FCoV/FECV in cat's fur (worries over virus transmission)

meow12

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Hi guys,

              Today I visited a multi-cat household where the cats are former strays or abandoned pets. I tried to be as careful as possible when I came home (wiped my bag, changed my clothes before coming home). While I was putting the clothes I'd changed out of before coming home into the washing machine, I noticed a strand of fur (I put my clothes into a bag, so I know it came from the other cats and not mine) on my clothes. But it got blown away before I could get rid of it and is probably somewhere in the house. I know this sounds really paranoid, but I've been reading up on FIP and how it develops from the FCov/FECV virus.

My question is, how likely will it be that my cat might get infected with FCoV/FECV if he comes into contact with fur from an infected kitty? I was out for a couple of hours after my visit, so there's a time lapse of maybe 5 hours between my visit to the kitties and coming home. Can the virus stay on a strand of fur for a long time?
 

mrsgreenjeens

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Gosh, that's a new one on me, and I'm guessing no one so far has an answer for you, that's why no one has replied.  I would simply call your Vet's office and ask them.  My gut tells you you're okay, but since you're paranoid (I'd be too if the cats I was visiting were currently sick) why not get the info straight from a professional?
 

jcat

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Relax and read this article: Feline Infectious Peritonitis

Exposure to the Corona virus does not mean your cat will get FIP. It's not a highly contagious virus, it's transmitted primarily through feces and saliva, and FIP only occurs in cats infected with the Corona virus if there's a mutation of the virus itself or a very rare immune response.

People who work at veterinary practices/hospitals as well as animal shelters or who tend feral colonies deal with cats who test positive for Corona virus all the time. Washing your hands thoroughly and changing your clothes before interacting with your own cats is enough for even more contagious viruses, so you don't have to be paranoid about FIP.
 
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