Cats and Covid-19, a concern for the feline community. Pet owners have concerns about the welfare of their 4 legged companions, with good reason. Amid a global pandemic, while we shelter, our attentions turn to our closest animal companions, cats and dogs. We’ve put together a list of resources/ articles for you, a one stop shop from the academic to the everyday. As we receive and research new information and resources, we’ll update the list.
Please speak to your veterinarian if your cat has any sudden changes in behaviour. Remember animals are good at masking pain. Cats with their quiet aloof natures, may be in distress long before you notice. If you are self isolating avoid contact with your pets. If you live alone wear protective gear to feed them. Ideally only healthy persons should care for them. Follow the same safety protocols advised for humans wash your hands before and after dealing with your pets. If your city allows dog walking you may want to wipe them down after a walk, using only water.
The evidence suggests that pets are becoming infected from their owners. If you are self isolating avoid contact with your pets. If you live alone wear protective gear to feed them. Ideally only healthy persons should care for them. Follow the same safety protocols advised for humans wash your hands before and after dealing with your pets. If your city allows dog walking you may want to wipe them down after a walk, using only water. The realities and rules of coronavirus quarantine are fluid as scientists and academicians learn more about Covid 19, we must learn to adapt.
Source: Science 08 Apr 2020: eabb7015 DOI: 10.1126/science.abb7015
“In summary, we found that ferrets and cats are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, dogs have low susceptibility, and livestock including pigs, chickens, and ducks are not susceptible to the virus.”
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Cats and Covid 19 in the news around the Globe
- The Economic Times, Pets safe no more? Cats can get coronavirus too! https://bit.ly/2UVzwn5
- The New York Post, https://bit.ly/34qlQn1
- Nature.com Coronavirus can infect cats – dogs, not so much. https://go.nature.com/2Rs7FbZ
- Medical Express.com, Can cats really get or pass on COVID-19, as a report from Belgium suggests? https://bit.ly/2UZfHLD
Cats are far more susceptible to new coronavirus than dogs are, but people shouldn’t be ‘fearful’ of their pets: study, https://bit.ly/2UYHThz - Live Science.com, Cat infected with COVID-19 from owner in Belgium https://bit.ly/2RpBjOU
“Cats and humans appear to have a similar “doorknob” on the surfaces of respiratory cells that lets the SARS-CoV-2 virus get inside, according to Van Gucht. … During the 2003 SARS outbreak, cats were infected with a coronavirus as well, Van Gucht said.
Source: Live Science.com https://bit.ly/2RpBjOU
If you have more information, studies, reports, personal experiences please share them. Cat owners and carers will benefit from your experience or expertise. If you are a veterinarian and would like to contribute please contact us.
All information listed is for informational purposes only, we are not endorsing a study or position. This list is to help you find easy to access multiple resources. Stay home safe and tuned into your cat!
