How do viruses spread?

I lost my cat, Mickey, to a virus last Saturday. Although no other furbaby will replace him I hate coming home to an empty house and miss my cuddles. I am going to a rescue home tomorrow to maybe find a new cat to adopt. But my big worry is that any new cat coming into my home could get sick like Mickey. I am fairly certain Mickey was harboring the virus when I adopted him a couple of months ago. Does a virus need cat to cat contact to spread? Would there be any residue of this virus on his blanket or toys? I will obviously wash what I can before a new cat moves in.

I'm so sorry about your cat. I think it would be safer for any new cat you bring home if you wash and disinfect everything Mickey used or touched when he was sick, or throw away things that can't be disinfected. Do you know what he had, exactly? Some kinds of virus can stay in the environment longer than others. Some do need direct contact to spread, but others can be picked up from contaminated objects or the ground.

Although my vet said his blood tests were clear for 2 of the viruses they normally check for they were still convinced he had a virus but weren't sure what one. Sorry I know it is a bit vague, I was getting twice daily phone calls from my vet, got an overload of information while all I wanted to know was if he was going to get better.

CeliaD said:

Although my vet said his blood tests were clear for 2 of the viruses they normally check for they were still convinced he had a virus but weren't sure what one. Sorry I know it is a bit vague, I was getting twice daily phone calls from my vet, got an overload of information while all I wanted to know was if he was going to get better.

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I'm so sorry for your loss.  Most viruses won't kill an otherwise healthy cat.  Feline Infectious Peritonitis comes to mind, feline distemper (bacterial not viral) can also kill, feline leukemia is another.  Some of these can live in the environment and some don't, its hard to know how to advise you without more info.  

I should speak to my vet, shouldn't I? I've been putting off going to the vet surgery to pick up Mickeys car carrier as im still quite emotional about losing him. But there is no way I will put another cat in danger.

Yes that's a great idea :-)

Depends on the virus. Some virus' can be broken down with just soapy water. Others require bleach. Some viruses are passed through sputum others need a bite. I would give it up to 3 months before introducing another cat. This is the length of time needed to get rid of the deadly virus like feline leukemia. Since you don't know what it was give it time.

I know for sure it wasn't feline leukemia as he had his bone marrow tested. I'll see what my vet says, thank you for your help