Can cats pick up the herpes simplex virus from humans?

[catmandu]

Wouldnt they have to have an open sore as well?

[kimboe]

hmm...I don't think they can catch it, But I think if other people can get the virus if you touch the cats with an open sore, and they as well (other people) Now, I'm just guessing. Sorry

[rosethecopycat]

I'm in line for the 'world's most cold sores' award, and my cats have never gotten any.
I can't give you a definitive answer though.

[Kirsten]

Hmmm, I hope you're right. I didn't find an answer on the internet either, so I guess they cannot get it from us, otherwise I would have found some warnings, I think.

Kirsten

[Craftlady]

I know it's very contagious human to human contact.
I would call your doctor's office and ask them about human to animal contact. It beats guessing and worrying, you'll have an answer right away.

[DrNiblik]

I don't think they can pick up cold sores, but they CAN pick up certain strains of colds and flu. Dille caught one from me sometime back and when I tok her to the vet, the vet told me that she likely caught it from me, cos' I still had a pretty good sniffle going when I took her.

[rosethecopycat]

I know it's very contagious human to human contact.

My husband has never had a cold sore.

[Craftlady]

Originally Posted by Craftlady
I know it's very contagious human to human contact.

My husband has never had a cold sore.

See below article, I always try to back up a statement that I make with proof. Yes, it's contagious human to human contact.

Medical Encyclopedia: Herpes labialis (oral Herpes simplex)
See link for rest of article/description. Adult subject matter in this article description.

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/000606.htm

"Herpes viruses are contagious. Contact may occur directly, or through contact with infected razors, towels, dishes, and other shared articles."