Can humans catch cat herpes?

[katejess44]

OK, this may be a really silly question, but my poor cat has been under the weather - gammy eye, off his food, sleepy etc.  So tonight I took him to the vet and they think that he has herpes.  I was stunned by the news and asked the vet how this could happen as he is an indoor cat and has been vaccinated.  I was told that he probably carried the virus from birth and that the vaccination would not totally prevent it from developing but prevent it from developing to dangerous levels. 

However, what I stupidly didn't ask was whether cat herpes is a threat to we humans?  I rather doubt it is, but as we now have to handle poor Pickle rather a lot to give him antibiotic eyedrops and tablets, I am rather concerned that we may be at risk.  Does anybody know for sure?

[terrij]

i know for sure we cannot catch cat aids but i am not sure about cat herpes...if i was you i would phone the vet (any vet will tell you ) then that will  put your mind at rest.....hope pickle feels better soon.

[Noweia]

No, we cannot catch cat herpes virus, and cats can't catch the human virus!

[katejess44]

Thank you both very much for your answers.  We have to take him back for a check up anyway, so until then, I am going to trust Noweia's answer, but double check when we see the vet.

Thanks again!

[kstembler]

Cat herpes is a different virus than the human herpes virus that you are thinking of.  (And the other answer about feline AIDS is correct as well - there is no evidence that the virus that causes feline AIDS is transmissible to humans.)

[Litchick]

Why wait until you see the vet?  You were just there -- why not ring him up?  That's what the doc is there for and will be happy to help.  Why worry yourselves unnecessarily?