Cornell Feline Health Center Article Re: Cats and Coronavirus

tnrmakessense

tnrmakessense

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As a feral colony caretaker, I worry about my county cracking down on feeding due to misinformation about cats and coronavirus transmission. Here's a newsletter from Cornell Feline Health Center -
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Dear friends,
The COVID-19 pandemic presents us all with unprecedented challenges; and local, regional, and national governments are taking steps to slow its spread as researchers investigate ways to prevent and treat infections.
Many cat owners have asked us about the possibility of transmitting this virus to their cats, and whether their cats could potentially infect people. We’re writing now to provide answers so you can stay informed, vigilant, and safe.
There has been just one documented case of feline COVID-19: a cat owned by a person in Belgium who tested positive for the virus. Indications currently suggest this cat was infected by its owner, not the other way around.
While this information might seem frightening, friends, please remember: There is no definitive evidence that either cats or dogs can transmit COVID-19 to humans.
For ongoing updates and information about how COVID-19 affects our cherished cats (and ourselves!) please visit our coronavirus update center online. >>
While this feline case is further investigated, it’s important to note that since cats and dogs are mammals, the possibility of human-to-pet transmission, and vice versa, does technically exist.
For this reason, anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 should limit their contact with pets, and wash their hands before and after interacting with them, which includes cleaning their litter boxes.
If you notice your pet experiencing respiratory illness or fever, we recommend quarantining them, washing your hands carefully before and after handling them, and contacting a veterinarian immediately.
Still have questions? Please consult our new coronavirus update center for more on how COVID-19 affects our cats. >>
Let's work together to make sure that our friends, family, neighbors, and cats (and dogs) are safe.
With our sincere wishes for health, safety, and wellness,
The Team at the Cornell Feline Health Center
P.S. For further information on what COVID-19 means for our pets, we recommend the following trusted resources:

Want more health tips? Check out our
Health Topics​
 page.
​
 
Jcatbird

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kittychick

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Sorry I didn't get this done this as a link so it wouldn't overwhelm anyone seeing it...but somehow despite me, hubby, and kitties being hunkered down in self-isolation (or as the cats say "heaven"!) there seems to be less time to do things at the moment then normal. 🤷‍♀️ BUT - I've gotten lots of calls from friends with kitties - and I'd gotten this info (which I condensed) from a well-respected source, so have been passing it along. It is oriented more toward people and their indoor kitties, but I think 99% of the info still applies. And it made ME feel alot better early on - - so hopefully it'll help someone else out there more comfortable about loving their fur babies up while working from home, self-isolating....you name it.

(note that they do talk about taking some precautions about smooching and loving up your kitties if you have been diagnosed positive - - but note that that's not because your cat can catch it from you, it's more the idea of being SUPER cautious that you don't sneeze or cough on your kitty and then they rub their face, etc on the fur where you sneezed.)

The main thing to remember? Kitties have been shown to lower your blood pressure (which I know I can use!) and some studies have even shown that a purr may actually be healing for the human body (I can't guarantee that one - - but I can DEFINITELY guarantee the blood pressure!!!!).

So stay safe, stay calm, stay healthy and love up your fur babies!!!!!! Some of the best medicine you can give yourself. :catlove:

______________________

Coronavirus and Cats: What Cat Owners Need to Know About COVID-19
Can you catch COVID-19 from your cat? How should pet owners prepare for social-distancing? Get answers to your pet and coronavirus questions. The coronavirus outbreak means many of us are hunkering down with our cats. You might be working from home, self-isolating, or even ill with COVID-19. So what precautions should you take with your kitty? Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus and cats.

Can you catch COVID-19 from your cat? Can you give it to your cat?
Experts say: NO.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website says in big, bold letters, “At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19.”

Vet Lori Teller, with the American Veterinary Medical Association, notes “There have been no cases of cats testing positive or showing signs of the disease. There is a coronavirus that is specific to cats but is not contagious to humans. There is no cause for alarm in cats.”

