How long can FIP last on cat toys?

by Jenny
(Michigan)

Hello,

My family's kitten passed away of FIP three and a half months ago. We cleaned the entire house before bringing in a new kitten, West. However, we kept one room closed off: we didn't disinfect the floors or bedding, and we had a box of her toys (that we couldn't disinfect, but couldn't bring ourselves to throw away).

Just last night, our new cat got the door open and hung out in that room for a few hours... I have read that the virus survives in the environment anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months. Could he get infected by that brief exposure to our old cat's toys?

Thank you so much for your help.

RESPONSE:

One of the major resources that I use when I'm unsure of the details on specific feline diseases is Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. According to their data, the virus can live in the environment for several weeks if it has not already been killed by a strong disinfectant.

This leads me to believe that since your kitten passed over three months ago, the virus should no longer be able to impact or harm your new cat.

I wish you and your new kitty many happy years together.

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