Can I bring cat distemper home on my shoes from a friend's house?

Feline distemper can last years in the envirom=nment. In order for your cats to be as safe as they can be, they need to complete their series of vaccinations. Since they are adults, that means they need two vaccinations given 3-4 weeks apart for maximum immunity benefits. I would get them both vaccinated again, then repeat it in 3-4 weeks, THEN I might consider letting them back into your bedroom, as long as everything possible inside it has been disinfected with a 1:32 solution of household bleach and water.

The virus does not last long on it's own in the environment. It needs moisture to survive, so once it dries it dies. It would be much easier to contract it through direct contact with an infected cat or objects used by that cat, namely food or water bowls. Hand washing after handling an infected cat and before handling yours should be sufficient to prevent spread.

This virus is unfortunately very stable in the environment and can survive years at room temperature. A 1:32 dilution of household bleach should be used to disinfect environment (without getting in contact with the cat!!). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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.

First off, I'm so sorry you recently lost a kitten! An effective disinfectant to feline distemper is bleach. I would use bleach to clean the entire house. You need to get rid of all the kitten's belongs, as they will have the virus on them and it can be passed to any new cat. This includes bedding, toys, and litter boxes. Get all new stuff for the new cat. The most important to way to prevent the next cat from catching is vaccination. I would recommend getting an older cat, around four months of age, who will be fully vaccinated. I hope this helps!

While canine distemper can survive in the environment for three to four months, disinfectants can be used to kill the virus. As long as your home has been thoroughly disinfected, your new puppy should be safe in your home.

Thank you for submitting your question. It should be fine to visit. I would change your clothes as soon as you come home and could even shower before interacting with your own dogs. Being adult dogs and fully vaccinated their risk would be minimal. I certainly would not take your dogs to your dogs to your friend's house though. I hope this information helps!