COVID-19 has us all worried. We’re wary of the person near us who is coughing, we’re afraid we’ll unwittingly make our granddaddy sick. And when we read about tigers and pet dogs with the coronovirus, it’s only natural that we wonder if we can share the virus with our beloved pets.
There are a lot of unknowns in the medical world right now. We do know that millions of people have tested positive for the coronovirus. Conversely, although animals can catch and spread the virus, there are not a lot of documented cases. One study does show that the cats and ferrets are more susceptible to the virus. The virus did not replicate readily in dogs, pigs, chickens, and ducks.
Can I catch COVID from my cat? You probably can, but its not likely that your cat will have COVID. Since we’re discovering that the virus spreads via droplets, your also not likely to get it from your cat’s fur. People are the primary source for the spread of this virus.
Can I give my cat COVID? The answer to this appears to be yes. If you test positive, your self-isolation should also be from your pet.
Can my outdoor cat catch COVID from another cat? Cats invented social distancing, so while this could happen, the odds are very slim.
Should I get my cat tested for COVID? Not routinely. Testing is available at Town N Country but only in very specific cases due to the limited number of tests available.
Is it safe for me to bring my pet to you during this crisis? We have worked very hard at Town N Country to make sure that you, your pets, and our staff are safe. We’ve expanded our hours, arranged for a no contact experience (for humans!), and are using the best protective measures we can inside the hospital. Read more…
We recognize that there are a lot of reasons to worry right now. Unless you or someone in your family is diagnosed with COVID, fleas, ticks, and heartworms should be a much greater concern than your pet catching the virus. Please don’t hesitate to bring your pet in for routine checkups and preventative treatments. If you’ve been putting it off, please call us now to schedule an appointment.
We hope that we’ve allayed some of your fears about COVID and your pet. At Town N Country, keeping your pet happy and healthy is our first priority. But we also want to reassure you. As always, if you have any questions, give us a call.
