12 Best Ringworm Shampoos For Cats

Cat Care & Grooming Joanna Tate March 11, 2025

Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects a cat’s skin, hair, and sometimes nails.

It typically shows up as circular, crusty patches with hair loss, causing redness, scaling, and mild itching.

You can recognize ringworm by its round lesions, often found on your cat’s face, ears, or paws.

This infection spreads easily through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated objects, or environments.

It’s important to note that ringworm can transfer to humans and other pets in the household.

Treatment is crucial to help your cat heal and prevent the infection from spreading further within your home.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about treating and managing ringworm in cats.

How Ringworm Spreads & Why Treatment is Important

Ringworm is highly contagious. It can spread between cats, humans, and even other pets in the household.

It spreads through contact with infected skin, fur, or items like bedding, toys, and furniture.

Because the infection can spread so easily, starting treatment immediately is important. If left untreated, ringworm can become more serious and spread even further.

Early treatment helps prevent this and ensures your cat’s skin heals faster.

Best Ringworm Shampoos for Cats

1. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo

Active Ingredients: Chlorhexidine, ketoconazole
Features: Helps treat fungal infections, soothes irritated skin
Sensitive Skin: Gentle formula for sensitive or dry skin

This shampoo is designed to help treat fungal infections like ringworm in cats.

It contains chlorhexidine and ketoconazole, which work together to kill fungi and bacteria while soothing the skin.

The formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin, making it a good choice for cats with skin irritations.

It helps relieve itching and discomfort, promoting healthier skin.

Follow the directions carefully for best results, and always consult your vet to ensure this shampoo fits your pet’s needs.

2. Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Chlorhexidine Shampoo

Active Ingredients: Chlorhexidine, ketoconazole
Features: Helps treat fungal and bacterial infections, cleanses and deodorizes
Sensitive Skin: Non-drying formula, safe for sensitive skin

Curaseb shampoo is designed to tackle fungal and bacterial infections, such as ringworm, on your pet’s skin.

It helps cleanse the skin while fighting infections, leaving it clean and fresh.

The formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin, preventing dryness while still providing effective treatment.

If your cat struggles with skin infections or irritation, this shampoo can be a great option.

Be sure to follow the directions for proper use and consult with your vet for the best results.

3. Davis Miconazole Pet Shampoo

Active Ingredients: Miconazole, chlorhexidine
Features: Treats fungal and bacterial infections, helps to reduce itching
Sensitive Skin: Gentle formula, safe for sensitive pets

Davis Miconazole Pet Shampoo is specially designed to treat fungal infections like ringworm while also addressing bacterial issues.

It effectively soothes and cleans the skin, offering relief from itching and discomfort.

The gentle formula is safe for pets with sensitive skin and helps to restore the natural balance of their skin.

If your pet has a fungal infection or is just feeling uncomfortable, this shampoo provides effective and soothing care.

Always follow the instructions carefully for best results.

4. Vetoquinol Universal Medicated Shampoo for Cats

Active Ingredients: Chlorhexidine, salicylic acid
Features: Helps to clean and soothe the skin, effective for fungal and bacterial infections
Sensitive Skin: Gentle formula, ideal for pets with dry or irritated skin

This shampoo is designed for cats with skin conditions, helping to clean and calm irritation.

It works well against both fungal and bacterial infections, providing relief for your pet.

The gentle formula is suitable for sensitive skin, keeping your cat comfortable during and after use.

This shampoo can be a helpful part of your pet’s treatment routine if it has dry, itchy skin or more serious infections.

5. Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo

Active Ingredients: Chlorhexidine, phytosphingosine
Features: Helps treat fungal infections, promotes healing, cleans the skin
Sensitive Skin: Soothes and restores the skin barrier

Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo is designed to help your cat’s skin stay healthy.

It works well for fungal infections, cleaning, and soothing irritated areas.

The formula includes chlorhexidine, which helps fight bacteria and fungi, and phytosphingosine, which supports the skin’s natural barrier.

This shampoo is gentle and can be used to calm sensitive skin.

It is a good option for cats needing relief from skin conditions.

Regular use, as recommended by your vet, can help maintain your cat’s comfort and skin health.

6. Zymox Enzymatic Shampoo with Hydrolyzed Oats

Active Ingredients: Enzymes, hydrocortisone
Features: Fights fungal infections, calms irritated skin
Sensitive Skin: Ideal for cats with sensitive or dry skin

Zymox Enzymatic Shampoo with Hydrolyzed Oats is designed to treat fungal infections like ringworm.

The enzymes in the shampoo help fight the infection, while the hydrocortisone works to reduce inflammation and itching.

This shampoo is gentle enough for cats with sensitive skin and helps to soothe dry, irritated areas.

It’s a good option if your cat has fungal infections and needs something that cleans and comforts its skin.

Always use as directed by your veterinarian for the best results.

7. Pet MD Medicated Shampoo for Cats

Active Ingredients: Chlorhexidine, miconazole
Features: Treats fungal and bacterial infections, helps clean and soothe skin
Sensitive Skin: Gentle, non-drying formula for sensitive skin

Pet MD Medicated Shampoo is a great option for cats with fungal or bacterial skin issues.

It works by treating infections while also soothing and cleaning the skin.

The gentle formula is safe for sensitive skin, so your cat can feel comfortable during and after use.

This shampoo can help manage conditions like ringworm, yeast infections, and other skin irritations.

Always follow the instructions to ensure your pet gets the best care.

