Can cats pick up the herpes simplex virus from humans?

**Kirsten** · 04-11-2006, 11:54 AM

I'm just asking because I currently have a bad case of herpes simplex labialis; it's looks really awful and is painful. Now I do not dare to cuddle my cats, or even kiss them, because I don't want them to pick up the virus from me.

Does anyone know if this could happen? I hope not!

Kirsten

**catmandu** · 04-11-2006, 07:55 PM

Wouldnt they have to have an open sore as well?

**kimboe** · 04-11-2006, 08:50 PM

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** · 04-11-2006, 11:39 PM

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** · 04-12-2006, 02:20 PM

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** · 04-12-2006, 03:51 PM

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** · 04-12-2006, 05:09 PM

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** · 04-12-2006, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by Craftlady

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

My husband has never had a cold sore.

**Craftlady** · 04-12-2006, 09:11 PM

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

Originally Posted by rosethecopycat

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."

**carole** · 04-12-2006, 09:31 PM

Kirsten i seriously doubt you could pass it on, but to be on the safe side, just don't kiss them right now, better safe than sorry or ask a doctor,it is highly contagious to other humans and once you have the virus you have it for life,it is the most common of viruses and if you have not got it you are darn lucky,i think it can be passed on in the early stages too when one does not really know they have it, that is why so many people end up with the virus, because you would not purposely kiss someone with it or let someone with it kiss you.