 7 months old, and Dylan and Eliot (two of the black tabbies) are now 5-1/2 months old. Stubbs was neutered about 10 days ago, and Dylan and Eliot will be neutered in 3 weeks.
Stubbs has lived in quarantine for several months with visits from me and has only recently been able to see his dog (going great). The healthy kittens have been quarantined in a basement bedroom to keep them healthy. What is the best way of introducing them? I tried to put Stubbs in an adjoining bathroom last night, but he tried to fight with the other two cats through the bottom of the door.
If you have any tips, or can point me to another posting on introducing cats, I'd appreciate it.
Thank you! Merlene
RESPONSE:
Cats trying to grab at each other through the bottom of a closed door is perfectly natural. Their natural curiosity makes them desperate to see what is going on on the other side and since he knows there are other cats there, he wants to see who they are. Rub each of the cats with a towel and put the little one's towels in with Stubbs and stubb's towel with the little ones. This will help them get used to each others scents. Bring Stubbs out to the others in a carrier at first. Give everybody treats when you do this. It will help them associate good things with each other. They may try to get at each other through the carrier bars but this is normal. When you let Stubbs out of the carrier, keep giving everybody treats and use a fishing pole type toy to distract them. There may be hissing, growls, and swiping but this is Ok. Just let it happen. Cat play can often look like fighting but as long as they are not trying to kill each other, let them work out their own relationship. Just enjoy the process, keep your fingers crossed, and see what happens! Good Luck!
Donna House Full Cats Mom
Sep 01, 2009 Rating
thanks for your help! by: Merlene
Thanks for the advice. My kitten Stubbs broke out with ringworm days after I got him from the shelter. I'm waiting for the ringworm to be under control before adding the new kittens to my house. Would quarantining the new kittens to a clean room in the house work? How long before they could be introduced to Stubbs after his rash goes away?
RESPONSE:
Ringworm is not a worm but a fungal infection of the skin and hair follicles. It is contagious to people as well as other animals. The young, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are most susceptible. Treatment usually lasts about 2 weeks even if the obvious symptoms disappear. Disinfect any grooming tools in a 1:10 dilution of bleach. Toss out or wash any bedding. Anything washable should be washed in bleach to kill the fungus. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum! to get rid of any infected hair. Make sure you clean and disinfect your entire house - wherever Stubbs has been. Including mopping floors and cleaning the furniture. Clean and disinfect any litter boxes and put in fresh sand. While not life threatening, ringworm is ugly and irritating. Keep an eye out for a recurrence on Stubbs and signs of ringworm on the kittens AND yourself. If you see any signs, take the kittens to the vet or yourself to the doctor for proper medications. Over the counter stuff often isn't strong enough to get rid of the ringworm. Also, be sure to wash your hands before handling the new kittens or any of their stuff. By far, the best defense is a healthy kitten with a healthy immune system. So be sure everyone gets good healthy, nutritious food, clean water, fresh litter, and lots of love and play time! Good luck and have fun with your new kitties!
Donna House Full Cats Mom
Aug 11, 2009 Rating
They are beautiful! by: Natalie
Good luck with your new, beautiful brood! Makes me want to adopt even more !!
