Here are 11 Foods That Will Help You Deal with Ringworm in Cats Naturally

Feb 3, 2023by Suzie Cyrenne

Among all the health issues that your feline family member could be prone to, ringworm in cats is no doubt one of the most purr-plexing. Besides the fact that it isn’t caused by a worm at all, this skin disorder also does not always result in a distinct ring shape as the name implies.

This is the reason why I assembled this blog post to share a few science-backed natural options that you can go for when it comes to supporting your feline family member during this health problem.

 

11 foods that can help get rid of ringworm in cats

There are actually a number of natural remedies you can go for to take care of this skin infection, which I’m going to walk you through right now…

 

#1: Apple cider vinegar has potent antifungal properties

apple cider vinegar

According to a study published in the UERM Health Sciences Journal, apple cider vinegar is rich in malic acid and acetic acid. Besides having an inhibitory effect on bacteria and fungi, these organic compounds also disrupt their ability to metabolize carbohydrates leading to their eventual death.

To use apple cider vinegar in supporting your cat during ringworm, mix equal parts of water and ACV and apply it on the affected areas as a topical solution with a clean piece of cloth at least twice a day.

While diluting the apple cider vinegar does take away some of its potency, this is crucial since your cat could be in for a lot of stinging sensations if used straight.

 

#2: Cabbage upsets fungal activity in the system.

young cabbage on a cutting board and knife

ResearchGate reports that natural chemicals and compounds found in cabbage have a similar effect to clotrimazole—an over-the-counter antifungal medication—when used to keep the fungi Candida albicans in check. It is emphasized that the high polyphenol and antioxidant content of cabbage plays a significant role.

To use cabbage in supporting your cat during ringworm, boil a few fresh leaves of this vegetable until it is significantly wilted. Next, blend the whole thing until you have a rather chunky concoction. Strain this and use the juice as a topical solution for the affected areas.

 

#3: Coconut oil helps prevent the accumulation of fungi.

coconut oil

A study published in the American Society for Microbiology points out that coconut oil helps agitate invasive fungi so they won’t be able to affect cells and cause damage. Organic compounds in coconut oil also act as barriers to hamper the activities of these harmful fungi.

To use coconut oil in supporting your cat during ringworm, you can either apply it as a topical ointment to the affected areas or integrate the whole thing with your cat’s diet. However, if you’re going for the latter option, make sure you use food-grade virgin coconut oil.

 

#4: Echinacea is tough on skin diseases.

Mortar with coneflowers and vial with essentia oil in garden

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) shares that extracts derived from echinacea were found to have “substantial amounts of several pro-inflammatory cytokines,” which help stave off skin problems like acne, ringworm, lock itch, as well as athlete’s foot.

To use echinacea in supporting your cat during ringworm, steep a teaspoon of dried echinacea roots in two cups of water for at least ten minutes until the liquid takes on an amber color. Allow the mixture to cool down completely.

You can use this echinacea tea as a bathing liquid to wash the affected areas.

 

#5: Ginger inhibits harmful microorganisms like fungi.

Ginger powder and grated in the spoon with the root and leave

Another study published in the NCBI highlights that extracts derived from ginger were seen to have potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties. These extracts have already been found to have potent beneficial effects when used against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, as well as C. albicans.

To use ginger in supporting your cat during ringworm, boil a thumb-sized piece in three cups of water for at least ten minutes or until the liquid has become very aromatic. Allow the mixture to completely cool down. You can now use this as a bathing or washing liquid for your cat.

 

#6: Honey has powerful antifungal properties.

 honey and wooden spoon

As reported by a different study in the NCBI, honey effectively hinders antifungal activity, particularly those of C. albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Candida krusei, which can be sometimes resistant to conventional antimycotic preparations.

To use honey in supporting your cat during ringworm, dilute two teaspoons with a bit of water until it has an almost runny consistency. You can use this mixture as a topical ointment on the affected areas.

 

#7: Lemongrass has strong fungicidal properties.

lemon grass

The NCBI reveals in another study that oils and extracts derived from lemongrass effectively hamper dermatophytes such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum and Microsporum gypseum.

Additionally, these oils and extracts have also been seen to have the ability to stop keratinophilic fungi, ringworm fungi, as well as food storage fungi.

To use lemongrass in supporting your cat during ringworm, pound the fleshy parts on the bottom until liquid is extracted. Collect this liquid and apply it to the affected areas.

