Introduction
Antifungal home remedies are natural substances used to treat fungal infections in cats without the use of prescription antifungal medications. Fungal infections like ringworm and cryptococcus are not extremely common in cats, but they do affect around 7 out of every 10,000 cats seen by vets in North America (Source). While antifungal medication from a vet is often necessary, some mild antifungal home remedies can be tried first. These include apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, colloidal silver, essential oils, and probiotics.
Symptoms of Fungal Infections
Fungal infections in cats can cause a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common include:
Skin irritation/inflammation – Fungal infections often lead to irritated, reddened skin. The skin may become thickened or develop bumps or lesions. Inflammation and rashes are common. (https://cats.com/fungal-infections-in-cats)
Hair loss – Fungal infections can cause hair loss or bald patches. This occurs as the infection damages hair follicles. The skin may appear flaky or scaly where hair has been lost. (https://kongclub.app/skin-fungal-infections-in-cats-types-symptoms-treatment-options/)
Odor – Infected skin can give off a bad, unusual odor. This is caused by the fungus itself, as well as secondary bacterial infections. Any discharge coming from lesions may also contribute to odor.
Lethargy – Fungal infections can make cats feel unwell overall. A sick cat may seem tired, inactive, or uninterested in play. This lethargy results from both the infection and the cat’s immune response.
Common Fungal Infections
Some of the most common fungal infections in cats include ringworm, yeast infections, and aspergillosis.
Ringworm is a highly contagious skin infection caused by dermatophyte fungi. It causes circular bald patches and scaly skin on a cat’s head, ears, legs, and feet. Ringworm spreads easily through direct contact and contaminated objects. Treatment involves topical and/or oral antifungal medication over several weeks (Fungal Skin Infections in Cats | Bartlett Vet).
Yeast infections, also called candidiasis, occur when there is an overgrowth of yeast on the skin or ears. Signs include greasy skin, scaly patches, head shaking, and a yeasty odor. Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments. Treatment requires antifungal medication and addressing any underlying causes of the overgrowth.
Aspergillosis is caused by the Aspergillus fungus and often affects a cat’s respiratory tract and sinuses. It can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, and ulcers in the nose. Treatment involves long-term antifungal medication. Aspergillosis can be life-threatening if left untreated (Symptoms of Fungal Infections in Cats | Greensboro Vet).
When to See a Vet
Although home remedies may help treat minor fungal infections in cats, it’s important to know when to seek veterinary care. There are several scenarios where you should make an appointment with your vet if your cat has a fungal infection:
Severity of symptoms – If the infection is severe, rapidly worsening, or impacting multiple areas on your cat’s body, it’s best to have a vet examine them. Severe infections may require prescription oral or topical antifungal medication.
Unresponsive to home remedies – If you’ve tried OTC antifungal remedies or natural home treatments for 1-2 weeks without improvement, it’s time to see the vet. Lingering fungal infections that don’t respond to initial treatment may indicate an underlying issue.
Kittens/older cats – Kittens and senior cats with weaker immune systems are more susceptible to fungal infections. It’s generally recommended to have these cats seen sooner if they develop any fungal infection symptoms. Early treatment can prevent the infection from worsening.
Signs of lethargy, appetite changes, or skin irritation – Even if the fungal infection appears relatively minor, any signs of systemic illness or discomfort warrant a vet visit. Your vet can prescribe medications to clear the infection and relieve any associated symptoms.
Home Remedy: Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties that may help treat fungal infections in cats when applied topically. The acids in ACV can kill the fungus or bacteria causing the infection.[1] When using ACV as an antifungal treatment, it’s important to dilute it properly before applying it to your cat’s skin.
Mix 1 part ACV with 1 part water. The standard dilution is 1 tablespoon ACV per cup of water. You can use a spray bottle to apply the diluted ACV solution directly onto the affected skin area. Avoid getting it near your cat’s eyes. Apply 1-2 times per day until the infection clears. The vinegar smell fades quickly.[1]
When applied topically as a diluted solution, ACV is generally safe for cats. However, ingesting undiluted ACV can be harmful, so prevent your cat from licking off the solution after application.[2] Only use ACV externally on small areas of irritated skin and consult your vet if the infection persists.
Home Remedy: Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural antifungal that can help treat fungal infections in cats. The lauric acid and caprylic acid in coconut oil have antifungal and antimicrobial properties that can kill fungus and yeast topically and internally.
When using coconut oil to treat fungal infections in cats, it’s important to use pure, organic, unrefined coconut oil. Refined coconut oils may be processed in a way that removes some of the beneficial fatty acids.
For topical fungal infections, put a small dab of coconut oil on the affected area 2-3 times per day. Work the oil gently into your cat’s skin. For minor infections, this may be enough to clear it up.
