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How to test a new cat to protect my resident cat from cat flu?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 8 years and 4 months old

Is there a way to be fairly confident that an adopted cat doesn't carry cat flu and won't be a risk to a flu-free resident cat? I understand we can test for FCV but would it be same to assume that a cat being transported long distance and rehomed would show signs or test positive for FHV (given it can flare if the cat is stressed, with the ideas being having a 2 week quarantine period to allow symptoms to show)?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 2nd, 2022

There are several upper respiratory PCR tests available that can screen for a number of different infectious diseases that can infect and spread between cats. The Idexx Feline Upper Respiratory panel is one example, but I'm not sure if this particular lab is utilized in the UK. (I'm sure UK vets use a comparable panel!) Influenza (flu) is less of a risk in cats compared to calicivirus and herpesvirus, although other infectious organisms, such as Mycoplasma, can also cause upper respiratory illness. Calicivirus is shed continuously, so if a cat is infected or carrying this virus, it should show up on the panel. Herpesvirus sheds intermittently, so as you mention, odds are good that a flare and shedding will occur during a time of stress and thus be detectable on a test, but there is no guarantee. While there is no way to be 100% positive that a new cat is completely free of all infectious upper respiratory diseases, I think it's reasonable to test the adopted cat shortly after adoption, then quarantine them for 2ish weeks while both waiting for the test results and allowing your current cat to acclimate to the presence and smells of another cat in the home.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Stress alone isn't going to be a reliable marker of any illness, so if you want to be 100% sure, testing is the way to go. That said, with any new pet, it's always best to have a quarantine until they are settled into their new home, checked out by their new vet (and tested for any suspected illnesses), and given the OK to mingle. This can help reduce stress for all pets involved, prevent the spread of any potential illnesses, and help your new cat recover from the trip.

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