Coronavirus & Pets – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

THE CORONAVIRUS AND OUR PETS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Coronavirus outbreak means many of us are home with our pets. You might be working from home, self-isolating, or even ill with COVID-19. So what precautions should you take with your cat or dog or other companion animals?

Can you catch COVID-19 from your cat or dog? Can you give it to your companion animals?

Experts say: NO.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website says in big, bold letters, “At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19.”

If you’re quarantined or sick what precautions should you take with your cat?

The CDC recommends if you’re exposed to the virus, or have it, you should limit interaction with your pets, just like you would with people in your home.

The agency says if you’re symptomatic, “avoid direct contact with pets, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.”

It is advised that you wear a mask and gloves before handling your pet if you’re self-quarantined or sick.

“Because if you sneeze or cough on your cat, dog or other companion and someone comes along and touches it, that person could potentially pick up the infection from petting your pets. We have not seen cases of that happening, but that’s what the CDC is recommending in an abundance of caution,” You can also have another person in your home, who is not sick, be the primary caregiver for the pet. You don’t need to send your pet away, just take precautions. This is using an abundance of caution because there are so many unknowns with the coronavirus.

What food and supplies does my pet need during a quarantine?

The Red Cross and FEMA both recommend having a two-week supply of food, medications, cat litter and all the supplies you need to care for your animals.

What if I’m quarantined or get COVID-19, and my pet needs to go to the vet?

If you’re quarantined, and it’s not an urgent appointment, call your vet, tell them what’s going on, and reschedule. Even if you’re not quarantined, it’s a good idea to give your vet a call and see if they recommend you reschedule well visits.

If it is an emergency call and talk to your vet. They can guide you.

Meet my two loves, Finn (10 years) and Sophie (7 months). They are both Ocicats. Finn is a chocolate/silver classic ocicat and Sophie is a blue/silver spotted. I take great comfort from their presence during this unsettling time.