The Belgian Cat And Safety Protocols To Keep Our Animals Safe

Many of you would have read news about the cat in Belgium who was tested positive for Covid19 and displayed symptoms. Indications currently suggest that the cat was infected by his/her owner and not otherwise.

There are many links to this news, but this one is from our news portal: https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2020/03/578974/pet-cat-contracts-covid-19-belgian-owner

We have checked this news with reliable sources and the news about the cat being infected is true.

We also know about the 17-year old Pomeranian and the German Shepherd in Hong Kong, both of whom also had owners who had contracted the Covid19.

So far, the above transmissions have been from infected humans to  animals. 

And these are isolated cases.

There is, until now, no definitive evidence that either cats or dogs can transmit Covid19 to humans. 

For reliable news, please refer to this: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/coronavirus-update

Excerpts from the above link:

As we continue to learn more, it’s important to note that since cats and dogs are mammals, the possibility of human-to-cat transmission, and vice versa, does technically exist.

For this reason, anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 should limit their contact with their pets, and wash their hands before and after interacting with them, which includes cleaning their litter boxes.

If you notice your pet experiencing respiratory illness or fever, we recommend (out of an abundance of caution) to quarantine them, wash your hands carefully before and after handling them, and contact a veterinarian immediately to consult about best next steps.

It is very important that cat owners understand that the current situation warrants caution, but that they should not seek COVID-19 testing for their cats, given the shortage of tests available for humans. It’s also important to point out that currently available information suggests that if precautions are taken, the likelihood of cats becoming infected and of them serving as a source of COVID-19 infection is believed to be very low.

So, please observe safety protocols and hygiene before we interact with our pets and animals. If we have been out to buy groceries, then sanitize ourselves properly before we handle our animals so that we will not inadvertently infect them.

For tips on handling groceries, please view this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjDuwc9KBps&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2hxHxAyfKOcX5qOdmcvBBFOtykGIlA6onGw87kbgEGmwsxqBtnqTfgiz0

I have been following the “glitter” method suggested by the doctor in the above video.  Just think “glitter”.  It isn’t difficult. We use Germisep with the recommended dilution.

Also, our cats are on Vetri DMG and if need be, Vetri Lysine Plus. But this is only because they had the cat flu prior to the MCO. Heidi, Bunny and Indy have totally recovered from the cat flu. Ginger is now almost recovered after being on RetroMAD1 (because he is FIV+).

Litter boxes and sandpits are also cleaned and scooped more frequently since I am home all the time now.

We can all our a little bit more to ensure a higher standard of hygiene during this period, so that everyone remains safe.

For feeders, take good care of yourselves too.  The street animals are very fortunate to have you. Please remember to practise all safety protocols, now more so than ever, to ensure you are sanitised BEFORE handling the animals. And after too.

Stay safe and stay well. Our animals need us.

Source: https://myanimalcare.org/2020/03/29/the-belgian-cat-and-safe..

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AnimalCare is a registered society that promotes caregiving to street animals and helps in their neutering and medical needs. AnimalCare has a Medical Fund, Food Fund and Education Fund.

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