Animal experts open up on how you can maintain the safety of your feline friends during the coronavirus pandemic
| Apr 13, 2020, 11:19 IST
The coronavirus pandemic has already stirred up a storm all across the world. Ever since news broke out about the pandemic, people have been in panic mode and many of them have even gone as far as to abandon their pets in fear of the animals transmitting the disease to them. However, many experts said that animals cannot transfer the disease to human beings; the animals, however, apparently can contract the disease themselves. Recently, news broke out about a cat in Hong Kong testing positive for Covid-19.
Needless to say, pet parents have been worried since the news came out. And then the New York Bronx Zoo's Malayan tiger, Nadia also tested positive for the virus and this just increased everyone's concerns. Due to this, cases of pet abandonment are on the rise yet again. "It is sad that despite having no substantial data around pets and COVID-19, we are seeing cases of pet abandonment being reported in various animal rescue groups," said a resident from Bengaluru.
A few experts from the city weighed in on how one can protect their feline friends during this trying time. Here's what they had to say.
Veterinarian and animal expert, Dr Ansar Kamran adds, "Coronavirus infections are not new to cats and dogs. But these translate into different issues and diseases among cats, which in no way transmit to humans," he shared, also pointing out that there have only been a couple of stray incidents of felines being infected by the strain of Coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Dr Umashankar, a veterinarian, also added that although pets cannot transmit the disease to us, it is very likely for cats to get infected with the virus after contracting it from us. So, basically, you may end up transmitting the virus to your pet cat. "If you are a cat parent, it is advisable to self-isolate for a minimum of a month and not come in contact with your cats or handle them. And if handling, ensure you are wearing gloves, a face mask and sanitise your hands before holding your cat," he says.
So, be smart about your choices and make sure that both you and your pets are safe during this time. Stay tuned for more updates.
Needless to say, pet parents have been worried since the news came out. And then the New York Bronx Zoo's Malayan tiger, Nadia also tested positive for the virus and this just increased everyone's concerns. Due to this, cases of pet abandonment are on the rise yet again. "It is sad that despite having no substantial data around pets and COVID-19, we are seeing cases of pet abandonment being reported in various animal rescue groups," said a resident from Bengaluru.
A few experts from the city weighed in on how one can protect their feline friends during this trying time. Here's what they had to say.
Veterinarian and animal expert, Dr Ansar Kamran adds, "Coronavirus infections are not new to cats and dogs. But these translate into different issues and diseases among cats, which in no way transmit to humans," he shared, also pointing out that there have only been a couple of stray incidents of felines being infected by the strain of Coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Dr Umashankar, a veterinarian, also added that although pets cannot transmit the disease to us, it is very likely for cats to get infected with the virus after contracting it from us. So, basically, you may end up transmitting the virus to your pet cat. "If you are a cat parent, it is advisable to self-isolate for a minimum of a month and not come in contact with your cats or handle them. And if handling, ensure you are wearing gloves, a face mask and sanitise your hands before holding your cat," he says.
So, be smart about your choices and make sure that both you and your pets are safe during this time. Stay tuned for more updates.