As an alternative approach, you can also use a blender to collect this liquid, but make sure you strain the mixture first and only use the juice.

 

#8: Licorice root helps stop fungal activity.

licorice root sticks

ScienceDirect highlights that organic compounds found in licorice root, particularly Licochalcone A (LCA) and glabridin (GLD), have been observed to show antifungal activity when tested on C. albicans.

To use licorice root in supporting your cat during ringworm, steep some in a glass of hot water for at least ten minutes. When the whole thing cools down completely, you can use this as a bathing or washing liquid for your pet.

 

#9: Pineapple has all the antifungal properties but none of the side effects.

pineapple

A study published in ResearchGate reveals that the active compounds found in pineapple, specifically tannins, saponins, and flavonoids, were observed to have the ability to inhibit the activity of C. albicans.

Moreover, the researchers emphasize that compared to conventional antifungal medications that can set off nausea and vomiting, pineapple does not trigger these adverse side effects at all.

To use pineapple in supporting your cat during ringworm, integrating no more than two small chunks with his meals per day already does the trick.

 

#10: Pumpkin seeds have antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal properties.

pumpkin seeds

According to a study published in the Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, pumpkin seeds contain various proteins like α and β-moschins and other organic compounds that act as potent antibiotic, antibacterial, and antifungal agents.

The combination of these beneficial properties not just helps get rid of ringworm in cats, but also ease the discomfort that your pet may be going through.

To use pumpkin seeds in supporting your cat during ringworm, roast them at 350°F for 45 minutes to an hour. You can collect the seeds by pinching the hulls to crack them open. Mix in no more than three of these seeds with your cat’s meals per day.

Alternatively, you can throw the seeds in the blender to achieve a much smoother texture.

 

#11: Turmeric contains a powerful antidermatophytic agent.

turmeric

A major compound in turmeric oil called Ar-turmerone has been seen to show effective antidermatophytic and antifungal activity, as pointed out by a study published in the NCBI. The researchers also emphasized that Ar-turmerone was observed to be very effective against the widely spread fungi, T. rubrum.

To use turmeric in supporting your cat during ringworm, mash a thumb-sized piece in a mortar and pestle until a pulp is made. Collect the juice and use it as a topical ointment for the affected areas.

A quick reminder, though. Please make sure not to get any of the turmeric juice on your cat’s eyes since it can be pretty spicy.

And while we’re on the subject of using natural options to support your feline family member during ringworm in cats, here’s a useful link to check out if you’re looking to maximize the benefits of pet homeopathy…

 

Taking charge of your pet’s health and wellness using natural means

Zumalka’s Online Homeopathic Consultation is aimed at helping you get to the root of your precious pet’s health problem instead of just treating the symptoms. It provides a personalized solution for your pet's health concerns right in the comfort of your own home.

Besides focusing on boosting your animal family member’s overall immune system health so he will become more resilient to illnesses, our Online Homeopathic Consultation also pursues helping pets that are going through multiple, chronic or behavioral issues.

How about browsing our Online Homeopathic Consultation page right now to get the feel of things?

 

Conclusion

And that ends our comprehensive yet easy-to-follow discussion on the natural options that you can use to properly deal with ringworm in cats. In case you’re looking to learn more about the useful and practical ways to keep your pet healthy and happy, feel free to browse my other blog articles by simply clicking here.

 

 

 


About the author

Suzie Cyrenne
Suzie Cyrenne

HOMEOPATH & CO-FOUNDER OF ZUMALKA

Suzie Cyrenne has dedicated more than 20 years of her life in making and improving natural animal health solutions in the global setting.

Being the co-founder of Zumalka, Suzie is a forerunner in enhancing the lives of pets through natural and homeopathic options using the knowledge she has gained from the Classical Homeopathy School in Quebec.

Through the guidance of her mother-in-law and fellow natural health expert, Denyse Lessard, Suzie constantly devotes herself to create premium pet products that are aimed at dealing with the root causes of wellness problems and not just their symptoms.

Besides immersing herself in books, personal development and visiting new places, Suzie also enjoys keeping herself in tiptop shape by snowboarding and taking daily hikes with her husband and Zumalka co-founder, Matt Lessard, and their Golden-Doodle, Westin.

Find out more about Suzie when you click HERE.


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