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My foster cat is sneezing. Can my other cat catch her herpes virus?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 4 years and 2 months old

I am fostering a young cat. Veterinerian told us she may have Herpes infection because she has been sneezing. I have another adult cat at home and her vaccinations are up-to-date. Is it possible Herpes can infect my other cat too? Is there any precaution should I take to prevent transmission?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 17th, 2017

How lovely of you to foster this young cat! It's great that Cleo is up to date on her vaccines, which will help minimize her risk. Given that this new cat is potentially showing signs of herpes, you should isolate her from Cleo while she is symptomatic. Make sure this new cat has her own litter box, food, and water bowls, and be sure to keep them clean. You might try a humidifier in the new cat's room to help her if she has any congestion. Make sure she is as rested as possible, and gently warm really smelly wet food if her appetite goes down. When cats can't smell their food, they won't eat, which is why I recommend gently warming the food. Once her symptoms are clear, it's fine to allow her near Cleo. I hope this helps!

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