Cat colds....

[wllmrygrl]

Last summer I adopted two kittens from a local animal shelter (brother and sister). When I got them they both had runny noses and sneezed frequently. My vet explained to me that they had upper respiratory infections, and gave me some medicine. This whole time they have been healthy, normal hyper kittens that eat and sleep regularly... Well its been six months since I've had them and they still have runny noses and sneeze at least once a day. My vet told me that it might be some type of a herpes virus that cats can get, making it life long. Has anyone heard of this? I know its nigth life threatening but I'm still concerned. Another major issue is that my boyfriend and I are going to move back home with his parents in January and they already have cats..... can our cats infect theirs if they eat out of the same bowl? I know I can ask these questions to my vet.... but I don't have another $300 to take my cats back there at this time...
Can anyone help me out?

['too crazy]

I was told once by my vet that cats can have a virus that lasts a lifetime. As far as passing it on, I don't know about that. I would think you could call your vet, explain you had the kitties there and what the vet said about the virus and ask if it's contagious. They should be able to answer you over the phone.

[ABYLOVER]

When I got my Siamese kitten, he too, had an upper respiratory infection. I got the meds and sometimes he still did get them. He grew out of it once he got a little older and his immune system is stronger. One tip she gave me was to keep them in the bathroom when you take a hot shower. The nice steam will help clear the mucus. I would just call the vet to ask if it is contagious. Maybe you can get some more meds to have on hand when this happens.

[Cutepeach]

I recently had one of my cats come down with an upper respitory infection which I got meds for and than within time the other 2 that I have had it too so they all had to be treated. i am not sure if what your cats have can be passed on but I do know that Upper respitory infections can be passed on to other cats if they have it and havn't been treated and it isn't fun for them. Yes, putting them in the bathroom with you while you shower is good for them during this time cause it will help them like it does you when you are sick and not feeling well.

[Sassyblonde]

YES! Herpes is most likely what it is, and it can be passed to other cats. Herpes virus infections are lifelong (like humans with cold sores) and will pop up again and again, especially when the cat is stressed. I would advise against co-mingling these cats. Good luck!