In the wake of increasing reports of COVID-19 infection across the world, the possibility of the infection spreading from pets to humans and vice versa is being investigated. The discussions increased especially when a Pomeranian tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus in the first week of March 2020.
Can Humans Pass On The Novel Coronavirus To Cats?
As of now, no research suggests that SARS CoV-2 virus can spread from humans to animals. The only reported case was of the Pomeranian dog in Hong Kong that was staying with the owners who were infected with the virus. According to a report by world Organization of animal Health, the dog did not show any signs of clinical symptoms of the disease.
Being mammals, the receptor types are similar in humans and cats. Thus the virus could theoretically attach to the receptors in cats but the possibility of it entering the cells and replicating inside them is low.
However, studies are still going on about SARS CoV-2 viruses, and it is advisable for people with the viral infection to limit the contact with pets to avoid possible transmission if there is any potential of transmission.
Can Humans Get Coronavirus From Cats?
No solid proof exists about the possible transmission of coronavirus from cats to humans. There is no denying that coronaviruses can jump from one host to the other but the process is quite slow and requires significant changes in the genetic profile. Until now,no evidence proving the entry of coronavirus from common veterinary species like cats to humans has been found, although the future possibility cannot be ignored completely.
If multiple cases confirming the possibility of pets acting as reservoir for the virus are detected, the cases would have to be dealt the same way as human cases of COVID-19 are handled. Pet hospitals would have to be prepared to deal with the infections in pets.
The cats might be quarantined in a hospital or home according to whether they show signs or not. The owners would have to limit contact with the infected cats and possibly keep them in a separate room.
What Are The Measures You Have To Take To Protect Your Pets During COVID-19 Outbreak?
When your family prepares to fight COVID-19 infection, you should include your pets too in the planning. In case you are quarantined in a hospital, make your neighbors aware of the food and medication that your pets need.
COVID-19 outbreak began in China and within few months, it spread to different parts of the world infecting a large number of people and claiming many lives. SARS CoV-2 virus spreads among people through the droplets released when infected people cough or sneeze and the best possible way to prevent the infection is to use a face mask to cover your nose and mouth. Make sure that you use good quality face masks rather than using any low quality ones that don’t serves the purpose. If you have no masks in hand you can get it online from hdfacemask.com who sells quality masks at the best prices.