Cats and Covid-19, the latest advice
May 14, 2020
Cats and Covid-19, The Latest Advice
Following news reports in early April about cats testing positive for Covid-19, including a tiger in New York, Albert and the team thought they would give all our lovely cat owners a bit of a reassuring update.
So, here are the facts about self-isolation, cats and Covid-19 and the latest advice.
- There is NO evidence that cats can pass Covid-19 to humans.
- Veterinary professional bodies are NOT advising that all cats are kept indoors.
- With households that are self-isolating, you should encourage your cat to stay indoors if it is used to doing so.
That summary is based on a statement issued, on 8th April, by The British Veterinary Association, part of which said;
“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.
“It is very important that people don’t panic about their pets. There is no evidence that animals can pass the disease to humans.”
Can the Disease be Spread on Pets’ Fur?
The International Cat Care website is a great resource for impartial information for cat owners. They have nicely summarised much of the national and international advice on Cats & Covid, specifically addressing worries about the disease being passed on via the fur of any pet, including cats. They said…
‘No research has been done about whether the disease can be passed on animal’s coats, but because dog and cat hair is porous and fibrous, it is very unlikely that you would contract COVID-19 by stroking or playing with your pets. However, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands before and after interacting with them.’
The advice from The Vet Whetstone therefore remains the same, and it ties in with all the official advice on reducing your chances of spreading Covid-19.
You should practice good hygiene and wash your hands regularly, particularly before and after handling your pet.
If you have any concerns, The Vet Whetstone are here to help
During the current situation, in the first instance please contact us by phone or email and we’ll respond to your request or question.