Tag Archives: cat rescue

Feline Health, Rescue, Research, Uncategorized

Ringworm Shouldn’t be the End of the World for Kitties and Pups

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By Jeffy the Journalist

Ringworm is never on a kitty’s Christmas list to Santa. (Composite photo Dusty Rainbolt from DepositPhotos.com)

Ringworm. The word strikes fear in the hearts of animal shelter staff and any human who lives with kitties (or pooches or kiddos). I can assure you, it’s never on the list we send to Santa Claws either.

Not a Worm

In the spirit of full disclosure, ringworm is a fungus among us. It got its name because of the round lesions that appear on the skin. No worm hitchhikers are involved. It’s not dangerous. It’s not the end of the world, except if you’re an animal in a shelter with it and they put you to sleep cuz they can’t adopt you out and you’re too much trouble. The truth is, it’s a pain in the tail, it’s contagious to other animals and people, but it’s self-limiting meaning it will go away on its own.

It’s generally a problem for young kittens and puppies, not so much in adult cats and dogs. Animals (meaning humans too) get it from infected animals. According to the paper, “Dermatophytosis,” by Dr. Karen A. Moriello of the University of Wisconsin at Madison (who has lots of letters behind her name), it’s in the soil, and rodents and other animals get it then pass it to larger animals. The most at-risk animals are those of us who live in groups (multipet homes, shelters, hoarders, and pet shops.)

The truth is, it’s not as easy to catch as humans think. Dr. M says a kitty (or pooch) has to be exposed to a large number of spores, our skin has to have moisture and the skin has to have microtrauma. That’s irritation or inflammation, like when we scratch or from wearing a collar. Dr. M says in labs it was hard to infect kitties with ringworm if they had healthy, undamaged skin.

Skin irritation makes a cat more susceptible to ringworm. (Photo from Getty.)

Cleaning up the Environment

It’s actually not as contagious as old wives claim, and surprisingly, the environment isn’t very inefficient in infecting kitties (and pooches.) Dr. M says exposure to a contaminated environment most commonly results in a lesion-free infection, but it is a risk factor for sick animals or if they already have skin issues.

Kitties with ringworm may have little (or big) bald spots, redness, scaling and crusting. The spots are often round, but can also be asymmetrical. Although the fungus can affect anyplace on the body, it usually appears first on the face, ears, and paws. It may be hard to spot in longhaired animals. Whether a kitty (or pooch) gets one little spot or its widespread depends on the animal’s.

So you have a round spot on your fur. Is it ringworm, flea irritation or allergies? Your vet can take a culture.

Old wives tales and internet articles about ringworm often have all the credibility of cat poop.

Dr. M says, “Owners should be informed that [ringworm] is a non-life–threatening zoonotic disease that causes easily treatable skin lesions and be instructed to consult their personal physician if they have questions or suspect they may have skin lesions.”

Ringworm cat appear as a circular lesion, a crusty place or scaliness. (Photo from Getty)

In healthy animals, ringworm usually self-resolves in a month or two. Treating pets shortens the course of the outbreak and limits the transmission.

Ignore Bad Information

“Misinformation regarding cleaning, disinfection, and environmental contamination is pervasive,” Dr. M says. “Owners should be advised that fungal spores do not invade home surfaces as do other molds (eg, mildew), do not cause respiratory disease, and can be easily removed.”

Since ringworm usually pops up when animals are young and socialization and bonding are especially important, she says owners should continue to socialize and play with the infected pet, but wear gloves and washable clothing and avoid direct skin-to-skin contact. Wash hands (use soap and sing Happy Birthday). Give the kitten (or pooch) washable toys. Keep the infected four-legger away from other pets and avoid communal bowls, brushes and bedding. Dr. M says if you can’t keep critters separated, everyone can be bathed with a topical antifungal shampoo or treated with lime sulfur and watched closely for development of lesions.

The entire home interior doesn’t have to be torched. “If cleaning is regularly performed while the patient receives topical therapy, most homes can be decontaminated with one or two cleanings after cure.5””Anything you can wash in the washer or can be scrubbed can also be decontaminated.1

Make sure cat hair is vacuumed up every day. Clean stuff with paper towels or disposable cloths. Hard surfaces should be washed with detergent until visibly clean, then rinsed, dried, and sprayed with a disinfectant (such as products that contain accelerated hydrogen peroxide) kills ringworm.6 Believe it or not, bleach isn’t recommended cuz it’s an irritant, it damages surfaces, and it has no detergent properties. Who knew? Wash bedding twice with any laundry detergent on the longest wash cycle possible. Bleach and/or hot water aren’t superior to cold water without bleach.  Agitation from the washing machine (not dryer heat) is antifungal. Carpets can be decontaminated by being washed with a beater-brush rug cleaner twice or steam cleaned once. Clean food dishes in hot, soapy water.

