In March it was reported a cat in Belgium, whose owner has coronavirus, had tested positive for the respiratory disease and showed mild clinical signs. However, the infection appears to be an isolated case and the cat’s health is understood to be improving.
Should I keep my cat indoors?
Dr Angel Almendros, from City University in Hong Kong, told BBC News it would be sensible to keep cats indoors doing the outbreak.
But Dr Almendros stressed: “There isn’t a single case of a pet dog or cat infecting a human with COVID-19.”
Research has shown cats may be able to catch the virus from other cats.
READ MORE
-
Coronavirus warning: Why scientists are saying keep cats indoors
However, there is no evidence that domestic animals can pass this disease back to people.
Dr Almendros added: ”Treat pets like other people in your household. So if you’re feeling sick, it’s better not to interact with them.
“I hope pet owners can sleep a bit better with the right advice and information. It isn’t easy these days, I know.”
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has also clarified its position relating to cats and coronavirus.
The association has explained cats should only stay indoors in infected households or where people are self-isolating.
BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: “It’s incredibly important that information and advice for the public is clear and we regret that this news story will have caused worry and upset amongst cat owners.
“We are not advising that all cats are kept indoors. Only cats from infected households or where their owners are self-isolating, and only if the cat is happy to be kept indoors.
“Some cats cannot stay indoors due to stress-related medical reasons.
“There have been a tiny number of cases of COVID-19 in animals and in all cases, it is likely that the transmission was human to animal.
DON’T MISS
Tiger in New York zoo tests positive for coronavirus [PICTURES]
Dr Hilary responds to news tigers have coronavirus [VIDEO]
Are vets still open during coronavirus pandemic? [INSIGHT]
READ MORE
- Wuhan wet market horror exposed as gruesome practice starts up AGAIN
“There is no evidence that pets can pass COVID-19 to their owners.
“From the small number of cases it appears that dogs do not show symptoms, but cats can show clinical signs of the disease.
“It is also the case that animals can act as fomites, as the virus could be on their fur in the same way it is on other surfaces, such as tables and doorknobs.
“That’s why our main advice for pet owners continues to be to practise good hand hygiene.
“And, as a precaution, for pet owners who have COVID-19 or who are self-isolating we are recommending that you keep your cat indoors if possible, during that time.
“It is very important that people don’t panic about their pets. There is no evidence that animals can pass the disease to humans.”
The British Veterinary Association (BVS) has issued guidance on coronavirus and pets.
The advice for pet owners diagnosed with coronavirus is:
- Restrict contact with pets as a precautionary animal health measure until more information is known about the virus.
- If your pet requires care, wash your hands before and after any interaction with them and wear a face mask if possible.
- Keep cats indoors if possible and try to arrange for someone else to exercise dogs, taking care to restrict any contact with the person walking your dog and making sure they practice good hygiene. This is to reduce the likelihood of your pet spreading the disease through environmental contamination on their fur – there is no evidence that pet animals play a role in the spread of the disease.
- If your pet shows clinical signs, please do not take it to the vet but call the practice for advice.
- If your pet requires emergency treatment, call the practice for further advice. Do not take your pet to the surgery unless the vet instructs you to. You may need to arrange for someone else to transport your pet for treatment.
Source: Read Full Article
