“No need for panic” after cat tests positive for Covid-19

Laura Paterson, from White Cross Vets, which is part of Independent Vetcare, said: “The recent headlines have caused people to be fearful and we have had a real surge in enquiries from clients concerned about the news. It’s important people understand that there has only been a very small number of animals worldwide that have actually been diagnosed with Coronavirus.

“Pets that have tested positive for Covid-19 have all lived with a person who had also tested positive for the disease and none have had significant symptoms. There has not been any confirmed cases of pets passing the virus to a person. It’s very rare that a pet will get Covid-19 from a human, and if they do, they don’t get sick or pass it on.”

The government has emphasised that all available evidence suggests that the cat contracted the coronavirus from its owners, who had previously tested positive for Covid-19. The cat and its owners have since made a full recovery and no other pets or people in the household were affected.

Laura added: “It also worth noting that the cat from Surrey was not deliberately tested for Covid-19, samples were sent to the laboratory for other reasons, but the feline was checked for Covid-19 as part of a screening and research study, with thousands of other such tests coming back negative.

“In theory the viral particles could survive on fur for a short period of time, like on any surface, which is why the advice is, and always has been, to avoid contact with pets if you are suffering with Covid-19 or think you have symptoms. It’s also a good idea to try to avoid stroking pets that you don’t know and always wash your hands after handling a pet.”

The British Veterinary Association is advising pet owners who have Covid-19 or who are self-isolating with symptoms to restrict contact with their pets as a precautionary measure and to practise good hygiene, including regular hand washing.