Vaccination for Ringworm in Cats

Ringworm, also called dermatophytosis, is not a worm; it is an infection caused by a contagious fungus that affects skin, nails and hair in cats. Microsporum canis, the species of ringworm most common in cats, can be prevented by vaccination.

  1. How the Cat Gets Infected

    • Transmission of ringworm occurs through direct contact with infected cats, from the use of unwashed grooming equipment and when cats live in areas in which the spores of the fungus are present.

    Symptoms of Ringworm

    • A cat with ringworm will usually have small areas of hair loss in circular shapes, most often near the head and limbs. Some other indications of a ringworm infection include bald areas, redness and itching, dandruff, dry skin and claw/clawbed infections.

    Is Ringworm Dangerous?

    • Ringworm is not dangerous to humans, reports AskDrSears.com, but can easily spread to very young children and the elderly as well as people who are undergoing chemotherapy; have HIV infections or AIDS; take medications after undergoing transfusions; or suffer from any other form of decreased immune system function.

    Can Dogs Get Ringworm?

    • Ringworm can spread from cats to dogs.

      Dogs can also become infected with ringworm, especially after coming in contact with infected cats. Preventing ringworm in your cat is the best way to prevent its spreading among your family or other pets.

    The Ringworm Vaccination

    • A ringworm vaccine called Fel-O-Vax® MC-K, according to CatWorld.com, can prevent the Microsporum canis strain. Cats must be at least four months old for the first of three injections. After the first dose, a second dose is administered 12 to 16 days later and a third dose is given 26 to 30 days after the second one.