7 Best Ringworm Cat Shampoos With Our 2024 Budget-Friendly Pick

You’ve discovered your cat has ringworm, and you’re in a slight panic. No cat parent wants to see their beloved kitty battling a health issue, especially a stressful infection which causes severe itching and irritation. Luckily ringworm is highly treatable, and often times a topical treatment such as medicated ringworm shampoo will do the trick!

Ringworm is highly contagious to other animals as well as humans, so it’s crucial that you treat it promptly and aggressively. Although we highly suggest seeking veterinary advice if you think your cat has ringworm, we are also confident that a medicated ringworm shampoo will help in the treatment and healing process. We’ve put together an excellent list of recommendations so you can choose the best ringworm shampoo for your kitty. Before we get into our list of favorite shampoos for ringworm in cats, let’s discuss the benefits of using one.

5 Benefits of Using a Ringworm Cat Shampoo

Ringworm cat shampoo doesn’t just treat ringworm. This sort of medicated shampoo comes along with a variety of other helpful benefits:

1. Ringworm treatment: Sometimes ringworm can be treated by way of topical treatment alone. Great news, yeah? Using one of the medicated shampoos on our list may be all you need to fight and treat your kitty’s ringworm.
2. Treats symptoms of ringworm: Not only can medicated shampoo treat ringworm itself, but it can also help with side effects. These shampoos will renew the skin, soothe irritation and moisturize skin and coat.
3. Can prevent infection: If you consistently use a medicated shampoo, it can possibly prevent your cat from getting ringworm and other fungal or bacterial infections.
4. Great for regular use: Most ringworm cat shampoos can be used as a regular bathing regimen. Be sure to always use it as directed.
5. Often effective for multiple species: Medicated cat shampoo that fights ringworm and other skin conditions are also appropriate for dogs, and sometimes other species such as horses and small animals. The shampoo labeling will tell you which species can benefit from the shampoo.

Before we look further into the components of a good ringworm shampoo, let’s talk more about what ringworm really is.

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is a common fungal infection which can affect cats, dogs, and humans (and other domesticated animals). Ringworm will generally show up in your cat’s hair and skin. The medical name for ringworm is “dermatophytosis.” It’s named after the physical effect that it has on the body – a red, round, ring-like marking of inflammation on the skin.

Ringworm should not be confused with health concerns that are associated with worms, such as roundworm or heartworm. Ringworm is caused by a body of fungi which infects hair, skin, and nails. This unpleasant fungal infection is contagious, as it can be passed to other species via contamination. Ringworm can be spread to your other household pets easily if your infecting cat was drinking or eating from the same bowl as their furry siblings.

Signs and symptoms of ringworm include:

• Redness
• Circular lesions on the skin
• Irritated skin
• Lesions with pustules
• Dandruff
• Malformed nails
• Excessive shedding and/or hair loss
• Bald spots on the skin with red or scaly centers

If you suspect your cat, or another pet, may have ringworm, we suggest seeking veterinary attention. Often topical treatment such as using a ringworm cat shampoo can be enough to cure and treat it. Just remember to thoroughly wash your hands after giving your cat a bath, as ringworm can be easily transmitted.

5 Components to Look for in a Ringworm Cat Shampoo

Having ringworm can cause extreme stress for your cat, so it’s important that you choose a shampoo which will properly treat the infection. Look for the following components in a good ringworm cat shampoo:

1. Anti-fungal properties: Ringworm is a fungal infection, so you need a shampoo with anti-fungal properties and ingredients. The main ingredient to look for is ketoconazole. Ketoconazole will fight the ringworm and soothe itching and irritation associated with the infection.
2. Life stage: If you have a kitten under 12 weeks old, you will need a specific ringworm shampoo that is safe for that age range. The shampoo labeling will tell you which ages and species the shampoo is recommended for.
3. Multi-pet use: Do you have both cats and dogs in your home? Want to save some money? Purchase a medicated shampoo that will fight ringworm and other infections in multiple species! All of the shampoos on our list can be used to canine pals as well as kitties.
4. Other soothing ingredients: Shampoos will aloe vera and oatmeal will be especially healing for dry, itchy, inflamed and irritated skin.
5. Anti-bacterial ingredients: Many great cat ringworm shampoos also come with bacteria-fighting ingredients, such as chlorhexidine. This ingredient is meant to fight and prevent bacterial growth on your kitty’s skin and fur.

