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Cats and COVID-19 - What You Need To Know
(Naan, above, is still looking for her forever home) - read more about her>>
There is a lot of information circulating around the internet and on the news which can be confusing. The following are the latest guidelines according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and shelter experts in the United States with regard to COVID-19 and cats. We hope that you and your family members (including the furry four-legged ones) stay safe during this difficult time. We have also included some helpful links to resources provided by various organizations.
Can cats transmit COVID-19 to humans?
According to the CDC, the answer is that cats do not play a role in transmission of the disease from or to people. The CDC also does not believe that cats serve as fomites (object or material that can carry infection, i.e., doorknobs, grocery cart handles) and that they do not carry the virus on their fur.
Can cats get COVID-19?
The CDC has not received any reports of domestic cats becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States. With 60 million cats living with people in the U.S, this is comforting news. In fact, there have only been a very small number of cats that have tested positive for the disease worldwide. One cat in Belgium was living with a person who tested positive for COVID-19. The cat developed respiratory and gastrointestinal signs and also tested positive. The cat recovered after nine days but it is important to note that OTHER causes of those symptoms were not ruled out so it is possible that COVID-19 may not have been the culprit. Another kitty in Hong Kong, whose owner was confirmed to have COVID-19 also tested positive. The cat in Hong Kong never showed any signs whatsoever.
In early April, three tigers and three lions at the Bronx Zoo developed respiratory signs in the course of a week. One of those tigers tested positive for COVID-19. None of the animals had any underlying conditions. The source of infection was presumed to be from a zookeeper who unknowingly had been infected with COVID-19 but had not shown symptoms. All of these big cats are expected to recover.
Additionally, you may have heard about a study performed at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, the National Institute for Animal Health of Germany, in which cats were experimentally infected with the virus to see if it would replicate in them and whether they could spread disease. While a small number of cats were infected via direct intranasal or intracheal inoculation, it is important to note that the doses given the cats were extremely high concentrations that would not be encountered in a natural environment or through normal daily living and this study should not be over interpreted.
If I get COVID-19 what should I do so that my cat is protected?
Out of an abundance of caution, it is recommended that you treat your cat as you would any human you would come in contact with. Limit exposure, wear a mask and wash your hands often. If you have another human in your house that can assume responsibility for caring for your cat while you are ill, that would be the best course of action. Neither the CDC nor the AVMA recommend removing your cat from the home which can cause more stress on not only your cat, but to you as well.
What should I do in the event I become hospitalized?
Now is the time to prepare because we know once we are ready for something, it is unlikely to happen. Also, knowing that you have a plan in place will bring you peace of mind and prevent stressful scrambling for pet care if you should become ill. Speak to friends and neighbors and formulate a plan for your pet in the event you become hospitalized. There are also fee-based cat sitters that may be able to come into your home and care for your cat in the home. It is recommended that you prepare a "to go" bag for your cat which includes food, medication and litter. Write and sign an authorization letter giving permission to your designee to make medical decisions for your animal in the event that you are unable to. Also, just to be safe, make accommodations for your pet in your estate planning - something we all should do regardless of COVID-19.
What should I do if my pet becomes sick during these times -- are veterinarians seeing patients?
Yes. Most vets are now providing curbside service and some are even providing telemedicine. If your pet is ill or requires veterinary care, please contact your veterinarian and they will instruct you on the next steps. Elective procedures or wellness visits are currently being postponed at most veterinarian's offices and only essential visits are being performed at this time.
Helpful Resources
Best Friends Pet Preparedness Plan
Cornell, Guidance for Caretakers for Pets of COVID Positive Parents
Adopting During Quarantine
While most shelters have limited intake right now, many, including us, are still processing adoptions. Although it is difficult for us to allow you to tour the shelter as we would in the past due to social distancing recommendations, we can still help you find the perfect kitty. There are several ways for you to do this -- you can go to our website and see who is looking for a home. If you are interested in any cats, we would be happy to inundate you with photos and videos and descriptions -- we can even set up a FaceTime appointment for you. If you are unsure of what you are looking for, email us and tell us what you're looking for, i.e., mellow, lap kitty, aloof kitty, etc. and we will try to help you find your purrfect match!
Once you have narrowed down your search, we can safely allow you into a room to meet one or two of the cats. Adoption paperwork and transfer of medical record can all be done online.
Cedric above, is looking for a home. Cedric is 10 years old and was a transfer from Animal Care Centers. He's an adorable guy who gets along great with other cats. Cedric also qualifies through our Seniors for Seniors program (where the Foundation covers Cedric's reasonable future medical expenses at our clinic for any approved senior citizen who adopts him).
Kitten Season
While we are trying to keep intakes and spay/neuter surgeries to a minimum during this crisis, kitten season marches on. Tiny (above) was found in a garage on Long Island and needed some help. We will continue to help cats in need as much as we can. We realize that finances are tight with the economy nearly shut down but if you are one of the fortunate few and can help, we would appreciate any donations you can spare.
Stay safe and we hope to see you all as soon!
