Vets say keep cats inside to help stop spread of coronavirus among animals

Cats on lockdown? Surely the average moggy will not tolerate that!

Yet veterinary scientists recommended this week that cat owners keep their pets indoors to help prevent the spread of coronavirus among animals.

The advice appears to contradict previous statements that pets can’t catch the virus. But now it seems they might be able to spread it on their fur.

However the British Veterinary Association (BVA) stressed “owners should not worry” about being infected by their pets.

Dr Angel Almendros, of Hong Kong’s City University, confirmed: “There isn’t a single case of a pet dog or cat infecting a human with Covid-19.”

Cats may have to endure lockdown too (Getty)

But early research shows moggies may be able to catch the virus from other cats.

BVA president Daniella Dos Santos said the association has since clarified its recommendations and says pet owners should take precautions “only if someone in their household showed symptoms”.

She added: “Practise good hand hygiene. An animal’s fur could carry the virus for a time if a pet were to have come into contact with someone who was sick.”

But at least you'll now have someone to stare out of the window with (Getty)

It is the cats themselves that may be susceptible to infection from respiratory droplets – virus particles suspended in air that people cough, sneeze or exhale.

In Belgium, one unfortunate feline tested positive about a week after its owner showed Covid-19 symptoms.

And tests in China provided evidence of infected cats passing it to other mogs.

And it could be for their own good (Getty)

Meanwhile, fears that humans can give the disease to animals is growing.

There is evidence we can transmit respiratory infections to wild great apes, which makes the global spread of Covid-19 a real concern for conservationists.

But in all cases, it is infected humans who pose the threat.

Professor Bryan Charleston, of the UK’s Pirbright Institute, which studies infectious diseases, said: “We know the virus did make the jump from an animal into humans at the beginning of this crisis.

“But that appears to be because people were eating infected animals.”

There are reports of people dumping pets, fearing they will give them the disease.

But Dr Almendros advised: “Treat pets like other people in your household. If you feel sick, it’s better not to interact with them.

“I hope pet owners can sleep a bit better with the right advice.”

Sleep easy? With a cat on your bed that you can’t let out? Not likely!