For internal fungal issues, give your cat 1/4 tsp of coconut oil per 10 lbs of body weight once or twice daily. You can mix the oil into their food. Start with small amounts and gradually increase the dosage to avoid digestive upset.
Coconut oil can take some time to work. Be patient and apply/give the oil consistently until the fungal infection clears. Discontinue use if you don’t see improvement within 2-4 weeks.
Home Remedy: Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is a suspension of pure silver particles in water. It has antifungal properties and can help treat fungal infections in cats when used properly.
The antifungal properties come from the silver particles which damage fungal cell membranes and inhibit the growth and spread of the fungus. Silver particles essentially suffocate the fungus by preventing it from “breathing”.
For cats, the general dosage is 1/4 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight, administered 1-2 times per day. Colloidal silver can be given orally by syringe, mixed with food, or applied topically.
When applying colloidal silver topically, part the fur to expose the infected skin and apply a thin layer over the affected area. Allow to dry on its own. Apply 1-2 times per day until the infection clears.
When giving colloidal silver orally, use an oral syringe to administer the proper dosage based on your cat’s weight. Give with food or follow with a treat to improve palatability.
Monitor your cat closely when using colloidal silver. Look for any signs of upset stomach or diarrhea, which may indicate too high of a dose. Adjust the dose or frequency if necessary.
While an effective antifungal, colloidal silver should only be used short-term and under careful supervision. It may not be safe for long-term use.
Home Remedy: Essential Oils
Certain essential oils have antifungal properties that can help treat fungal infections in cats when used properly. The key essential oils that are considered safe for cats and effective against fungal infections include:
- Tea tree oil – Has powerful antifungal and antibacterial effects. Be sure to dilute it adequately before applying topically (source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28930236/).
- Oregano oil – Studies show oregano oil can inhibit fungal growth. Dilute before use and don’t use long-term (source: https://volantaroma.com/blogs/guides/essential-oils-for-cats).
- Thyme oil – Has antifungal properties and can help treat skin infections when diluted properly (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7712454/).
Always dilute essential oils before use on cats. A good rule of thumb is to add 1-2 drops of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. Never apply undiluted oils directly on cats’ skin. When applying diluted oils topically, use a clean cotton pad or cloth to gently rub it on the affected area 1-2 times per day.
Monitor your cat closely when using essential oils and discontinue use if any irritation develops. Essential oils should not be used long-term. Consult your veterinarian if your cat’s condition persists or worsens.
Home Remedy: Probiotics
Probiotics can help support healthy gut flora and fight fungal infections in cats. According to research, administering probiotics has shown positive effects on gut health and can alleviate some intestinal diseases and disorders in cats (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10609632/). Probiotics work by crowding out bad bacteria and restoring balance to the microbiome. They also stimulate the immune system to fight off infections.
When giving probiotics to cats, it’s important to follow dosage guidelines on the product label. Probiotic supplements designed specifically for cats will provide the proper strains and colony-forming units (CFUs). For reference, a typical dosage is 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per day for average sized cats. Smaller or larger cats may need adjusted dosages.
Some of the best types of probiotics for cats include:
– Lactobacillus acidophilus: Helps promote healthy digestion
– Bifidobacterium: Supports immune health
– Enterococcus faecium: Helps balance gut flora
Products like TummyWorks contain a combination of strains shown to relieve fungal infections in cats (https://www.amazon.com/Probiotics-Infections-Allergies-Immunity-Digestion/dp/B01AY8S1QM).
When Home Remedies Aren’t Enough
While home remedies can be an effective first line of defense against fungal infections in cats, it is important to monitor your cat’s condition and seek veterinary care if symptoms persist or worsen. Here are some signs that a home remedy may not be working:
- The infection spreads or gets worse
- Symptoms last more than 1-2 weeks without improvement
- Your cat seems to be in pain or distress
- Appetite or activity levels decrease
- You notice other concerning symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea
If a home remedy does not lead to improvement within a week or two, it is important to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Left untreated, some fungal infections can cause permanent damage or be extremely uncomfortable for your cat.
Veterinarians have access to prescription oral and topical antifungal medications that are much stronger than over-the-counter options. Common prescription antifungals for cats include:[1]
- Itraconazole
- Fluconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Terbinafine
These medications are formulated specifically for cats and pets to treat different types of fungal infections. Your vet can prescribe an appropriate medication, dosage, and duration based on your cat’s specific condition.
While home remedies have their place, do not delay seeking veterinary care if your cat’s condition is worsening or not improving with home treatment. Prescription antifungal medications, along with your vet’s expert care, can help provide fast and effective relief for your cat.