Covid-19 & Corona in Cats: Can Our Furry Friends Get Infected with the Virus?
While in March 2020, it was still considered unlikely from a virological perspective that the coronavirus could be transmitted between humans and pets, current research findings are moving in a different direction.
In this article, we explain whether your cat can get and transmit corona and what you should consider if you are infected.
Corona bei Haustieren
Alles, was du aktuell für deinen Hund oder deine Katze zum Virus wissen musst.
Can Your Cat Get Corona?
In response to the question of whether cats can become infected from infected humans, the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) states:
"Reports have been received from various countries of SARS-CoV-2 positive cats, some of which showed symptoms of illness. The cats were in households with individuals infected with Covid-19 and were likely infected by these individuals."
The cats examined in connection with a positive corona test also showed certain symptoms such as dry cough. The respective animals, which come from different countries, had contact with their positively tested owners, according to FLI.
In a New York zoo, 8 big cats also tested positive for the coronavirus after having contact with their positively tested keeper, and a Chinese study also showed the possible transmission of the virus to cats. However, so far, no cases are known in which the furry friends did not recover from the infection.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Katzen zählen nicht zu den Hauptüberträgern und Empfängern vom Corona-Virus - also keine Panik!
Can Cats Transmit Corona?
Despite the possible transmission from human to cat, you need not worry. The FLI comments as follows:
"Dogs, cats, rabbits, golden hamsters, and ferrets are susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2, while 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 feeling well, you can continue to pamper your cat with affection without worry. Just to be safe, adhere to the general hygiene rules such as thorough handwashing after contact with the animals.
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What Should You Do with Your Furry Friend If You Are Infected?
But what if you are infected? Who buys food, are cuddles allowed, and how can you best behave? Can your outdoor cat still go outside? Valid questions - which we have also asked ourselves. The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut recommends:
- Pets like dogs and cats can and should remain in the household.
- General hygiene rules should be observed.
- Handwashing before and after contact with the animals.
- Avoiding close contact with the animals.
- Recommendation to wear a mouth-nose mask for infected pet owners.
This means that you should temporarily refrain from intense cuddling and adhere to the general hygiene rules. Additionally, you should make your outdoor cat an indoor cat for the duration of your quarantine and not let them outside.
Stay Strong! Stay Healthy!
It is important that you do not lose your nerve now and focus on positive things. Pet your cat a little more often. Because it has been scientifically proven that our blood pressure and stress levels can be lowered when we pet cats and hear their soothing purring. Another reason for some intensive cuddle time with your furry friend!
We hope that you and your loved ones, whether human or animal, stay healthy!
Of course, we will reliably provide your cat with food despite corona.
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