Adoption, pinkeye, & herpesvirus (non-diabetic q)

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KarenCosmo

Member Since 2012
We were all ready to adopt a new rescue cat from a local pet store. She was spayed, had all her shots, etc.
I was supposed to pick her up yesterday but they called me to let me know she had pinkeye. They did mention she was not sneezing.

This concerns me because as I understand it, pinkeye is a symptom of herpesvirus and I already have 3 cats in my household.
I called my vet and she was also concerned and while she didn't come right out and tell me not to get it, she did warn me about herpesvirus and that it is contagious and can cause respiratory problems, etc.

Apparently, this is a disease that they don't normally test for and a cat can have the virus without being symptomatic.

My question is, how do I know that any cat I bring into my house isn't already infected? It could be possible that my cats already are infected but just don't show symptoms, right?

I'm so torn as to what to do. I mean, even if I didn't get this particular cat I was looking to get, ANY cat can have this issue, right? And if they aren't currently symptomatic, how would I know? It makes me nervous about the whole adoption thing now (though with all my previous adoptions it hadn't ever crossed my mind).
Am I just overreacting?

Any thoughts on the matter?
 
I think you have every right to be concerned. Not only is pinkeye contagious to cats, but it is also a cross-species contagion and indeed can be caused by the feline herpes virus.

Good articles for you:

http://pets.webmd.com/cats/conjunctivitis-pinkeye-cats-types-symptoms-causes-treatments

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-care-herpes.aspx

I know how difficult this must be after wishing to adopt a cat and going through the connection process. However, with other cats in the house, I'm not sure you have much of a choice here but to insist that they test the cat for the herpes virus. If it's positive, then I would hope they allow you to back out. Additionally, it would be safer that the cat be adopted into a one-cat family with no future of adding to the brood.

Good luck to you.

DZ and Sarah
 
Thanks for the reply.

I'm also concerned about the other cats in the same enclosure as this one. If it's so easily spread, the other 5 cats in that area may also get the virus (assuming she does have the virus). I'm kind of surprised that they didn't segregate her just to be on the safe side.

It makes me nervous that any cat I may adopt could be infected but just not showing signs.
 
Just about every cat in a shelter environment has been exposed to herpes virus. Shelters don't test for it because its pointless. A small percentage of cats will continue to have flare ups the rest of their life. particularly in times of stress. Other cats may have a Uri when they get to a new home, and once recovered never have a problem again. Its a stressful time going to a new place. That's why shelters recommend a weeks confinement period---in addition to the slow cat to cat intro process.

Following normal hand washing procedures would be sufficient. Its not easily transmittedto people.
 
Yes, I'd be concerned about the shelter cats nearby too.

If it is indeed just pinkeye, yes, you can deal with that. However, it it's herpes, from what I read in the articles previously provided, it can be passed to the other cats just by using the same litter box.

I think, based on what the tests reveal, you will need to follow your gut on this one. Don't let anyone badger you into anything with which you are uncomfortable!

Maybe you can discuss it with your vet for his/her take on the subject.

DZ and Sarah
 
When I brought Abigail into my home I didn't know she had the herpes virus. She came from a shelter. I did keep her segregated for a few weeks. She will still have some flare ups and that is when I break out the lysine. As far as I fan tell she has not transmitted it to any of my other cats. Now I cannot say with 100% certainty she has herpes as I remember my vet saying there was no conclusive test for it so she has not been tested. But she does sneeze and get the runny eyes sometimes.
 
Conjunctivitis or pink eye can be transmitted to a human if you touch the cats eye and then touch yours without washing your hands.

Viruses stick to their host species so Herpes Virus is not transmittable from cat to human.

You are over reacting just a little, but thats because this is new information that is now concerning to you. There is never too much info, especially since you have other cats.

If you are getting a cat from a rescue or shelter where that cat has been around other cats, it has almost certainly been exposed to herpes virus, and your cats probably have as well.
 
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