Coronavirus and Cats
In response to the BBC news article this morning dated 8.4.2020 in relation to keeping cats indoors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please do not be alarmed. It is very important to always check the source of the articles that have been circulating online and on social media, and we have taken the time this morning to find the most up to date guidance for you regarding your pets and Covid-19 so that we can reassure you that there is currently no evidence to suggest that cats can pass Covid-19 to humans.
Should you have any questions relating this please contact one of our vets on 01483 538990.
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 BVA has explained this advice is only in relation to cats 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. 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.”
We will endevour to keep you informed via our website and our facebook page should any evidence arise that we feel you should be made aware of.
Keep Safe,
The Cape Veterinary Clinic Team.