Can I bring diseases home to my cat after visiting a friend's kitten?

Yes there is a chance that you can carry the disease back home. If your cats are vaccinated against Calicivirus, Herpesvirus and Panleucopenia virus (and eventually Leukemia virus as well), the risk of infection should be basically none. To minimize the risk I would recommend to wash your hands/arms and clothes before getting in contact with your cats again when you are back home. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

It is possible that you could spread the disease, but if your cats are appropriately vaccinated they should have some degree of immunity to it. Keep an eye on them for changes in behavior/illness and call your veterinarian if anything changes.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Some illnesses can be transmitted from one cat to another from your hands or clothing. I recommend washing hands and possibly leaving shoes away from your cats if the stray sneezed on or near them. Basic good hygiene will help prevent disease transmission to your kitties. If you are able please take the stray into the vet as soon as you are able as it sounds like she may have a significant respiratory infection. Be sure that she is tested for feline leukemia and FIV before you ever let her near your cats to be safe.

Yes, a cat can make you sick. If you are pregnant, it's not recommend to scoop cat litter because you can get toxoplasmosis from their feces. Toxoplasmosis can cause abortion in humans and birth defects in this fetus. You can also get intestinal worms, ringworm, and flea bites if your cat has fleas. You can prevent intestinal worms by making sure Kiki is up to date on his deworming treatments, treating him right away if you see ringworm, and keeping your cat on a monthly flea treatment.

Your cat should be fine. Most diseases and parasites need more direct contact and since she only touched the stray cat for a short time and washed her hands there should not be anything left for her to give to your cat. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you Noushmc.

Hello. If there are no other cats at the other home, especially unvaccinated ones, then there is no danger. However, keep the kitten indoors & do not let it run around outdoors. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Given you weren't in the apartment where the cat lived, and if the cat had never visited that apartment, I would not worry about bringing the virus home on your shoes or feet. You are correct that this virus can survive in the environment; in fact, it can survive for up to a year in the environment, but I would only worry about it if you were in the apartment where the cat lived. Should you visit that apartment, be sure to disinfect your shoes before you enter your home.