Larry the Cat is not in coronavirus lockdown despite advice from vets group

Larry the Number 10 Cat is not in isolation, despite a warning to keep cats from coronavirus infected households indoors.

There’s no evidence that cats can transmit the virus to humans.

But the British Veterinary Association said cats from infected households, or those where people are self-isolating should be kept inside if possible.

They did not say all cats should be kept inside - and noted some cats can’t stay indoors for medical reasons.

But questions were raised about whether Larry, the Downing Street mouser, would have to stay in after a series of cases of the virus inside Number 10 - including Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The Prime Minister’s spokesman said that was not the case.

Speaking at a Westminster briefing, he said: “Larry’s absolutely fine.

“I’ve seen him this morning. He’s going about his business in the usual way”

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 20: Larry the Cat lays on the step of Number Ten as government ministers meet to discuss the deepening Iran crisis in Downing Street on July 20, 2019 in London, England. The meeting comes after the oil tanker, Stena Impero was surrounded by four vessels and a helicopter and seized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on Friday in a key waterway in the Gulf before heading into Iranian waters. (Photo by Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (Chris J Ratcliffe)

(PA)

BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: “We are not advising that all cats are kept indoors. Only cats from infected households or where their owners are self-isolating, and only if the cat is happy to be kept indoors. Some cats cannot stay indoors due to stress-related medical reasons.

“There have been a tiny number of cases of Covid-19 in animals and in all cases, it is likely that the transmission was human to animal. There is no evidence that pets can pass Covid-19 to their owners.

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“From the small number of cases it appears that dogs do not show symptoms, but cats can show clinical signs of the disease.

“It is also the case that animals can act as fomites, as the virus could be on their fur in the same way it is on other surfaces, such as tables and doorknobs. That’s why our main advice for pet owners continues to be to practise good hand hygiene.

“And, as a precaution, for pet owners who have Covid-19 or who are self-isolating we are recommending that you keep your cat indoors if possible, during that time.

She added: “It is very important that people don’t panic about their pets. There is no evidence that animals can pass the disease to humans.”

The Number 10 spokesman added: “There is no evidence that pets can pass on coronavirus to their owners.

”As the BVA have said today it’s important to wash your hands before and after petting your pets.”