US Trends

can cats get rsv

Yes, cats can get respiratory infections, but the specific human RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is not currently known to infect cats or spread between humans and cats.

Can cats get “RSV” from humans?

When people ask “can cats get RSV,” they usually mean: “Can my cat catch human RSV from me or my child?”

  • Current veterinary guidance says RSV is a human‑specific virus and is not known to spread from humans to cats.
  • There is no solid evidence that a typical human RSV infection in your household will directly infect your cat.
  • That said, viruses do evolve, so experts still recommend basic hygiene around pets when anyone is sick.

So: if someone at home has RSV, your cat is very unlikely to “catch RSV,” but you should still keep an eye on them for any breathing or cold‑like issues.

What respiratory infections do cats actually get?

Cats absolutely can get their own forms of respiratory disease that look a lot like a bad cold or flu.

The main culprits are:

  • Feline herpesvirus type‑1 (feline viral rhinotracheitis or FVR).
  • Feline calicivirus (FCV).
  • Bacteria like Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamydophila felis.

These are part of what vets often call the feline upper respiratory infection (URI) or feline respiratory disease complex.

Typical symptoms include:

  • Sneezing, coughing
  • Runny nose or nasal congestion
  • Watery or goopy eyes
  • Reduced appetite, lethargy

Most uncomplicated cases clear in about 1–2 weeks with proper care, but some can become serious, especially in kittens, seniors, or cats with other health issues.

Could a vet call something “RSV” in a cat?

Online posts and forums sometimes mention a cat “having RSV,” but that is usually:

  • A misunderstanding or shorthand for “some respiratory virus” in general.
  • Or confusion with another virus (for example, feline herpesvirus or calicivirus) that causes similar signs but is species‑specific.

Research into feline respiratory disease shows a complex mix of viral and bacterial pathogens in cats, but they are typically feline viruses, not the human RSV strain you hear about in the news.

What to do if your cat seems sick

If your cat is sneezing, coughing, or seems off while someone at home has RSV, treat it as you would any possible URI:

  1. Monitor closely
    • Watch breathing (no open‑mouth breathing or rapid, labored breaths).
    • Check appetite, water intake, and litter box use daily.
  1. Call your vet promptly if you notice:
    • Trouble breathing, open‑mouth breathing, or fast breaths.
    • Not eating for more than 24 hours.
    • Thick nasal discharge, eye discharge, or severe lethargy.
  1. Supportive care at home (if your vet says it’s mild):
    • Keep your cat indoors, warm, and in a low‑stress environment.
    • Use a humidifier in the room or let them sit in a steamy bathroom (door open so they can leave).

Vaccination with the common FVRCP vaccine helps protect against major feline respiratory viruses like herpesvirus and calicivirus.

Simple mini‑story to picture it

Imagine a family where the toddler has RSV and is coughing on the couch. The family cat curls up nearby. The virus particles that strongly attach to human cells don’t fit the cat’s cells in the same way—like a key that doesn’t match the lock—so the cat doesn’t actually get human RSV. But the cat could still get its own “cat cold” from another cat at the shelter or vet, caused by feline herpesvirus or calicivirus instead.

Quick FAQ

So, can cats get RSV?

  • They can get respiratory viruses , but not the human RSV that’s currently causing concern in people , based on current evidence.

Should I avoid my cat if I have RSV?

  • You don’t usually need to completely avoid them, but it’s wise to wash your hands, avoid coughing/sneezing directly on them, and keep their environment clean.

Is my sick cat a danger to my baby with RSV?

  • Common cat respiratory viruses do not infect humans, but immunocompromised or very young children are more vulnerable in general, so good hygiene and vet care are important.

TL;DR: Cats do not appear to catch human RSV , but they do get their own serious respiratory infections from feline‑specific viruses like herpesvirus and calicivirus, so any breathing issues or “cold‑like” signs in your cat are still a reason to call your vet.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.