My new rescue cat has URI. Can I carry the virus to my other cats?

Question

I want to adopt a cat from the rescue, first when I looked at the cat I didn’t know it was in a kitty cold unit, second when I went to pick him up they tell me it has developed into a upper respiratory infection and I can take him home treat him with this medication keep him away from other cats, i choose to keep him there so my other cats wouldn’t get it, I didn’t know until I was reading you can carry the virus on your clothes is this true did I do the right thing leaving him, feeling deceived

Destini R. Holloway, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This is an undesirable situation to be in when adopting a new kitten. You did the right thing by leaving kitty there becuase upper respiratory infections are highly contagious. However, if your cats are up to date on their FVRCP vaccine, this greatly reduces the chances of them getting ill also. There is a small chance that the virus can survive on fomite objects, but typically it is spread through direct contact or through aerosolized droplets from oral secretions, similar to the flu or common cold. You can change your clothing just to be safe, before coming in contact with your cats and home and just wash your clothing as you normally would, and monitor your cats for any symptoms. However, like I said, there is a low chance of transmission this way. Upper respiratory infections are very common in cats, so once the kitty is free of illness, wait about 10 days before considering adopting him. He also should be up to date on his vaccinations. Once a cat gets infected, they are likely to get re-infected in the future and have upper airway issues as an adult. I hope this helps and best wishes with your prospect kitty. Take care.

My new rescue cat has URI. Can I carry the virus to my other cats?

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