Overall Best Ringworm Cat Shampoo

Our 2024 Picks: Best Cat Shampoo for Ringworm
	Vetoquinol Vet Solutions Universal Medicated Shampoo For Cats Antibacterial and antifungal properties Fights odors associated with infection Price: $$$	CHECK PRICE
	MiconaHex+Triz Shampoo For Cats Repairs and moisturizes skin Fragrance-free Price: $$	CHECK PRICE
	Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic Cost-effective Contains aloe vera to help soothe skin Price: $	CHECK PRICE
	Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Cat Shampoo Fights against fungi populations Helps to control bacteria Price:  $$$$	CHECK PRICE
	Davis Miconazole Cat Shampoo Ccontains 2% miconazole nitrate Excellent for other dermatological issues Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Pet MD Antiseptic And Antifungal Medicated Treats both bacterial and fungal infections Safe for cats, dogs and horses Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	GNC Pets Antifungal And Antibacterial Medicated Calming lavender scent Fight both bacterial and fungal infections Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE

Vetoquinol Vet Solutions Universal Medicated Shampoo for Cats

Key Benefits:

• Antibacterial and antifungal properties
• Fights odors associated with infection
• Works for a majority of dermatological issues
• Moisturizes and hydrates skin

This cat shampoo is our overall top pick because not only is it effective against ringworm, but it also fights against the most common dermatological issues. The shampoo is highly effective against infections, whether bacterial or fungal, making it an excellent option for your kitty who may have ringworm. After fighting the infection, Vetoquinol Universal Medicated cat shampoo will revitalize your cat’s skin by hydrating and moisturizing it.

If your cat is a tad stinky from fighting an infection, this cat shampoo for ringworm will be deodorizing their skin and coat. It’s gentle enough to be used for regular routine baths, and it won’t wash away topical flea and tick preventative. Other cat parents suggest letting the shampoo sit in your cat’s fur for a few minutes while you massage to get the most of the deodorizing properties.

Pros:

• Can be used for a variety of dermatological issues
• Great for cats and dogs
• Offers healing of crusty and flakey skin as a result of infection
• Deodorizes skin and coat

Cons:

• Only intended for use on adult cats and dogs

MiconaHex+Triz Shampoo for Cats

Key Benefits:

• Works for moderate to severe bacterial and fungal infections
• Repairs and moisturizes skin
• Fragrance-free
• Fights ringworm, dandruff, yeast infections and more

Runner-Up Best Ringworm Cat Shampoo – This medicated cat shampoo is formulated to fight against ringworm and even the most severe topical bacterial and fungal infections. The active ingredients are miconazole and chlorhexidine. Any conditions which are responsive to these two main elements can be treated and healed by this shampoo. It’s fragrance-free and will be great for cats with allergies.

After treating and healing your cat’s ringworm, MiconaHex+Triz shampoo will repair their skin and coat. The shampoo is designed with restorative properties, so your kitty’s skin will be hydrated and healthy after fighting infection. We like that this shampoo is made in the USA, and it’s appropriate for other species in your home. Even if your cat has a severe case of ringworm, this shampoo comes highly recommended.

Pros:

• Appropriate for cats, dogs, and horses
• Fights even the most severe topical infections
• Restores hydrates and moisturizes your cat’s skin
• Fragrance-free for sensitive kitties
• Highly recommended by cat parents

Cons:

• More pricey than some of the other options

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo

Key Benefits:

• Cost-effective
• Contains aloe vera to help soothe skin
• Deodorizes your cat’s skin and coat
• Main ingredients are Benzethonium Chloride and Ketoconazole

Best Budget-Friendly Ringworm Cat Shampoo – This medicated shampoo is excellent for treating cats (and dogs) who have been affected by ringworm. Ketoconazole is the ingredient which helps to fight fungal infections, such as ringworm, and it’s one of the two main active ingredients. It will relieve your kitty of nasty bacterial and fungal infections, and revitalize their skin.

