UK Pet Cat Tests Positive for Covid-19

[douglas9]

LONDON (AFP) — A pet cat has become the first U.K. animal to be infected with coronavirus, health officials said Monday, insisting there was “no evidence” it could pass on the disease.

The case was confirmed by the U.K.’s chief veterinary officer after laboratory tests carried out earlier this month in Surrey, near London.

Officials said that “all available evidence” indicated the cat likely contracted the disease from its owners who had tested positive for Covid-19.

A statement from the environment ministry said the cat poses no risk.

“Although this is the first confirmed case of an animal infection with the coronavirus strain in the U.K., there is no evidence to suggest that the animal was involved in transmission of the disease,” it said.

https://www.courthousenews.com/uk-pet-cat-tests-positive-for-covid-19/

[PSPS]

1. There's no known danger to humans. Cats and corona viruses go back eons.

There is a small chance the kitty might develop the always-fatal FIP later on because of any corona virus but there's nothing that can be done about that so far.

[Warpy]

2. Nothing new, really, big cats and house cats have both been diagnosed with it.

Cats likely have some natural immunity, bats would have been part of their diet. Cats don't get deathly ill with this, it's mostly just a kitty cold. As for a free ranging pet spreading it to the owner, the jury's still out on that one. So far, we're giving it to them.

Dogs are also susceptible but don't get terribly ill with it.

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/coronavirus-in-cats-and-dogs-how-does-covid-19-impact-pets/

So if the cat or dog has a cold, keep them out of your face, wash your hands after petting them, attempt to get them to sleep elsewhere until they are feeling better.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. Some tigers and lions at the Bronx Zoo got it from a zookeeper

but were not very sick and apparently have recovered.