Your vet will tell the human the best way to treat you. It usually involves lots of unpleasant activities such as pilling, baths and yucky ointment. Humans should make sure to follow the vet’s instructions about shampoo dilutions cuz left on too long, some shampoos can cause skin irritation.

So if someone offers you a ring(worm) for Cat-mas remember, just say no. However, if you find a little red ring on your nose, it’s not for life and it doesn’t have to cost a life. Happy Holidays.

Source: Moriello, Karen A, DVM, University of Wisconsin–Madison. “Dermatophytosis.” Clinician’s Brief. August 2020.

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The Good Arizonan: Dramatic Cat Rescue #TeamFreewayKitty

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Freeway in foster2_cropped
Freeway recovers at his foster home. Photo courtesy of Arizona Humane Society.

(Look below to watch the heart-stopping and dramatic cat rescue. Spoiler alert: It’s a happy ending.)

In our own personal movie called “Life,” we never really know from minute-to-minute what role we’ll play. When something extraordinary occurred, and Richard Christianson was offered a choice between the part of either the protagonist or an extra lost within the crowd, he rose to the occasion became an unexpected hero.

Last week, as Richard Christianson of Phoenix exited northbound Interstate 17, he passed a chain link fence mounted atop cement barriers. Is that a cat?

Unlike thousands of passersby over six hours, Richard stopped. To his shock, he found an orange and white American Curl clutching the cyclone fence.

“I thought someone hit him so hard he flew into the fence cuz he had blood all over.”

The American Curl’s mouth and legs were bloody and a paw reached through the wire, a frantic, but fruitless attempt to escape. His jaw was injured by his attempt to chew through the fence.

As traffic hurried past him, Richard called 9-1-1. They said to call the Arizona Humane Society. The humane society told him to contact Department of Public Safety. DPS said they’d received several calls over the last two or three hours about cat. They’d send a unit out. But when? Every minute that went by, Richard himself grew hotter. He knew that the cat too must be sweltering. By the time DPS eventually made to the scene, the injured cat might have already died.

“He was crying for me. He was reaching for me,” Richard says. Someone had to do something.

Richard, who works as a stagehand for conventions, concerts and locally-performed Broadway plays, tried to jump the fence, but couldn’t without impaling himself on the spikes at the top. He ran to his car. Like General MacArthur, he would return.

He circled around, once again heading northbound on the expressway, and pulled over 20 feet past the cat.

“Nobody’s doing their job,” he says. Angry that all official channels had abandoned the cat, Richard recorded the rescue with his cell phone. “Never did I think anyone would consider me a hero.”

“He was crying for me,” Richard recalls. “He was pressed up so hard against the wire; he was reaching up through the fence.”

Freeway eating
Soft food just like the doctor ordered. photo courtesy of Arizona Humane Society.

When Richard saw his bloody jaw and paws, he cried, “Oh my God!” He approached the cat slowly, speaking calmly. When Richard stood next to the pathetic creature, the kitty continued crying, but released his death-grip on the fence and faced his rescuer.

“When he pulled his paw away from the fence, it was like he was saying to me, “Okay, just take me.”

Richard made the not-so-hard decision to sacrifice his favorite shirt, a signed M.C. Magic Rewired t-shirt.

“I wrapped my shirt around him; He just went limp and started purring.”

While the stray was out of harms way, he wasn’t out of danger. Richard still feared Freeway, as he dubbed the cat, might die before he could take him to to the Arizona Humane Society (AHS). This time the shelter came through. They rushed the two-year old kitty into surgery.

Bretta Nelson, spokesperson for AHS, said Freeway had severe trauma: broken teeth, necrotic mouth tissue, he had burns to the pads of his feet. While it was touch and go, Freeway is stable. He is receiving pain medication and antibiotics. He’s on soft food, but the great news is “he’s eating like a little piggy according to his foster mom.” After a meal he likes to cuddle.

“It’s not about me,” Richard insists. “It’s about Freeway.”

Richard remains saddened that the pathetic cat clung to the fence for more than six hours without anyone bothering to help him.

Richard wants people to get involved. “People should be aware of their surroundings. When you see an animal who needs help, don’t assume someone else is going to help. You help him.”

“I was so pissed off at DPS. That’s why I shared the video.”

Richard believes “everything happens for a reason. I could have taken a different exit, but I didn’t. This is a blessing in disguise [for Freeway.] He was hurt, but his life is going to be way different now. He’s going to be okay.”

Freeway sleeping
Can’t a guy get a little sleep around here? Photo courtesy of Arizona Humane Society.