Veterinary Formula medicated shampoo is budget-friendly but just as effective as our other options. You can use it on cats or dogs who are affected by ringworm and other infections. Aloe vera helps to rejuvenate the skin and promote the healing process. This medicated shampoo is 100% paraben free, and it’s recommended that you shampoo twice a week to fully treat your cat’s ringworm.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Can be used on cats and dogs
• Perpetuates healing of the skin
• Fights bacterial and fungal infections

Cons:

• May require more than one bathing with this shampoo to fully treat ringworm

More Top Ringworm Cat Shampoo Picks

Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Cat Shampoo

This shampoo is great for ringworm because it’s formulated with antiseptic and moisturizing ingredients. It fights against fungi populations and helps to control bacteria. Douxo will help cats heal who have been affected by common skin conditions like dandruff, or more severe infections. Lipacid in the shampoo will restore and rejuvenate your cat’s skin after clearing up ringworm. If your kitty has been scratching at their irritated skin, this shampoo will relieve that itch while promoting healing and hydration.

Davis Miconazole Cat Shampoo

Davis Miconazole medicated shampoo will relieve your cat’s ringworm symptoms. It contains 2% miconazole nitrate and 2% colloidal oatmeal to fight fungal infections and soothe your cat’s skin. This therapeutic shampoo is also excellent for other dermatological issues such as seborrhea and yeast infections. We like that this shampoo is great for pets of any age, so even if your kitten gets ringworm, this shampoo will be safe to use. If your cat also has a bacterial infection, you can pair this shampoo with Davis Chlorhexidine shampoo for cats.

Pet MD Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Cat Shampoo

Like the other shampoos on the list, this one from Pet MD helps treat both bacterial and fungal infections, such as ringworm. The formula is soap-free and paraben-free so you don’t have to worry about your kitty’s skin becoming more irritated and dry. The main ingredients help to fight ringworm or any skin issues that your cat may have, and when used consistently, this shampoo will help prevent them. This Pet MD medicated cat shampoo for ringworm is safe for cats, dogs and horses, and it won’t wash away topical flea and tick products.

GNC Pets Antifungal and Antibacterial Medicated Pet Shampoo

We trust GNC to make quality pet products, and this shampoo is no exception. What makes this cat ringworm shampoo stand out from the rest is delightful, calming lavender scent. If your kitty gets nervous or stressed during bath time, you may want to give this shampoo a try! It will treat your cat’s ringworm then rehydrate and soothe their damaged skin. This GNC shampoo is formulated with high-quality ingredients and it possesses the power to fight both bacterial and fungal infections. You can use this great shampoo on both your canine and feline friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take for ringworm lesions to appear? – You will typically see signs of infection on your cat within 7-14 days of exposure to ringworm. Some signs could take up to 21 days. The sooner you can seek veterinary attention for your kitty, the better!
• How long with my cat with ringworm be contagious? – Unfortunately, your cat can be contagious for 3 weeks or so. The faster you can get it diagnosed and treated, the less time your kitty will be contagious. During that time period, you will need to limit exposure of your infected cat to other household pets and humans.
• How do you treat ringworm on a cat? – Topical treatment is common and effective for treating a cat’s ringworm. Often times your veterinarian may also prescribe an oral treatment that can work will in conjunction with a ringworm shampoo.
• Can a person get ringworm from a cat? – Yes. Ringworm is contagious to multiple species of animals as well as humans. Young children, kittens, and puppies are the most susceptible to ringworm.

Conclusion

Ringworm is not fun to deal with and it can cause a lot of unnecessary stress for your cat. It’s important that you begin treating your kitty as soon as you think they could potentially have ringworm. What’s great about the shampoos on our list is that you can even use them for dogs in your house as well. Ringworm shampoo can potentially help prevent further infection, and many of them also fight bacterial growths. Just remember to wash your hands any time you handle your cat who has ringworm, as it can easily spread to humans and other household pets.