Cats and Coronavirus
Tom Waterworth • April 8, 2020
Clarification on the situation with Cats and Coronavirus
There has been quite a lot of information in the news just recently about whether cats can be infected with Coronavirus, and whether they pose a risk to humans (and vice versa). Sadly there appears to be quite a bit of incorrect information flying around and so we thought we would just try and clarify the situation.
Can the virus affect pets/animals?
There is no evidence that Coronavirus can affect dogs. There have been a small number of cases where Coronavirus DNA was detected on dogs fur/respiratory systems, but this was thought to be more contamination from someone who was carrying the disease. These animals were not unwell.
It is thought that animals can act as "fomites" to spread the disease, in the same way that it can also be spread by inanimate objects such as door handles, phones etc.
It is for this reason that, as vets, you may see us wearing PPE whilst handling your pets or coming to talk to you - we are minimising the risk of disease transmission.
What about the story in the BBC this morning?
Some of you may have come across the article in the BBC and other news outlets this morning: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-52204534
Some of this information has been interpreted incorrectly and so we wanted to stress the current advice that is being given out by the British Veterinary Association:
The British Veterinary Association has clarified its position in light of a report on the BBC News Website relating to cats and Coronavirus. The headline of the article suggested that veterinary advice was to keep all cats indoors, but the BVA has explained this advice is only in relation to cats in infected households or where people are self isolating.
In response to questions from the BBC about general advice for pet owners, BVA had given information that related to both general advice and specific advice for those in infected households, but not had made the distinction clear.
BVA President Daniella Dos Santos has said:
"It's incredibly important that information and advice for the public is clear and we regret that this 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. 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 that it is on other surfaces, such as tables and doorknobs. That's why our main advice for pet owners is to practice good hand hygeine."
"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"
What is your advice then?
Taking all the information on board, we would suggest the following practical tips to help you know what to do:
List of Services
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Practice good hand hygiene.List Item 1
You should be washing your hands regularly during the day anyway, but we would suggest ensuring you do this after petting/stroking your animal and particularly before you eat or handle food.
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Limit your pet's contact with other peopleList Item 2
Try to disuade other people from touching or stroking your pet. We suggest keeping your dog on a lead and keeping good social distancing from other people. We also have a good infographic below that can be applied if you are walking dogs belonging to other people.
We also suggest that you don't contact other peoples pets as well.
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Keeping your cat indoors...List Item 3
This only applies if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are self-isolating due to showing possible symtpoms.
Also, this is ONLY practical if you cat doesn't object to this. We know many cats end up with severe stress related problems from being kept indoors against their will. This includes urinary and skin problems along with some behavioural issues such as urine spraying and excessive scratching.
Also - we suggest advising your neighbours to avoid touching and contacting your cat(s) should they wonder into their house or garden.
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If your pet has been in contact with an infected personList Item 4
If your pet has been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is self isolation, then if possible bathing them just with normal shampoo will be effective. In animals that cannot be bathed (eg cats, long haired dogs etc) then we suggest removing any collars/harnesses etc and wiping down with a flannel soaked in shampoo.
What about walking someone else's dog?
If your pet is ill and you think exposure to coronavirus has caused their symptoms, give us a call before your visit. Please also me mindful about coming to the surgery if you are unwell yourself! We may decided to take certain precautions during your visit, so it is important to make your veterinary team aware.
Keep up with the news…
The COVID-19 virus has caused a great deal or unrest and uncertainty, but do your best not to panic. Keep an eye on the news, both for trusted advice and for what’s happening in your area. This is the link to the official government website.
There can also be a lot of misinformation around, so we would suggest relying on the BBC for your news sources. There are also regular updates on the British Veterinary Association (BVA) website
too.
Meanwhile, stay as hygienic as possible and be sure to give your doctor a call if you’re feeling at risk. As ever, if you’re worried about your pet, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Meanwhile, stay as hygienic as possible and be sure to give your doctor a call if you’re feeling at risk. As ever, if you’re worried about your pet, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
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