Richard’s been surprised by all of the attention he’s received. A week ago, he had 300 Facebook friends; since Freeway’s rescue his followers have swelled to over 1500…and still growing.

Over $1600 in donations have been given on Freeway’s behalf. “God bless you all,” he says to the people who donated to Freeways care. “Now that Freeway is in safe hands, he’s worried about the other animals who still need help. He’s thinking about starting the Freeway Foundation to help out stray animals with medical needs.

Bretta says people can make donations to help with Freeway’s mounting medical bills at www.Azhumane.org.

When something extraordinary occurs in your life, ask yourself will you choose the part of the hero or will you simply be a faceless extra lost in the apathetic crowd? I hope you’ll choose to help. Following Richard’s example, I’m certainly going to stop.

Freeway in foster
Photo courtesy of Arizona Humane Society.

 

Cat Writers' Association, Obituary, Rescue, Uncategorized

Left Behind: Help Rehome Dr. Lorie Huston’s Kitties

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loriehustonprofile-1333478613My friend and Cat Writers’ Association President Dr. Lorie Huston passed away yesterday after a lifelong struggle with liver disease. Lorie had six rescued kitties whom she dearly loved. They are living in Providence, RI. The family has asked that homes be found for Lorie’s babies. As you might expect, they are all fixed, current on their vaccinations, and negative for diseases. Some or all are declawed. The kitties are all rescues, not closely bonded and do not necessarily need to be placed together. They are special needs, of course, because that’s how Lorie rolled. Read details below.

Lorie’s vet clinic does not have the room to board the kitties. The clinic’s receptionist is trying to help, but is recovering from a serious dog attack and has transportation limitations so it is very difficult for her to check on them. We are looking for forever homes, foster homes, no kill shelters, people to transport and possibly even donations to pay for transportation or boarding.

BTW–Pet Assure veterinary discount plans has offered three free months to anyone who adopts one of Lorie’s babies.

If you’re interested in adopting or fostering any of Lorie’s kitties or helping out in any way, please fill out the form below.

 

Lorie’s cats

lilly-1

 

Lilly is Lorie’s 11 year old and a tripod. When Lilly was just an 8 week old kitten she lost her leg, part of her tail, and several toes after a dog attack. Rather than euthanizing the homeless brown tabby, Lorie performed the necessary surgery to save her life, then adopted her. Lorie said Lilly is laid-back and very sweet. She’s a happy, healthy, older lady who doesn’t even realize she’s one leg short of a full set. She cannot go into a home with dogs. She is spayed and FeLV/FIV/HW negative.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Midge-Grooming

Midge is about 6 years old, spayed, declawed and FeLV/FIV negative. Midge came from a litter of orphaned kittens, hand-raised by a friend. Lorie had room for one more cat and Midge joined her family. She is a shy girl and would do well by herself, as the other cats pick on her. CORRECTION: Midge is friendly. Lorie always fed her separately, and watched to make sure the others left her alone. Lorie said Midge is standoffish with the other cats but loves people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

rusty

adopted!

Rusty was left at Lorie’s clinic by an animal control officer. The poor kitty was extremely ill with a respiratory infection and was treated at the hospital. After he recovered, he would always find his way into Lorie’s exam room and hang out in her sink. Lorie couldn’t resist him. Rusty, who’s between 4 and 6 years old, is a personal favorite of clinic staff. Lorie said Rusty is shy at first and easily frightened, but very sweet. He’s declawed, neutered, and negative for FeLV/FIV/HW.

 

dillon

adopted!

Dillon, who is between 4 and 6 years old was left in a cardboard box on the clinic’s doorstep. He immediately began rubbing all over Lorie. It was love at first sight. She adopted him the next day after being neutered and tested for FeLV/FIV. Lorie said Dillon is curious about everything and seeks attention from anyone.

 

 

 

 

rhette

adopted!!!!

Rhette is a 6 to 8 year old neutered and declawed boy who was left in a carrier in the hospital parking lot. After being examined and found to be healthy, he joined Lorie’s growing family as well. Lorie said he is demanding and very vocal. He thinks he’s the boss. He can be a bully. He’s confused and a little nervous in Lorie’s absence, but friendly.

 

 

 

 

Merlin-FBMerlin, now 6 to 8 years old, is neutered and declawed. He was living unsuccessfully as stray cat near the hospital. He was determined to become a member of the staff. When someone opened the door, he strolled right in and made himself comfortable. He’s a funny cat who always made Lorie laugh because he likes to throw his whole body over his food bowl. He’s mellow and minds his business, and does his own thing. Lorie said Merlin seeks attention but is less confident than Dillon.

Please fill out form to adopt or foster a kitty