July 19, 2022

Learn more about adopting a cat with ringworm

We recently received 26 cats from a local hoarding case after they were abandoned in a rented Eugene apartment. These cats are sweet & loving but all have or have been exposed to ringworm, a highly contagious, but treatable zoonotic disease.

Although that may sound scary, we’re here to set the record straight. Ringworm is in fact not a worm – it’s a harmless fungus that can be treated with meds (think athletes foot for humans)!
 
Through our ringworm program, we’ve noticed cats with ringworm experience swifter success when they go home with their forever families to complete their treatment. 🐱💚 For that reason, Greenhill is looking to find families to adopt these cats while still under treatment. There will be a special process for adopters including education about the cats’ care needs and adopters will be provided with training and supplies to continue treatment in their homes.
 
Some of the cats will be available for adoption beginning tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. People interested in adopting these cats can visit the shelter starting Wednesday morning between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. The shelter is operating on a first come first served limited capacity basis. Learn more about ringworm by clicking here.  We promise the bond you create will be special and you’ll have a lifetime with your new fungus-free family member!

Questions?

Ringworm is the common name for a skin infection caused by a group of fungi. It is not caused by a worm at all. Most often it will cause a furless circular area that is red and may be slightly raised. Ringworm may cause other symptoms but these circular lesions with no hair are the most common symptom. It is contagious to humans and other animals.

Your cat may be prescribed a once daily oral medicated and will need lime sulfur baths once or twice weekly. If you adopt a cat with ringworm, we will give you supplies and resources you need to get started and counseling on how to manage the treatment. Treatment length varies with every cat but we believe a cat will heal faster in a home. We are always happy to answer any questions and provide support. You can always email catterystaff@green-hill.org or call 541-689-1503.

Ringworm is temporary! A cat’s recovery is less stressful at home than at the shelter and will resolve much quicker. We will send you and your new kitty home with the tools necessary to make treatment manageable. Plus, you’ll create a special bond with your new companion. Cats with ringworm infections have a discounted adoption price and just as much love to give.

You and anybody in your home may get ringworm, but there are many things you can do to limit the risk! We recommend to always wash your hands after handling the cat, keep up with their bath treatment and oral medicine, and keep them isolated to a specific room for the length of their treatment. Remember this is only temporary!

Ringworm is curable and temporary (closely related to athlete’s foot in people) but we recommend you see a physician.

We recommend keeping your cat isolated in a room that is easy to clean (like a bathroom) while it is undergoing treatment. Washing your hands and changing your clothes in between interactions with your ringworm kitty and other animals can reduce the chance of spreading the fungus as well.

We are always happy to answer any questions and provide support. You can always email catterystaff@green-hill.org or call 541-689-1503.