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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: No, you cannot directly contract Cytomegalovirus (CMV) from cats. CMV is a common human herpesvirus, and while cats can carry their own versions of herpesviruses, these are distinct from the human strains and do not infect humans. Transmission of human CMV primarily occurs through close contact with infected bodily fluids like saliva, urine, and semen, typically person-to-person.

Key Facts

CMV is a human herpesvirus and does not infect cats.
Cats can carry their own herpesviruses, which are different from human CMV.
Human CMV spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
Most people are infected with CMV at some point in their lives and are often asymptomatic.
While not transmitted by cats, CMV can pose risks to pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals if contracted from human sources.

Overview

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a widespread herpesvirus that infects most people at some point in their lives, often without causing any noticeable symptoms. While it's commonly referred to as a "silent" virus due to its frequent asymptomatic nature in healthy individuals, it can lead to more severe complications in certain populations, such as newborns or those with weakened immune systems. Understanding how CMV is transmitted is crucial, and a common question arises regarding its presence in domestic animals, particularly cats.

The concern about contracting CMV from pets like cats is understandable, given the close proximity many people share with their feline companions. However, it is important to clarify that the CMV that affects humans is a distinct virus from any herpesviruses that cats might carry. This distinction is fundamental to understanding transmission routes and mitigating unnecessary anxiety. Therefore, the direct transmission of human CMV from a cat to a human is not a scientifically recognized pathway.

How It Works

Nature of Human CMV: Human Cytomegalovirus (HHV-5) is a member of the herpesvirus family. Once a person is infected, the virus remains dormant in their body for life, though it can reactivate under certain conditions, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems. It is primarily spread through close personal contact with infected bodily fluids.
Nature of Feline Herpesviruses: Cats can be carriers of various herpesviruses, with the most common being the Feline Herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), which is a significant cause of upper respiratory infections in cats, often referred to as "cat flu." These feline herpesviruses are species-specific and are not transmissible to humans, just as human CMV is not transmissible to cats.
Transmission Routes of Human CMV: Human CMV is typically spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. This includes saliva, urine, genital secretions, blood, and breast milk. Common modes of transmission are kissing, sharing utensils, sexual contact, and from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
Lack of Cross-Species Transmission: The biological barriers between species prevent the transmission of many viruses. Human CMV has adapted to infect human cells, and feline herpesviruses have adapted to infect feline cells. There is no evidence to suggest that cats can shed or transmit human CMV, nor can humans contract feline herpesviruses from cats.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Human CMV	Feline Herpesvirus (e.g., FHV-1)
Host Species	Humans	Cats
Primary Transmission	Bodily fluids (saliva, urine, etc.), person-to-person	Direct contact with infected cat secretions (nasal, ocular)
Disease in Host	Often asymptomatic; can cause serious illness in immunocompromised or newborns	Upper respiratory infections, eye infections (conjunctivitis, keratitis) in cats
Human Risk	Can be serious if contracted by pregnant women (risk to fetus) or immunocompromised individuals	No known risk of infection to humans

Why It Matters

Public Health Significance: While CMV is not a threat from cats, understanding its actual transmission is crucial for public health. The majority of adults have been exposed to CMV, and while usually harmless, it can cause significant problems for pregnant women, potentially leading to congenital CMV infection in their babies. This can result in developmental issues such as hearing loss, vision impairment, and intellectual disabilities.
Importance for Immunocompromised Individuals: For individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or individuals with HIV/AIDS, CMV can reactivate and cause serious illness. This can include pneumonia, retinitis (leading to blindness), and gastrointestinal problems. Awareness of how CMV *is* transmitted (person-to-person) is vital for implementing appropriate preventative measures in these vulnerable groups.
Pet Owner Education: Clarifying that CMV is not transmitted by cats helps to alleviate unfounded fears and promote responsible pet ownership. Focusing on hygiene practices like handwashing after handling pets and their waste, and ensuring pets receive regular veterinary care, are important for overall health, but not specifically related to CMV transmission from cats.

In conclusion, the answer to whether you can get CMV from cats is a definitive no. The virus responsible for human cytomegalovirus infection is specific to humans, and while cats may carry their own distinct herpesviruses, these do not pose a risk of infection to people. Therefore, enjoying the companionship of your feline friends does not increase your risk of contracting CMV. The focus for preventing CMV remains on avoiding direct contact with infected bodily fluids from other humans.