With the revelation that house cats and big cats can contract the novel coronavirus and become sickened by COVID-19, cat parents are concerned. But try not to worry, just stay the course and include your cats in the COVID-19 safety precautions you’re already practicing. Also know, the infection rates of COVID-19 in cats is very small.
And, the two most important things to remember when it comes to cats and COVID-19:
- If your cat exhibits symptoms of illness, contact your veterinarian.
- Never abandon or give up your cats.
The Bronx Zoo Tigers and Lions
Nadia, a four-year-old Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York City, NY, tested positive for COVID-19 in early April, making her the first animal in the U.S. to test positive. The tiger started showing symptoms of COVID-19 on March 27th, displaying a dry cough and loss of appetite. When the symptoms developed, the Wildlife Conservation Society, the group operating the Bronx Zoo, decided to test Nadia out of precaution. The results were “confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory,” according to a statement by the WCS.
Dr. Summer McGee, head of the School of Health Sciences at the University of New Haven, reports, “Cats, including big cats, are known to be susceptible to coronaviruses, and it turns out COVID-19 is no exception.”
Zoo administration can only guess where Nadia picked up the illness, but theories suggest a handler was probably an asymptomatic carrier or had not yet developed symptoms and transmitted the virus to her. This kind of human to animal transmission is a rare occurrence though.
Unfortunately, since Nadia’s infection, seven other big cats at the Bronx Zoo have now tested positive for COVID-19 as well.
Nadia’s sister, Azul, as well as another tiger and 3 African lions have experienced illness symptoms. A fourth tiger never displayed any symptoms, yet still tested positive.
Regarding the condition of cats, the WCS reported, “Though they have experienced some decrease in appetite, the cats at the Bronx Zoo are otherwise doing well under veterinary care and are bright, alert, and interactive with their keepers.”
As the weeks have passed, the sick tigers and lions are doing well. An updated statement from the WCS announced, “They are behaving normally, eating well, and their coughing is greatly reduced.”
Staff expects full recoveries by all eight big cats. The WCS also shared, “None of the zoo’s snow leopards, cheetahs, clouded leopard, Amur leopard, puma or serval are showing any signs of illness.”
The Bronx Zoo has put safety measures in place to limit contact between staff and the big cats while still maintaining the quality care of the animals.
The American and Belgian House Cats
In late March, news broke from Belgium regarding a companion cat testing positive for COVID-19. The cat was exposed to a COVID-19 positive family member and, soon after, began showing symptoms of COVID-19. The Belgian government confirmed this to be true. The domestic cat’s symptoms were reported as vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory issues. Officials said the cat recovered after 9 days of illness.
And now, recent days have brought news of two American house cats contracting COVID-19. On April 22, the CDC confirmed two American cats tested positive for COVID-19 after suffering “mild respiratory illness”. Both felines “are expected to make a full recovery.”
Both infected cats live in New York state, but in different areas of the state. These two cases are in no way related.
In the case of the first cat, the CDC reported, “No individuals in the household were confirmed to be ill with COVID-19. The virus may have been transmitted to this cat by mildly ill or asymptomatic household members or through contact with an infected person outside its home.”
Infection in the second cat occurred after exposure to a human family member who had tested positive for COVID-19. The CDC also commented, “Another cat in the household has shown no signs of illness.”
In both cases, the house cats were believed to be infected by a human.
Now that we are aware cats can be infected by this latest coronavirus, it’s time to remain informed and do everything possible to protect our felines from illness. To better understand the situation, let’s define the terms coronavirus and COVID-19 as well as examine any questions you might have regarding cats and COVID-19.
Coronavirus and Covid-19, Different Terms, Related Definitions
Let’s explain these terms and how they differ and relate.
Coronavirus
The CDC tells us, “Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats.”
In humans, coronavirus infections cause upper respiratory illnesses like the common cold or pneumonia. When it comes to cats, felines typically contract different types of coronaviruses than humans, one of them known as Feline Coronavirus or (FCoV). ShelterMedicine.com clarifies that Feline Coronavirus is not the same virus that causes COVID-19 in humans. However, both humans and cats can be infected by the latest coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2. If your cat has been in contact with someone infected with COVID-19, it might be a good idea to give them a bath to protect both of you. To avoid the hassle of bathing a cat that dislikes water, consider limiting visitors in your home.
When it comes to taking your cat to the vet, it’s best to postpone wellness visits for vaccinations and check-ups until the COVID-19 threat decreases. Minimizing trips outside your home can lower the risk of exposure. However, if your cat is facing a medical emergency, contact your vet for guidance.
If your cat shows symptoms of COVID-19, reach out to your vet immediately. The CDC advises keeping your furry family members indoors and away from people and animals outside your household. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pets and have another household member care for them if possible. If you must care for your cat while ill, wear a mask and wash your hands before and after interaction.
During this time of heightened cleaning, ensure your cat’s safety by keeping them away from harmful chemicals. Clean and disinfect their food and water bowls, beds, and blankets regularly. If a poisoning emergency occurs, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Remember to cherish the time spent with your cat during these challenging times. Never abandon your furry friend, as they need you now more than ever. Stay informed, follow quarantine guidelines, and know that we are all in this together. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.