Covid-19 has recently become part of everyone’s world. Most of us have had to think about how the Coronavirus affects our day-to-day living in some way. Part of many homes are pets. How do pets- specifically cats- fit into the Covid-19 picture? Are they naturally graced with immunity? Or, can my cat catch Covid-19?
Since Covid-19 is a new and developing situation, there is not a wealth of information on animals and the virus. This article is based on that somewhat limited pool of information. However, there is some evidence out there that deserves consideration.
Things that we do know about cats and the Coronavirus are as follows:
Cats can get Covid-19, but the chances of this happening are very low. Evidence that we have pointed to cats getting Covid-19 from close proximity to humans with Covid-19. Therefore, if a person does get Covid-19 and needs to self-isolate, that isolation needs to, (sadly), include pets – and your cat. In that case, it would be a good idea to get someone else to care for your cat, but don’t abandon your cat or give it up to a shelter! Reasons why will be explained in this article. 
Can your cat give you Covid 19? There is no evidence that cats can spread Covid-19. They can get Covid-19, but there is no evidence to suggest that they can spread the Coronavirus onto humans. Animals do not play a meaningful role in the spread of Covid-19.
So, to summarize, cats can get Covid-19. And, the only documented cases of this were cats who were in close contact with somebody who already had Covid-19. Reversely, the likelihood of a pet spreading Covid-19 to you or another animal is extremely low- possibly nonexistent.
Again, please know that there is absolutely no evidence that your cat, or any other cat, has ever given or will pass on the Coronavirus to a human! You can rest easy! Your cat will not give you Covid. Moreover, you can keep your cat, even if it is the one in millions and millions who contracts Covid-19! There are simple ways to cope in that situation.
Pet cats Negrito and Whisky, from Spain, had testing done for the Coronavirus. From the study, It was found that cats develop antibodies to fight the virus. In these two cases, the immune system of the two cats protected them from the
symptoms of Covid-19. Both of these cats had been infected by their owners who had the Coronavirus.
Other cats who have had the coronavirus include two from New York City; one cat from Belgium; and one Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo. None of these cats had severe symptoms, and all of them recovered.
More On Cats And Covid
Cats have tested positive for the antibodies to the coronavirus in Wuhan, China, but not for the virus itself. Two other cats have been infected experimentally with the virus. All of these cats are now doing well.
All cases of animals infected by the Coronavirus must be reported and documented on the USDA website. For a full list of animals confirmed to have the Coronavirus, consult the link to their website.
It’s very important to note that in almost all of these cases animals have contracted the virus from close proximity to humans with Covid-19. And, no animals have been documented to have contracted the Coronavirus in the US since early February 2021.
Say, hypothetically, you contracted Covid 19. There are basic things that you would do to protect your cat. In a lot of ways, the steps to protect your cat are similar to the steps you already know of that you used to protect humans.
First and most importantly, you would contact your family veterinarian to get their advice on how to take care of your cat.
Secondly, you would need to “social distance” from your cat. This would mean no close contact and of course no snuggles and hugs and kisses. A few other things you may not think of: you would need to not share your food with them and not let them sleep in your bed with you.
Thirdly, you would need to practice good hygiene like you would do for friends, family, co-workers, and society in general. This simply means hand washing, avoiding coughing and sneezing on your cat, and hand-washing before and after touching their supplies like food bowls. If you had to touch your cat itself, you would wash your hands before and after.
Fourthly, you would have somebody else come into your house to take care of your cat. It would not be wise to rehouse your cat, since the stress on your cat could make it more vulnerable to the virus. If having a caretaker come in to look after your cat or another family member in the house already, you can wear a mask to take care of your kitty.
Lastly, you need to keep your cat away from other pets and animals as an extra precaution (even though there’s no evidence that they spread the virus on to others and animal to animal transmission is very unlikely although possible). this will probably mean keeping your cat inside well you have Covid-19 and/or are quarantining or self-isolating.
This is an easy one! If you have no symptoms, you are free to take care of your cat in the manner you usually would. You can snuggle, play, and take your cat for walks ( if you do that 😉 ). In other words, you have the green light to hang out with your cat!
And, try not to worry. Remember how small the chances are of your cat contracting the virus. Think about the cats that have recovered who had the virus, and how most of them had very mild symptoms. Take care of yourself. If you are okay, then your cat is going to be okay, too.
I hope this article sets your mind at ease about the welfare of your cat. It is meant to be encouraging. It is VERY likely that your cat is going to be ‘A-Okay.’
I’ve also explained how the coronavirus works with your cat, and I have told you about key cases of cats who have had the Coronavirus. In the unlikely event that you show Covid-19 symptoms or need to self-isolate, there are basic steps that you can follow to protect your cat.
Even in this worst-case scenario, your cat will probably be fine if you follow these simple steps. Additionally, even if your cat contracts the virus, most cats only develop mild symptoms and they make a full recovery.
Have you acquired any wisdom on how to take care of your pets during the pandemic? Feel free to share them in the comments below! Let us in on your secrets to pet-care!
Any old story about your cat is also welcome and will be treasured! Fill us in in the comments below :).
Need Some More Reassurance? Check Out These Links!
There are some great sources out there on the internet from the government of Canada and the US that provide insight into the Coronavirus and your cat. Check out these great resources for help with your cat!
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/pets.html
Cornell University: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/coronavirus-update/frequently-asked-questions-covid-19-and-feline-health
From the USA, the FDA: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/helpful-questions-and-answers-about-coronavirus-covid-19-and-your-pets
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