Does touching/handling an FIV positive cat, then touching a non-FIV cat cause this to spread. I know it's mostly spread by saliva and biting, but is there any cause for concern thru human/cat/cat contact?
2007-08-14 05:04:43 · 4 answers · asked by irvingfan 5 in Pets ➔ Cats
No, you're thinking of FeLV (feline leukemia) which is spread by body fluids. FIV needs to be done via biting, the infected cat biting into a non-infected one not the other way around, to spread the disease. We can't transmit it from one to another, the virus has a shelf life of only a few seconds outside the body of the cat. It has to touch a moving blood supply to transfer, so you're safe and the cats are safe. Don't worry about it.
FIV isn't a casual contact disease.
2007-08-14 12:59:18 · answer #1 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes. if the FIV cat rubs on your hand, possibly getting the tiniest bit of saliva on your hand, and then you go pet the other cat who then rubs its face against your hand, you very well could be transfering it. true, it's not probable, but it is possible. also, if they're using the same litter box, that could spread it.
2007-08-14 12:09:00 · answer #2 · answered by Wallflower 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it doesn't transfer that easily, but if the FIV cat licks you or sneezes on you, it is best to wash your hands. but to be on the safest side of all wash your hands after touching the FIV cat.
2007-08-14 12:09:08 · answer #3 · answered by macleod709 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I dont' think so, but when we had a kitten that was not tested yet in a seperate room from the our other two cats, when we were done with her, we washed our hands to be safe.
2007-08-14 12:09:23 · answer #4 · answered by linus1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