After seeing the impact of the novel Covid-19 on human lives across the globe, many of us have been talking about coronavirus and pets. While humankind has been shocked by the pace of Covid-19 development, the concept of coronavirus has been common to the animal kingdom for ages. It is important to note that the types of variants affecting animals like pet cats and dogs are different from SARS-Cov2.

This article on coronavirus and pets aims to

• debunk myths related to current Covid-19 affecting humans and its possibility of transmitting to pets (especially felines),
• provides tips on preventing the spread of coronavirus to pet cats and dogs,
• and highlights how fatal feline coronavirus can be for cats.

Can cats get infected by Covid-19 (SARS-CoV2) and transmit it to humans?

At the time of writing, it is found that a handful of pets (cats and dogs) in contact with Covid-19-infected humans have been infected around the world. However, no evidence suggests that these pets spread the virus to other humans. 

Points to remember about Coronavirus and Pets

• Humans to Cats – rarely possible (during close contact)
• Cats to Cats – quite possible
• Cats to Humans – unlikely

The majority of cats tested, that have been living with infected humans, have tested negative. So, the chances of transmission from humans to cats are meager for 2 simple reasons –

1. Given the relative size difference between cats and humans, there is a far less exhaled breath from cats, reducing the risk.
2. Cats’ grooming behavior makes it unlikely for them to transmit the disease to humans but can get infected from them.

Also, evidence suggests that the Covid-19-infected animals don’t get sick. The professor of molecular virology from the University of Nottingham, Jonathan Ball, says, “Cats produce very low levels of virus, which is why we don’t think they can transmit the virus to humans.”

With this information on hand, my Covid-19-infected parents breathed a sigh of relief! However, little about coronaviruses and pets was known to them, thus after testing positive, they had several queries about keeping their cats safe. Who would clean their litter? Is it okay to kiss them? How will I know if my cat has caught the virus?

Here is a checklist for pet parents to help pets avoid exposure to Covid-19

How can Covid-19-infected humans keep their pets safe?

• Limit your contact with pets.
• Let someone else who is not infected take care of pet requirements, including feeding, petting, cleaning litter, and playing.
• Do not share food, hug or kiss your pet.
• In a lockdown, have at least 2 weeks’ worth of food and medications for your pets on hand.

Coronavirus and Pets: How to care for a cat infected by Covid-19?

How to care for a cat infected by Covid-19?

• Contact a veterinarian and inform about the infected pet.
• Isolate the infected pet to avoid further spread.
• Don’t put a face mask on your pet.
• Don’t wipe your pet with disinfectants.
• Inform the veterinarian if you observe new symptoms.
• Wear gloves while handling their food, litter, and medication.
• Continue to show them that your love has not reduced.

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A quick read on Coronavirus and Pets

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, and Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) is just one of them. So, while we need not worry much about Covid-19 in pet cats and dogs, the other coronaviruses infecting pets can prove fatal for them. Veterinary Coronavirologists identified that these coronaviruses lead to lethal enteric/respiratory infections in animals.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the PEDV (porcine epidemic diarrhea CoV) first emerged in Europe and Asia from an unknown source and led to severe diarrhea and deaths in baby pigs before becoming endemic in swine. Dogs are affected by CCoV (Canine Coronavirus), another variant of the same coronavirus family, that causes highly contagious gastrointestinal problems in dogs, as opposed to respiratory disease. Crowding and unsanitary conditions favor transmission. These viruses do not spread to humans; however, they are contagious for the respective animals.

Felines are infected by FCoV (Feline Coronavirus), a common viral pathogen for cats. These became common amongst pet cats during the post-World War II period. It gave rise to large multiple cat indoor environments causing feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) infection and FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), a deadly disease. These had arisen because of the intra- and inter-species mutability of coronaviruses in general.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis and its effects

 Feline Coronavirus is a common viral infection in cats and rarely causes any serious concerns. However, its possible mutation, FIP can inflame the tissues surrounding the abdomen, kidney, or brain. This progressive and highly fatal systemic disease appeared in the 1950s and was documented at the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, Boston.

Symptoms of FIP

Early signs

• A rising and falling fever
• Energy loss
• Loss of appetite

 As it progresses, the symptoms appear in either dry form or wet form…

If you observe the early signs in your cats, do not delay in taking them to a vet. The vet might confirm FIP if your cat has a low number of white blood cells or has an unusually high number of white blood cells, the protein levels have risen, and if the gums or eyes are yellowing. Matters become worse with time, and euthanasia is considered the best way forward within weeks or months. Isn’t that an extremely sad part of the story?

To avoid this situation, it is best to prevent the spread of coronavirus in cats by being observant and proactive.

• Ensure that the essential vaccinations are given on time (when they are kittens).
• Keep food and water dishes away from litter boxes.
• Keep your pets’ litter boxes clean.
• Do not leave them in an overcrowded environment.
• In a multi-cat household, keep a maximum of three cats in each room to prevent overcrowded living conditions.
• Isolate the infected cat from other cats to prevent the virus introduction to a resident population.
• Talk to your veterinarian before starting any vaccine treatment. While a vaccine is available for FIP, its effectiveness is not proven.
• Check with your vet about FCoV RT-PCR Test. It helps identify asymptomatic FCoV shedding cats. Interpret the results cautiously as single positive or negative tests are meaningless
• Take them to a vet if you see early signs as antiviral drugs are introduced to help treat FIP. So, there is hope!

Coronaviruses and pets are definitely major concerns. But here are some other deadly diseases that you should be aware of. Even obesity should be addressed before it becomes a life-threatening cause for your pet. We have put together an article to help you figure out if your cat is overweight. If you find any uncommon behavior or notice health concerns in your pets, please consult a veterinarian immediately.

Regardless of the type of coronavirus or any other disease, our proactive steps, love, and compassion can keep our pets hale and hearty. Good hygiene, regular health check-ups, a nutrition-filled diet, and correct information about coronavirus and pets are essential to rule out any chances of exposure while keeping them away from deadly diseases.