Covid-19 & Corona in cats: Can our feline friends also contract the virus?
While in March 2020, virologists were still certain that transmission of the coronavirus between humans and pets was unlikely, current research is pointing in a different direction.
In this article, we explain whether your cat can catch and transmit corona and what you should keep in mind if you are infected.
Corona in pets
Everything you currently need to know about the virus for your dog or cat.
Can your cat get corona?
On the question of whether cats can become infected by humans, the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) states the following:
"SARS-CoV-2 positive cats, some of which showed symptoms of illness, have been reported from various countries. The cats lived in households with people suffering from Covid-19 and were probably infected by these people."
The cats examined in connection with a positive corona test also showed definite symptoms such as a dry cough. According to the FLI, these animals, which came from different countries, had contact with their owners who tested positive.
For example, 8 big cats in a New York zoo also tested positive for the coronavirus after they had contact with their keeper who tested positive and a Chinese study also showed the possible transmission of the virus to cats. However, so far no cases are known in which the cats did not recover from the infection.
Cats are not among the main transmitters or recipients of the coronavirus – so no need to panic!
Can cats transmit corona?
Despite the possible transmission from human to cat, you don't need to worry. The FLI comments as follows:
"Dogs, cats, rabbits, golden hamsters, and ferrets are susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2, but guinea pigs are not. Nevertheless, there is currently no evidence that these pets play a role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2. [...] In the Covid-19 pandemic, human-to-human transmission is decisive for the spread."
So if you are healthy, you can continue to shower your cat with affection without worry. Just for safety's sake, stick to the general hygiene rules such as washing your hands thoroughly after contact with the animals.
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What should you do with your cat if you are infected?
But what if you are infected? Who buys food, is petting allowed, and how should you behave? Can your outdoor cat still go outside? Legitimate questions—which we have also asked ourselves. The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut recommends:
Pets such as dogs and cats can and should remain in the household.
General hygiene rules should be observed.
Wash your hands before and after contact with the animals.
Avoid close contact with the animals.
Recommendation for wearing a mouth and nose covering by infected pet owners.
This means you should refrain from intense cuddling for the time being and stick to the general hygiene rules. You should also keep your outdoor cat indoors for the duration of your quarantine and not let them go outside.
Stay strong! Stay healthy!
It's important that you don't lose your nerve now and focus on positive things. Pet your cat a little more often. Because it is scientifically proven that our blood pressure and stress levels are reduced when we pet cats and hear their soothing purr. Yet another reason for some extra cuddle time with your feline friend!
We hope that you and your loved ones, whether human or animal, stay healthy!
Of course, we will continue to reliably supply your cat with food despite corona.
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