Does a cat have nine lives with coronavirus around? Northampton vet answers your questions...

With news reports rife about whether cats should venture outside during the Covid-19 pandemic, White Cross Vets in Northampton has revealed what the veterinary industry knows about the disease and believes there is no need to panic.

White Cross Vets, which is part of Independent Vetcare, sees thousands of cats across its 22 practices each month and has been inundated with questions relating to coronavirus from worried pet owners in recent weeks.

Enquiries have surged since a tiger in the USA made headlines after catching the virus and other recent news stories suggested that cats are susceptible to coronavirus.

Laura Paterson, from White Cross Vets, said: “Some of these stories have stemmed from a comment made by The British Veterinary Association (BVA) that suggested people diagnosed with Covid-19, or exhibiting symptoms, should try not to let their cats out.

“However, the BVA has clarified their position and explained the advice specifically relates to infected households, or where people are self-isolating, and only if the cat is happy to be kept indoors, because some cats have to go out due to stress-related medical reasons. Anyone with coronavirus symptoms should also minimise their contact with their pets as an additional precaution.

“Whilst it’s believed that there have been a very small number of mild cases of Covid-19 in cats, it appears that they caught it from humans, and there is currently nothing to suggest pets can pass it to humans with no such reported cases.”

Finally, Laura added: “However, it is worth considering that the virus could remain on pet’s fur for a short time, if someone with Covid-19 has coughed near them, so it’s important to maintain good hygiene practices, including thoroughly washing hands, after handling or feeding pets.

“Lots of cats also have second homes, or neighbours who they visit, so it’s advisable that people bear this in mind along with the potential risks that a friendly cat could inadvertently carry the virus, on their coats, between households.”