Understanding the Coronavirus
COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that has affected millions of people worldwide. The virus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and can be fatal in some cases. While the virus primarily affects humans, there has been some concern about whether it can also affect pets, particularly cats.
Can Cats Get COVID-19?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been a few reported cases of cats contracting COVID-19. These cases are rare and appear to be the result of the virus spreading from infected humans to their pets. While cats can contract the virus, they are not believed to play a significant role in spreading it to humans.
How Do Cats Contract the Virus?
Cats can contract COVID-19 in the same way humans do, by coming into contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. This can occur when a person with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes near the cat or touches them after touching their mouth or nose.
Symptoms in Cats
Most cats that contract COVID-19 show mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. The most common symptoms reported in cats include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
In rare cases, cats may experience more severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia. It’s important to note that these severe cases are rare, and most cats will recover from COVID-19 with proper care.
How to Protect Your Cat from COVID-19
While the risk of cats contracting COVID-19 is low, it’s still important to take steps to protect your pet. Here are some tips to help keep your cat safe:
Limit Contact with Other Animals
If you have a cat, it’s best to limit their contact with other animals, particularly those that you don’t know well. This can help reduce the risk of your cat contracting the virus from another animal.
Practice Good Hygiene
It’s essential to practice good hygiene when caring for your cat. This includes washing your hands frequently, especially after you touch your cat, and avoiding close contact with your cat if you are feeling sick.
Keep Your Cat Indoors
Keeping your cat indoors can help reduce their exposure to the virus. This is particularly important if you live in an area with a high number of COVID-19 cases.
Monitor Your Cat’s Health
If you suspect that your cat may have COVID-19, it’s important to monitor their health closely. Contact your veterinarian if your cat shows any symptoms of the virus, and follow their advice for care and treatment.
Vaccination
As of now, there is no COVID-19 vaccine for cats. However, there are vaccines available for other feline respiratory diseases, such as feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. These vaccines can help reduce the severity of symptoms if your cat contracts one of these illnesses and can help reduce the risk of your cat contracting other respiratory illnesses that have similar symptoms to COVID-19.
FAQs – Does cats get covid?
Can cats get covid-19?
Yes, cats can get infected with covid-19. There have been multiple confirmed cases globally of cats contracting the virus. The virus is believed to have been transmitted from infected humans to cats.
How can cats get infected with covid-19?
Cats can get infected with covid-19 through close contact with infected humans or other cats. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected individual talks, coughs or sneezes, and can be picked up by cats when they come into contact with these droplets.
Are all cats equally susceptible to covid-19?
No, all cats are not equally susceptible to covid-19, just as all humans are not equally susceptible. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that any particular breed of cats is more susceptible than another breed. However, older cats or cats with underlying health conditions may be more vulnerable to the virus.
Can cats spread covid-19 to humans?
While there have been cases of cats testing positive for covid-19, the risk of cats spreading the virus to humans is low. According to the CDC, there is currently no evidence to suggest that cats play a significant role in spreading the virus to humans.
How can cat owners protect their cats from getting covid-19?
Cat owners can protect their cats from getting covid-19 by keeping them indoors and limiting their exposure to infected humans or other cats. If a cat owner is infected with covid-19, they should avoid close contact with their cat and ask someone else to take care of them. Additionally, cat owners should practice good hygiene by washing their hands frequently and avoiding contact with their face.
What are the signs and symptoms of covid-19 in cats?
The signs and symptoms of covid-19 in cats are similar to those in humans and can include respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing, as well as lethargy, loss of appetite and fever. If your cat shows any of these symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
