According to Science, the magazine put out by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, cats and ferrets have shown a particular susceptibility to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. In the case of ferrets, the virus has tended to impact their upper respiratory tract but does not appear to be easily transmissible between individual animals. As for cats, it tends to go deeper into the respiratory system and has traveled between animals living in the same household. Dogs, ducks, and chickens do not seem to be impacted by the virus.
Regardless of the makeup of your furry family, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends that whenever possible, infected and sick people should have another member of your household care for your pets and any other animals.
If you are sick and have a service animal or are the only caretaker available, protect your pet by wearing a cloth face mask and gloves. Avoid sharing food, kissing, or hugging your pet. You should also wash your hands thoroughly after having any contact with the pet or animal.
The AVMA also advises that now is the time to make sure you have an emergency kit prepared for both your family and your pets in case of full quarantine or isolation.
The bottom line is that despite this transmission of the virus from a human to a non-domesticated animal, there is no reason to believe that domestic animals including pets are a source of infection.
If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call us at 360-385-4488.
Stay safe!
