Cats and ferrets are at risk of contracting the novel coronavirus.

Announcement from the British Veterinary Association

News has been circulating that the British Veterinary Association has urged people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 to keep their cats indoors.

Articles reporting statements such as “Cats and ferrets are at risk of COVID-19 infection” and “Animals of the feline family can sometimes contract COVID-19″ are becoming more common.

According to the British Veterinary Association, “Animals that have been in contact with a person infected with COVID-19 may carry the virus on their fur, potentially spreading it.”

They also emphasize the importance of owners maintaining good hand hygiene.

Chinese Research Team Publishes Paper in Science

A Chinese research team has published results in the online edition of the American scientific journal “Science,” investigating the possibility of animals spreading COVID-19.

The study involved experiments where high concentrations of COVID-19 were administered nasally to pets and livestock.

The findings confirmed that cats and ferrets are susceptible to the virus, as it replicates more easily in their respiratory systems. It was also confirmed that cat-to-cat transmission can occur.
*However, since this involved experimentally administering high concentrations of the virus, it remains uncertain if similar transmission would occur naturally.

On the other hand, dogs, pigs, and chickens showed a lower susceptibility to infection.

It was also reported that a tiger at a zoo in New York, USA, tested positive for COVID-19. It is believed that the tiger may have been infected by a zookeeper.

For Cat Owners

Although it is not yet definitively clear whether cats can contract COVID-19, there is a possibility that the risk of infection may not be zero. Therefore, please continue to practice good hygiene, such as consistent handwashing and gargling, to reduce any potential risk.

Additionally, in the unfortunate event that someone in your household tests positive for COVID-19, it is advisable to avoid contact with your cat for about two weeks as a precaution.