Will a cat with a chronic upper respitory infection give their illness to another cat?

George R: Will a cat with a chronic upper respitory infection give their illness to another cat?
My family adopted a cat about two years ago. She has a chronic upper respitory infection. We are considering getting a second cat, but we are worried that the new cat will catch our old cat’s illness?

Answers and Views:

Answer by maur911
I think that is a good possibility. if they use the same drinking dish etc.

Answer by ~*Meghan*~
Yes, upper respiratory infections are highly contagious to other cats because cats can get it even without direct contact. This happens in shelters quite frequently…

I would make sure that your other cat is healed with antibiotics and has a full recovery before getting another cat. I would also check with the vet to make sure of a good time frame as well. Viruses have the tendancy to linger around a lot longer than we think….

Answer by swimmintink
If there is an infectious cause, then it will probably pass it on. What has the vet tried for your current cat? Any idea what the cause is? You may want to try to get it cleared up before bringing another cat in.

Answer by Tigger
He might. Have you found out what exactly the infection is?

Try getting your first kitty cleared up before you get a second one. And when you get the second kitty, try getting a calm one. I don’t think your first kitty will feel like romping, at least for a while.

Answer by MuNkEy PrInCeSs
she won’t give it to them intentally but yes, it is possibly. but to help so you don’t spread it from cat-to-cat, wash your hands after everytime you touch the cat with the infection, My cat had the same infection and never gave it to my 2 other cats. thank god. lol. hope this helps

Answer by minniemix
Yes!

Sneezing, cleaning them selves etc, licking food, drinking water can cause further respiratory problems for cats and DOGS….

Answer by D
Of course! Don’t get another cat yet, or if you foolishly must at least keep them in separate rooms until the original cat is healthy.