During this period of social distancing having a pet nearby can be comforting. It can be the only social interaction people have.
But it may raise questions like can cats get coronavirus?
Below are a few of the guidelines & important information from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
Can cats get infected with Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
It has been reported that a small number of cats and dogs are infected with the corona virus (COVID-19) after being in close contact with people who were already infected.
You must take precautionary measures for your cat as you would for yourself. If a family member is sick, isolate that member from everyone else, including your cat.
Keep your cat indoors as much as possible and limit their outdoor activities.
Can my cat spread Coronavirus to me?
Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considerably low.
Can I use Sanitizers or masks on my cat?
Do not wipe or bathe your pet with sanitizer, chemical disinfectant, alcohol or any other product.
Consult your vet if you have any concern about your cat’s health or suspect your cat is sick. Do not use masks on your cat or pet. It could harm your cat.
Can I spread coronavirus to my cat?
According to the CDC , if you are sick or suspect you have the virus, just like you would with other family members, you should avoid any interaction with your cat or other pets. Until more information comes to light, you should avoid interacting with your pet.
If you don’t have a family member to take care of your cat, keep your interaction to a minimum, wear a mask and keep your hands clean around them.
Closing Thoughts
Coronavirus or not, we recommend you always clean your hands before and after you handle your cat.
Check your local government healthcare websites, CDC & stick to reputable sources. This is an evolving situation and may change from day to day or week to week.
Maintaining social distance from humans can be relatively easy for animal lovers but when you see a cute cat or dog on the street, it can get tricky. We naturally want to pet them, so make sure you practice constraint and avoid coming in close contact with animals for their own safety.
