Cats should be kept indoors as a precaution in the near future. The reason: According to statements by the Institute of Virology at the Free University of Berlin (FU) and the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (FLI), there are growing indications that cats are susceptible to the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and can also develop it. it says in a press release.
The Zentralverband Zoologischer Fachbetriebe e.V. (ZZF) is therefore now recommending that pet owners take additional safety precautions and special care for domestic cats. Jörg Turk from the ZZF advises: "If possible, cat owners should currently keep their animals in the home as a precaution."
No evidence that cats transmit virus to humans
"The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) mentions on its website a study in which it was found that cats have produced antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, which suggests that they have been infected," the message says. So far, however, there is no evidence that cats or dogs can transmit the corona virus to humans. Both the FLI and the World Health Organization (WHO) still do not consider pets to be relevant for the spread of the disease.
There is still no reason to take pets to animal shelters as a precaution. The animals could recover from a Sars-Cov-2 infection – According to the experts, there is no reason to put a sick animal to sleep.
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Infected people should protect animals
- If you are infected with the corona virus, you should pay particular attention to hygiene when contacting your pets, avoid close contact as much as possible, do not cough or sneeze the animals and do not allow the animals to lick their faces.
- Cats in quarantine households should also no longer be let out, advises the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut on its website.
- In addition, it is better if cats from quarantine households are not housed with other cats, for example in a cat pension.
- In principle, it would be better in the near future to refrain from petting the neighboring cat in the event of random encounters with free-range cats for mutual protection.
For many cats, giving up forays through the territory was not easy. Jörg Turk therefore recommends: "Cat owners who have to re-educate their pets for a certain period of time should take a close look at their animals. However, if the animals are kept busy, they can be kept in an animal-friendly manner in the house."
Important: Hygiene is and remains the top priority when dealing with the owner and the cat. Cat owners should wash their hands thoroughly after each contact with the animal.
The Friedrich Loeffler Institute offers many other tips on dealing with pets during the corona pandemic on its website: www.fli.de.
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Sources used: wz.de, presseportal.de, fu-berlin.de, fli.de