What is the Corona Virus?

Corona viruses are a cluster of viruses that can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from runny noses, coughing, respiratory issues, inflamed throat and sometimes a fever. While in some cases the corona virus will be similar to the common cold, in severe cases it can cause pneumonia or death. Covid-19, which is the current human corona virus spreading out of Wuhan, has killed over 1400 people. So far, there have been 15 confirmed cases in the U.S. While many believe that this strain originated in bats, many people are wondering if pets can get Corona Virus.

Can pets get Corona Virus?

No, pets can’t get the Corona Virus. According to a statement released from the World Health Organization, this current strand of the corona virus does not have “any impact on the health of animals.” They reported that at the moment “there is no evidence that pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new corona virus.”

Feline Coronavirus

There is a strain of the corona virus called Feline Coronavirus (feline infectious peritonitis), which is a common virus in cats. It usually results in asymptomatic infection, but it can cause mild to severe symptoms.

Symptoms of coronavirus in cats

Although cats usually don’t show symptoms of coronavirus, sometimes they will develop diarrhea. Usually, cats will naturally eliminate the virus after the infection. However, there have been a few cases where the virus has developed into infectious peritonitis, which could lead to an infection that needs to be cured by a veterinarian.

How to protect your pet from the Corona Virus

At the moment, there is no vaccine for humans or pets against the coronavirus. However, to protect your pet from other viral infections, including influenza, it is very imports to make sure that your dog or cat is completely immunized for common viral infections. There are some pets masks for sale, however, the mask does not protect your cat or dog from the coronavirus and is probably uncomfortable to wear. As a precaution, it is always good to thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap before and after petting your dog or cat.