Last October, I cared for a young litter of four Kittens. Sadly, we discovered that they had feline distemper, and although we did everything we could, they passed away. I have been thinking about getting a new cat for companionship, but my mother isn't convinced. She says that it is possible for the virus to still be living in the house. How long can the virus live for, and is there anything I can do to ensure that it is gone before I get a new cat?
2007-06-10 12:08:46 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
IT IS ONLY TRANSMITTABLE BY SECRETIONS FROM WHAT I HEARD FROM THE VET...
I WOULD CALL YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER AND INQUIRE.. THE WOULD KNOW FOR CERTAIN.. SINCE I HEARD TWO DIFFERENT STORIES ABOUT TRANSMITTANCE FROM TWO VETS.. I DO NOT THINK HOWEVER THAT THE VIRUS WOULD BE IN THE HOUSE SEEING HOW YOU CERTAINLY HAVE CLEANED THE AREA SINCE AND ILLNESSES ONLY THRIVE ON DAMP MOIST ENVIORNMENTS.
GOOD LUCK! :)
2007-06-10 16:05:27 · answer #1 · answered by Jenblossom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just to be safe, get the new cat vaccinated before you bring it into your house. We had the same thing happen that PINK stated -- and before we got cat #3 we checked with our vet. She said the virus can live in the house/air/bedding for up to a year. Also, there is a lag time between when your new cat gets the shot and when they are actually protected. Check with your vet and make SURE your new cat is safe before bringing her into the house.
After watching a cat die from distemper, you know you have to do everything you can to never have that happen again!
2007-06-10 16:45:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You dont have to worry about the virus spreading to any new cats in the house. The virus can only be spred directly from one cat to another or through fluids of the cats. Sence it has been a while sence you have had the cats, you have probably washed any bowls, blankets, or anything the kittens may have used and killed the bacteria that could have been present. Go ahead and get another cat he/she will not develop the disease unless he allready has it or catches it from an outside cat.
2007-06-10 12:16:03 · answer #3 · answered by Little Flower 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Definitely just get the new cat vaccinated.
A long time ago before they used to give the vaccine I got a kitten from the humane society and it died of distemper. I then went and got another one and it slept in the same basket as the first and also got distemper and died. It is extremely contagious.
2007-06-10 15:12:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm, not sure about how long the virus lasts, but go ahead and disinfect anything the kittens used (throw away or use bleach) and VACCINATE THE NEW CAT!
Vaccinating the new cat is the best way to ensure it's health.
2007-06-10 12:15:30 · answer #5 · answered by Mariah 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
cats don't get distemper that's dogs,cats get hiv virus that is aids,not the human one ,and there is no cure sorry i live in UK england and lost two cats to this,once it is in your house any cat brought in there within the next 2 years can get it,no amount of sterilizing will kill the virus,sorry
2016-05-17 04:31:35 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would call the vet and ask them they would know the definate answer.
2007-06-10 13:14:47 · answer #7 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