Cause
Direct contact with discharges from the eyes, nose, or mouth of the infected cat will likely result in infection. Contaminated objects can be a significant source of infection for up to 24 hours with feline herpesvirus and for up to 10 days with feline calicivirus. Items such as cages, food and water bowls, as well as human hands and clothing can be contaminated with respiratory secretions. Transmission also can occur when the infected cat sneezes or coughs and thus aerosolizes the virus so that it can be inhaled by other felines.