Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

How long before a calicivirus kitten is safe to bring home to my cat?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 9 lbs

I just found out a kitten i was going to adopt was just diagnosed with calicivirus. How long until it’s safe to bring this little guy home? I have a 2 year old cat who is fully vaccinated.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 3rd, 2020

Once a cat is exposed to calicivirus, it will go through an incubation period of 2-6 days before developing clinical signs which typically last for 14-21 days. During this entire time, the cat will potentially be infectious to other cats. At a minimum, infected cats will shed virus in their bodily secretions for 2-3 weeks. Following apparent recovery from the disease, as many as half of all infected cats may develop a carrier state in which they will continue to shed the virus. In some of these cats the carrier state may only last for a few months, but in a small percentage of cats the carrier state may persist for life. Carrier cats may or may not show any signs of infection when they are actively shedding calicivirus and serve as an important source of infection to susceptible cats.

I would say it would not be safe for you to bring the kitten home for at least one month. I would also recommend re-vaccinating your old cat with the FVRCP vaccine if it has not been given in the last 6 months to boost his immunity.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Living with an FCV cat: Is it chronic? Can I get another cat?

I recommend getting a cat when you no longer live with your current roommate and her cat. As many of half of all cats with calicivirus infection may continue to shed calicivirus particles intermittently or constantly for several months or for a lifetime. As calicivirus is extremely contagious through either direct contact with an infected cat/cat shedding viral particles, breathing the same air as an infected/carrier state/shedding cat, or contact with contaminated objects such as food bowls and toys, it would definitely be best to wait and to be sure that your new cat/kitten receives all required boosters of the FVRCP vaccine as well as the rabies vaccine early on. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

When is it safe to bring a new kitten home after FPV panleukopenia?

I'm so sorry that your last cat passed away from panleukopenia. This is a parvovirus that is passed through various secretions and can survive fairly readily in the environment. As a result, it's virtually impossible to fully disinfect all materials - particularly carpet, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Hard, nonporous surfaces are much easier to disinfect with bleach diluted with water 1:32 and left on the cleaned surface for at least 5 minutes. Since this parvovirus can survive for up to a year, I would not take the chance of bringing Rag home until he's completed his entire vaccine series. I hope that everything goes well! https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/panleukopenia/

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Will my vaccinated cat get sick fostering a cat with Calicivirus?

If your cat isn't vaccinated against Calicivirus, then yes Kovu can get it. Make sure his vaccines are up to date, and should reduce the symptoms should your cat acquire the virus from this foster cat. How lovely of you to want to take this foster cat in!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

After cat flu, how long to disinfect home & items for a new cat?

I'm very sorry Mitzi isn't working out! Calicivirus typically lasts a week to 14 days in the environment, chlamydophila felis doesn't survive well in the environment and is easily killed, and microplasma felis does not survive long in the environment as well. You can get a new cat, but I would wait a couple of weeks to be sure. Be sure to thoroughly disinfect and clean all the cat items you have to prevent any chance of transmission of cat flu to your new cat.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Will my cat with calicivirus spread it to another cat after isolation?

It is true that Zara could spread calicivirus to another susceptible cat, but if your friend's cat is over one year old, then I would not worry about it. It is highly unlikely that a cat over a year will contract calicivirus, because most cats are naturally immune by that age. It is even less likely if your friend's cat has been vaccinated. If your friend's cat is under a year old, then it's possible that it could contract calicivirus from Zara, but it's not a given. Again, it will be less likely if the cat is vaccinated. If your friend's cat is a vaccinated kitten, then I would not be concerned about Zara giving it calicivirus. I hope that helps and all goes well for Zara.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Can I bring cat flu home to my healthy cats after visiting an infected one?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat died from FIP. When can I safely bring home a new cat?

I'm am sorry for your loss. Wait at least 1 month. Vacuum and clean as thoroughly as you can. Hard, non porous surfaces (and bowls, toys, etc.) can be washed in hot, soapy water or the dishwasher. Rinse in a 1:32 dilution of bleach. Any toys or bedding that cannot be sanitized, should be thrown out. Normal exposure to air and sunlight will usually kill the FIP virus in the environment within 2 weeks.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share