There’s a lot of confusion surrounding cats and the coronavirus flying around social media. The misinformation was not helped by a recent article from the BBC telling cat owners to keep their cats indoors. The article was slammed and replaced with a follow up article, here. Many people have panicked and wrongly thought that cats can pass on COVID-19 to humans, which isn’t the case. We have tried to keep you all informed throughout recent months of the accurate information, which you can read in the following blog posts:
Cats and COVID-19 – What You Need to Know
Can Cats Infect Each Other with COVID-19
While the Government are not ordering people to keep cats indoors and there is no threat from catching COVID-19 from cats, we are here today to inform you on why cat fencing is more important than ever before. We are not scare mongering, just providing you with the information that may help you make a good decision for you and your family.
Five Reasons Why Cat Fencing is Important
Vets are Closed to Non Emergencies
Vets have been told to close to all non-emergencies. Vets are still open but routine appointments are all cancelled, and the vet is unable to make house calls unless there is absolutely no other option. Vets are doing everything they can to help in emergency situations, such as discussing the problem on the phone and allowing non-contact collection of emergency medicines. If your pet does need to be seen in person you will not be able to go in with them.
Cat fencing and similar cat containment systems help to reduce the risk of injury, infections and disease. Therefore, causing less strain on the vital work being carried out by vets under difficult circumstances.
Cat Fosterers Cannot Take in Lost Cats
Cat fencing allows your cat to enjoy all the benefits of outdoor life while eliminating multiple risks, such as theft or getting lost. Currently, due to the restrictions place by the Government, cat fosterers are unable to take in any lost cats. Cat rescue centres are also closed and unable to house cats and other animals at this time.
Cats Can Potentially Infect One Another
As discussed in our article, Can Cats Infect Each Other with COVID-19, there is evidence to show that cats can indeed spread the virus to each other, but not to humans. In a recent study, five cats were given the coronavirus. Three of the cats were positioned next to cats that were not given the inoculation. One of the unexposed cats developed the virus, suggesting cats can infect each other via respiratory droplets.
Cats Can Potentially Contract the Virus from Humans
The current advice is to limit contact with your cats if you show symptoms or become diagnosed with COVID-19 as it is possible your cat will catch it from you. The risk is low and there is currently only one case of a Belgium cat becoming infected after their owner became ill. WHO is investigating in the hope to learn more about the transmission of COVID-19 from humans to cats. We will keep you informed of the findings.
Social Distancing Inhibits Humans from Looking for Missing Cats
We are currently told to only go outside for essential food and other essential necessities, to exercise once a day either alone or with members of your household, for medical issues and providing care for the vulnerable and travelling to and from work (only if you cannot work from home). Sending out search parties or asking for friends and neighbours to help look for missing cats is not possible currently.
These are just five reasons why cat fencing is more important than ever before. The world has changed, and we are all working hard to adjust to life as it currently stands. We do hope you remain safe, follow the rules that are there to protect us all and continue to enjoy your cats and other pets without false information causing confusion or stress.