Expert: Marcia Owen - 6/23/2010

Question
Hi,

I know you are not a vet, but since you are a breeder you might be able to help me with this.
I am a new-bee cat breeder (persians) and I am in the process of establishing my cattery foundation, i.e selecting suitable and up-to-standards breeder cats for my program.
I recently bought a persian female (1  yr old), and after I paid the breeder the full amount, he told me that the cat had eye ulcers caused by herpes virus and said that she will be fine within few weeks and then she would be shipped to me. Now, I am having hesitations about this cat! to my knowing, herpes virus in cats never goes away.. My cats are all herpes-free and I do not want them to catch it in any way, not to mention adding a cat with herpes virus to a breeding program.
Do you think I should ask for a refund? The breeder says it will go away!!! but I have read tons of articles and books saying that herpes almost never goes away and is contagious.
Any advice would help.

Answer
Dear Blaze

Your gut instinct is correct.  The breeder is right, it will go away visually, but it never leaves the cat and can manifest itself again under times of stress, such as moving to your home.  It can be controlled to some extent with Lysine but it won't be cured.

I think you would be right to pass on this cat and ask for a refund as you don't want all your cats also becoming positive for the virus.

Regards

Marcia