RINGWORM MYTHS DEBUNKED
Ringworm cats are one of the highest risk groups for euthanasia in the US. This is largely because of fear, myth, and stigma. There are also a lot of antiquated ideas of how ringworm is spread. The biggest problem with ringworm is only the length of time it takes to treat. Treatment takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Ringworm is largely present in kittens because of weak immune systems. Shelter kittens with ringworm face extra hurdles to making it out. While sequestered, they are not getting the socialization they need for healthy mental development. The adoption window is also compromised, as they are in isolation while they are cute and tiny. For all cats, the longer they stay in a shelter, the higher chance there is for them to become more seriously ill. Their mental health is also at risk. Furthermore shelters run out of space when keeping ringworm positive cats long term. Resources are also stretched, as it is expensive to keep and treat the cats.
So how do we reduce the length of stay for cats and kittens with ringworm? This can be combatted by allowing cats and kittens to be adopted with ringworm. The first step is letting people interact with cats and kittens with ringworm in the shelters. There is a low risk for environmental transmission; the highest risk is cat to cat contact. The second step is to educate the public and reduce the stigma surrounding ringworm. Incentivizing adoptions is also important; reduce or eliminate adoption fees for cats with ringworm. Once a ringworm positive cat has been adopted, they are sent home with the rest of their treatment. The adopter is also trained on how to administer treatment, etc. Handouts and FAQs are also helpful. If a shelter is concerned about a member of the public will contract ringworm from interacting with the cats, they can ask the public to sign a waiver. However, this is not necessary.
Some common concerns are that vets won’t let animals in treatment go home until they’re 100%, but in this case no shelters could be no-kill shelters. Another is that your local vets protest. If this is the case, visit another vet. Finally, concerns that the community isn’t ready to adopt these cats. However, the community isn’t aware that these cats are dying, so educating them on ringworm and the situation these cats and kittens are in will make a big difference.
Ringworm is largely present in kittens because of weak immune systems. Shelter kittens with ringworm face extra hurdles to making it out. While sequestered, they are not getting the socialization they need for healthy mental development. The adoption window is also compromised, as they are in isolation while they are cute and tiny. For all cats, the longer they stay in a shelter, the higher chance there is for them to become more seriously ill. Their mental health is also at risk. Furthermore shelters run out of space when keeping ringworm positive cats long term. Resources are also stretched, as it is expensive to keep and treat the cats.
So how do we reduce the length of stay for cats and kittens with ringworm? This can be combatted by allowing cats and kittens to be adopted with ringworm. The first step is letting people interact with cats and kittens with ringworm in the shelters. There is a low risk for environmental transmission; the highest risk is cat to cat contact. The second step is to educate the public and reduce the stigma surrounding ringworm. Incentivizing adoptions is also important; reduce or eliminate adoption fees for cats with ringworm. Once a ringworm positive cat has been adopted, they are sent home with the rest of their treatment. The adopter is also trained on how to administer treatment, etc. Handouts and FAQs are also helpful. If a shelter is concerned about a member of the public will contract ringworm from interacting with the cats, they can ask the public to sign a waiver. However, this is not necessary.
Some common concerns are that vets won’t let animals in treatment go home until they’re 100%, but in this case no shelters could be no-kill shelters. Another is that your local vets protest. If this is the case, visit another vet. Finally, concerns that the community isn’t ready to adopt these cats. However, the community isn’t aware that these cats are dying, so educating them on ringworm and the situation these cats and kittens are in will make a big difference.