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Can a kitten with cat flu history infect my other pets or go outside?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hi, looking to rehome a kitten or two from local spcs centre. The kitten apparently had shown signs of cat flu when first admitted. It says to be rehomed with no other cats but access to outdoors when old enough etc. Will the kitten infect other cats outside ? and could i offer a home to another kitten in their care that was also showing signs of cat flu...not a sibling. Am i just setting myself up for a world of pain and vet bills and would i still be able to get insurance ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Kevin Sanada, DVM

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 13th, 2017

Cat Flu is a general term that refers to an upper respiratory infection. In kittens, the biggest causes are usual one of a couple of different viruses that will go away with the infection. One of the viruses (herpes virus) will stay latent in the body and may come out again during times of stress. However, most cats have this virus already, so it's not standard for us to recommend isolation for the rest of kittenhood based on a history of cat flu.

I would double-check the reason for the recommendation. I suspect there was something else going on with that case.

The kitten should not be contagious if there were no signs of infection when you got her. Outside cats pose a risk of transmitting FIV and FeLV, which both affect the immune system and can be quite severe in kittens. I'm assuming that's why they recommended her not to go outside.

From what you've described, I don't think you have much to worry about. Shelters commonly adopt out kittens with a history of cat flu and it's rarely a problem.

Again, I think it's worth talking to the Vet at the SPCA. Sometimes the staff do not fully understand the situation and may have not explained this well enough.

I hope that helps and you enjoy the new kitten. It's always great to see people adopting, so good on you.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 27th, 2017

    The vaccines your kitten has received should provide some protection against contracting the 'flu' (which is a complex disease in cats and can be a result of a number of different viruses and bacteria such as chlamydia and not all types are in the vaccines). No vaccine will prevent exposure or 100% protection against illness but they do reduce the severity and duration of illness. Infected cats can shed the viruses for months but I would not allow them to meet until 7-10days after symptoms have resolved

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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