8. Dechra MiconaHex+Triz Pet Shampoo

Active Ingredients: Miconazole, chlorhexidine
Features: Treats a variety of fungal infections, helps remove scales
Sensitive Skin: Contains ceramides to support the skin barrier

Dechra MiconaHex+Triz Pet Shampoo is an effective solution for treating fungal infections in pets, such as ringworm.

It works by targeting the fungi that cause the infection and also helps remove any scales or flakes.

The gentle formula is designed to be safe for pets with sensitive skin, offering soothing properties.

Ceramides in the shampoo support the skin’s natural barrier, helping to maintain moisture and prevent further irritation.

It’s a good choice if your pet needs relief from skin discomfort caused by infections.

Always follow your vet’s advice when using any medicated shampoo.

9. Petkin Germ Removal Vanilla Scented Antibacterial Cat Shampoo

Active Ingredients: Chlorhexidine
Features: Helps remove germs and bacteria, leaves a pleasant vanilla scent
Sensitive Skin: Gentle on sensitive skin, helps soothe irritation

This antibacterial shampoo is designed to clean and remove germs from your cat’s skin.

It’s a simple way to help your pet stay clean while also soothing irritation.

The vanilla scent makes it a pleasant experience for both you and your cat.

This shampoo is gentle enough for sensitive skin, making it a great option for regular use.

It’s perfect for cats who need a little extra care when it comes to skin cleanliness and comfort.

Be sure to follow the instructions for best results.

10. Allermyl Shampoo

Active Ingredients: Hydrocortisone, chlorhexidine
Features: Helps treat skin infections, reduces inflammation
Sensitive Skin: Designed for sensitive skin types

Allermyl Shampoo is formulated to help treat skin infections, including those caused by bacteria and fungi.

It contains chlorhexidine, a powerful antiseptic, and hydrocortisone, which helps reduce inflammation and soothe irritation.

This makes it an effective solution for managing various skin conditions.

The gentle formula is safe for sensitive skin, so it won’t cause further irritation or dryness.

Regular use can help improve your pet’s skin health and keep them comfortable.

Always follow your vet’s instructions to get the best results.

11. Mal-A-Ket Shampoo

Active Ingredients: Ketoconazole, chlorhexidine
Features: Helps treat fungal and bacterial infections, reduces itching
Sensitive Skin: Gentle formula suitable for sensitive skin

Mal-A-Ket Shampoo is designed to treat skin infections like ringworm and fungal and bacterial issues in cats.

It works by eliminating fungi and bacteria while also soothing your pet’s irritated skin.

The gentle formula makes it a good choice for pets with sensitive skin, helping to relieve itching and discomfort.

This shampoo also promotes overall skin health by maintaining the skin’s natural barrier.

If your cat suffers from fungal or bacterial infections, this shampoo can help restore their comfort.

Be sure to follow the instructions carefully for the best results.

12. TropiClean Medicated Oatmeal & Tea Tree Shampoo

Active Ingredients: Oatmeal, tea tree oil
Features: Helps soothe and clean irritated skin, relieves itching
Sensitive Skin: Gentle, non-drying formula

TropiClean Medicated Oatmeal & Tea Tree Shampoo is great for pets with skin problems like itching or dryness.

The oatmeal helps calm and moisturize the skin, while tea tree oil has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties.

This shampoo is easy on your pet’s skin and works to remove irritation.

It’s a good choice if your cat is uncomfortable due to skin conditions like ringworm.

Remember to follow the directions for the best results and keep your pet comfortable.

Home Cleaning & Preventing Ringworm from Spreading

When dealing with ringworm in your cat, cleaning your home is essential to prevent the infection from spreading.

Here’s what you can do:

• Wash Pet Bedding, Toys, and Furniture: Make sure to clean anything your cat comes into contact with regularly, such as its bedding, toys, and furniture. Use hot water to wash these items and disinfect them thoroughly.

• Disinfect Common Areas: Areas like floors and carpets should be disinfected often. Ringworm spores can live on surfaces, so keeping these areas clean is important. Use a safe disinfectant recommended for pet homes.

• Keep Infected Cats in a Separate Area: To avoid spreading ringworm to other pets, keep your infected cat in a separate room. This helps limit exposure and makes cleaning easier.

How Long Does It Take for Ringworm to Go Away?

Ringworm typically heals in 3-8 weeks, depending on the severity of the infection and how well it is managed.

When to See a Vet: If your cat’s symptoms persist after a few weeks, it’s important to consult a vet. They may recommend a different treatment or explore other possible causes of the symptoms.

By following these steps and consistently following treatment, you can help your cat recover from ringworm while keeping your home safe and clean.

Conclusion

Finding the right ringworm shampoo for your cat requires balancing effectiveness with gentleness.

For kittens and sensitive cats, Arava Natural Medicated Shampoo offers a milder approach.

For stubborn infections, Dechra MiconaHex+Triz provides strong medical action.

When considering overall value and effectiveness, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care is the top choice for most cats.

Remember that consistent application, proper technique, and thorough environmental cleaning are just as important as your selected product.

Always consult your veterinarian for persistent cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Catch a Ringworm from My Cat?

Yes, ringworm is contagious to humans. Wear gloves when treating your cat, and wash your hands thoroughly after contact.

How Often Should I Bathe My Cat with Ringworm Shampoo?

Most medicated shampoos require application 2-3 times weekly. Follow product instructions or your vet’s advice.

Is Ringworm Dangerous for My Cat?

While uncomfortable, ringworm rarely causes serious health problems. However, young or immune-compromised cats may develop widespread infections.

Can Ringworm Come Back After Treatment?

Yes, recurrence is possible if treatment stops too soon or the environment remains contaminated.