If you’re quarantined or sick what precautions should you take with your cat?
The CDC recommends if you’re exposed to the virus, or have it, you should limit interaction with your pets, just like you would with people in your home. The agency says if you’re symptomatic, “avoid direct contact with pets, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.” And Dr. Teller advises wearing a mask and gloves before handling your cat if you’re self-quarantined or sick.

“Because if you sneeze or cough on your cat and someone comes along and touches it, that person could potentially pick up the infection from petting your cat. We have not seen cases of that happening, but that’s what the CDC is recommending in an abundance of caution,” Dr. Teller says. You can also have another person in your home, who is not sick, be the primary caregiver for the pet. Teller says you don’t need to send your pet away, just take precautions.

What food and supplies does my cat need during a quarantine?
The Red Cross and FEMA both recommend having a two-week supply of food, medications, cat litter and all the supplies you need to care for your kitty. But some crisis response experts, like Diane Vukovic, author of Disaster Preparedness for Women, recommends getting a month’s worth of stuff.

“It’s also possible that you could start showing symptoms near the end of your quarantine period. Having extra supplies on hand means you don’t have to worry about shopping while sick,” Diane says. If your cat lives outside, you’ll want to make sure you wash your hands before and after you replenish their food and water, so nothing is contaminated. You may even want to keep them inside during this time just in case the virus can live on their fur.

What if I’m quarantined or get COVID-19, and my cat needs to go to the vet?
If you’re quarantined, and it’s not an urgent appointment, call your vet, tell them what’s going on, and reschedule. Even if you’re not quarantined, it’s a good idea to give your vet a call and see if they recommend you reschedule well visits. If you test positive for the virus, your local health department will be notified. Tell them you have a cat and ask for their advice if there is an emergency. “If your cat needs urgent veterinary care and you’re under quarantine, you’ll need to loop in your public health officials so your cat can get veterinary care while you maintain your quarantine,” Teller says.

For more information on this continually changing situation, bookmark the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association’s websites.
 
shadowsrescue

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Yet there was a story yesterday of a cat that has coronavirus in Belgium. The cat got it from it's owner. They say this is very rare.

There are also articles of a few dogs.

The biggest issue seems to be if a human caregiver has coronoavirus, finding some one else to feed their pets. How in the world would I do that?
 
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kittychick

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shadowsrescue shadowsrescue .... Jcatbird Jcatbird ...et all......the info out there is SO confusing as SO much info seems to change slightly (or wildly) every day....(mask...no mask....etc......etc....). I think it's good that so many of us are trying to keep watching trusted sources as possible - hopefully everyone else here finds it as helpful (and comforting!) to hear the latest info as I do!!!!

Needless to say - things have been a tad upside down (like everyone has), so somehow I'd missed the giant Coronavirus thread begun earlier. Interesting that it has some different "forks in the road."

As with any other "panic situation" (and obviously - this is about as big as it gets "panic-wise"!), it can get very hard to separate the "wheat from the chaff" as far as truth vs. hearsay in this world of social media. As someone who's worked for/volunteer for animal shelters for many years, and it seems that animals - - -sadly, often cats in particular - - - catch the brunt of the "social media nasty rumor train." So as much as we members of this wonderful site can do - - - I think one of the kindest things we can do right now is the be as versed on the facts as possible, and be ready with answers when someone starts talking about how "they heard their mother's brother's cousin who lives in Whoville got Covid-19 from their cat and their doctor told them they shouldn't have a cat anywhere near them and/or should probably 'get rid of it.'" The more informed we can all be about this - not just for ourselves but for our circle of friends------iis GREAT!

In the US, the CDC's website is definitely a place to check for the most up-to-date info: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) . But MANY great sites (aside from this fantastic one :) ) are out there - - - so research a little - - - I know for me, information always makes me feel more in control of a situation!
 
fionasmom

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CCoV is coronavirus in dogs and is an intestinal infection which has nothing to do with the one that we are all battling right now. There is a vaccine for it if you are a dog and that vaccine will not work in humans. I have gotten some questions as well, well intended, but there is a lot of misinformation.
 
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