Coronavirus: Pet cat found to have

virus in UK
A pet cat has tested positive in the UK for the strain of
coronavirus that is causing the current pandemic.

Experts say it is the first confirmed case of infection in an animal in the UK but
does not mean the disease is being spread to people by their pets.

It's thought the cat caught coronavirus from its owner, who had previously tested
positive for the virus. Both have now recovered.

Health officials stress the case is very rare and no cause for alarm.

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: "This is a very rare event,
with infected animals detected to date only showing mild clinical signs and
recovering within in a few days.

"There is no evidence to suggest that pets directly transmit the virus to humans.
We will continue to monitor this situation closely and will update our guidance to
pet owners should the situation change."

Yvonne Doyle, Public Health England's director for health protection, advised
people to wash their hands regularly, including before and after contact with
animals.

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.

A private vet initially diagnosed feline herpes virus - a common cat respiratory
infection - but the sample was also tested for Sars-Cov-2 as part of a research
programme.

There has been a very small number of confirmed cases in pets in other countries
in Europe, North America and Asia.

Daniella Dos Santos, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: "Our
advice to pet owners who have Covid-19 or who are self-isolating with symptoms
remains to restrict contact with their pets as a precautionary measure and to
practise good hygiene, including regular handwashing.

"We also recommend that owners who are confirmed or suspected to have Covid-
19 should keep their cat indoors if possible, but only if the cat is happy to be kept
indoors. Some cats cannot stay indoors due to stress-related medical reasons."
Coronavirus: Do I need to worry about
my pet?
You've probably heard lots about the coronavirus recently and
you may be worrying about what to do when it comes to your
pets.
And new research has shown that cats might be able to carry the virus and pass it
on to other cats.
But the British Veterinary Association says "owners should not worry" about being
infected by their pets.
Dr James from the Pets Factor has loads more advice on how you can keep your
pets safe during this time.

What should I do to protect myself and my cat?

"There isn't a single case of a pet dog or cat infecting a human with Covid-19," Dr
Angel Almendros, from City University in Hong Kong, who carried out the research,
told the BBC.
But, it seems that cats might be able to catch coronavirus and spread the virus to
one another.
The good news is that it is unlikely cats will become sick if they have the virus.
However British Veterinary Association president Daniella Dos Santos advises that
people should practise good hand hygiene if their cat goes outside.
She explained: "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."

So what steps can you take to keep you and your pet safe?
While Dr Almendros believes it would be sensible to keep cats indoors during the
outbreak, the British Veterinary Association is saying that only applies to cats living
with someone who has shown symptoms.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) also has
some useful advice to help you look after your animals:
 If you don't think you have been exposed to the virus then the risk to you
and your pet is low.
 The charity also advises that you avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes
after playing with your pet.
 If you have been playing with your pet, remember to wash your hands
afterwards.
What should I do if I've had symptoms?

If you or a member of your family has had coronavirus or you are in isolation and
cannot go outside at all because one of you displayed symptoms - the advice is a
bit different.

The RSPCA said: "If you and your family do need to stay at home for two weeks
because of the virus then it is advised that you try and keep away from your pets.

"If you do touch them then make sure you wash your hands. You should also get
some advice from a doctor or medical expert. Make sure your family has bought in
enough food for your pets and that they have lots to do while you are inside."