Cats and COVID-19
COVID-19 has been a hot topic for the last 2 years. We know how it spreads between people and what happens to us when we catch it. But can our cats catch it? What happens to them if they do? Can they spread it to us? There are lots of questions surrounding COVID-19 and animals, but there isn’t very much information available yet.
One important fact to note is that many cats carry coronavirus in their faeces. This coronavirus is NOT the same as COVID-19. Most cats that have been documented to be infected with COVID-19 have developed mild respiratory symptoms and have made a full recovery. The reported cases have either been experimentally induced or have been in households with people that are asymptomatic for COVID-19. However, it should be noted that these cases seemed more predominant in the period before COVID vaccinations were widely available, thus their owners were likely shedding a higher amount of the virus than an infected, vaccinated individual is likely to. There have not been any confirmed reports of cats becoming infected with COVID-19 in Australia.
If you catch COVID-19, the current CDC recommendations are to quarantine yourself from other people and animals in the household. If possible, you should ask another member of your household to care for your cat. However, if this is not possible (e.g. if you live alone), the recommendation then is to minimise contact with your cat as much as possible. Wash your hands frequently and carefully before and after interacting with your cat. It is also important to refrain from allowing your cat to lick you until you are completely recovered. We do not recommend temporarily relocating your cat out of the home during your quarantine, as this will cause unnecessary stress to your cat (and yourself).
There are currently no approved animal COVID-19 vaccines registered in Australia. Thus, COVID-19 vaccinations in cats is not required at this time. However, our vets at Perth Cat Hospital ensure that they are fully versed on any new research and government recommendations, and will modify our protocols and advice if required.
Overall, there has been evidence of very rare occurrences of COVID-19 infections in cats contracted from infected humans, but no evidence thus far of humans being infected by affected cats (known as a “zoonosis”). By following the general principles of hygiene and social distancing should you contract COVID-19, you can minimise the risk of spread to them.
If you are thinking of booking an appointment for your cat, rest assured that all staff at Perth Cat Hospital are fully vaccinated and wearing masks in the hospital is compulsory.
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