How to Protect Your Cat from Coronavirus
Posted on: 12 May 2020
Initially, there was little evidence that other species could catch the coronavirus as humans can, but unfortunately, it's now been shown that cats can get sick with it, too. If you're wondering how you can protect your cat from this condition, here's what you should know and do.
How Cats Get It
So far, it seems like cats can catch the coronavirus in one of two ways: from humans infected with it and other cats infected with it. While cats can acquire the disease from humans, there's no evidence that humans can catch it from their cats, so you don't need to worry about your cat making you sick.
If You Get Sick
If you think or have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, you should immediately take steps to protect your cat. If you live with someone else or know someone who can take your cat off your hands, this is the best course of action. You need to isolate yourself away from other humans and your cat, and if your cat relies solely on you, this can be difficult. If you absolutely have to care for your cat at home by yourself, wear a mask, scrub your hands before touching your cat or anything that they use, like a litterbox or food bowl. Then wash your hands again and isolate.
While you can care for your cat this way, it's still not the safest course of action. If you can't find anyone to care for your kitty, strongly consider boarding your cat with a veterinarian. This will ensure that someone is around to look after them and care for their needs, and if they start to show symptoms of the illness, they can immediately receive treatment.
If They Seem Sick
Cats typically develop upper respiratory symptoms when they catch the coronavirus. So if your cat is coughing, sneezing, or having difficulty breathing, you need to get help for them right away whether you're sick or not. Keep in mind that if your cat goes outside, they may have caught it from another cat or human, so just because you don't have the virus, it doesn't mean they're necessarily safe.
The good news is that so far, the coronavirus doesn't seem to be extremely lethal for cats. However, your vet can provide support by ensuring that your cat is receiving enough oxygen and care should any other symptoms arise. Contact local veterinarians to learn more.
Share