Ringworm is a fungus, and while it is rarely fatal, it spreads quickly and can be transmitted to humans. Treatment takes several months, and the kittens (and they are almost exclusively kittens) need to be quarantined during this time. The goal is always to place them in foster homes, but it can take time to find the right volunteers for these high-maintenance kitties. Meanwhile, they need special care here at the shelter.
Earlier the HS converted a tiny staff restroom, which now serves as the Ringworm Room. There is a litter of two sweet kittens residing there now, and they are getting the care they need. This set-up is working temporarily, but the shelter needs to make improvements to the space so they can help more.
Everything the kittens touch needs to be impermeable and easy to clean. And because they are treated with a dip that must air-dry on their coat, they need to be kept warm and have good ventilation. The staff and volunteers spend a lot of time with these kittens, making sure they get attention and affection, as well as treatment. And every time they enter the room, they must wear disposable coverings.
Your donations today will be used to help us convert this room to a more habitable environment for ringworm kittens. The funds will be used to remove fixtures, replace the flooring, install a stainless steel sink, and install better ventilation.They will provide stainless steel enclosures, litter pans and dishes, and purchase special warming pads, medication, dip, and the special booties and gowns that must be worn.
Here's Monica, all suited up to help care for the kittens.
Ringworm is often seen in kittens who are stressed or have lowered immune systems, usually from neglect or malnutrition. By providing them with the food, affection, and medication, they will thrive and grow into healthy, beautiful and adoptable kittens.
As you know, a litter we hosted last November, our little Lumpkins, had ringworm, We were so lucky the shelter was able to find a rescue to take them in and treat them. It wasn't something we were set up to do on our own, nor was the shelter at that time. I'm so grateful that now a place exists at the Humane Society to help little kittens like the Lumpkins.
SO, let's build that room! Let's help our shelter give these special little guys the chance they deserve.
All of the money we raise until Midnight tonight we help build and maintain this space for our ringworm kittens. I hope you'll consider donating today!
To help encourage you, we have a HUGE $5000 matching donation challenge being offered up by Gerard Guilford, a gentleman from Maryland who has a special place in his heart for cats, even 'though he's more of a "dog person".
He's been very impressed with what the shelter has been able to accomplish for cats and kittens with the money raised by the IBKC and Dog-A-Thon, so he wanted to offer up a match so we could do even more!
For every dollar we donate, he will do the same until we reach the $5000 cap, or until 7:00 PM Pacific Time, which ever comes first.
It's a big match and it's going to take some work to get there, so let's jump right in and get going! Because it makes so happy that a space like this now exists, I'm going to head right over to our Firstgiving page and make a donation to help improve it. I hope you'll join me there!
To make a tax-deductible donation to help build this ringworm room, please visit our Firstgiving Page.
Thank you so much to Gerard for the generous match and to all those who will help us meet it today!
thank you thank you thank you for the HS doing this....so many kittens don't get a chance due to ringworm and we are thrilled to see someone taking steps to help these kittens.
ReplyDeleteI love our shelter for taking these steps! And because of these our generous community, they are able to d this!!
DeleteI love this! Ringworm should not be a death sentence to a kitten and it too often is in shelters.
ReplyDeleteI do too! And sadly, your right.
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