The British Veterinary Association has clarified its position in light of a report on the BBC news relating to cats and coronavirus. The headline of the article suggested that veterinary advice was to keep all cats indoors, but BVA has explained this advice is only in relation to cats in infected households or where people are self-isolating.
BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: “It’s incredibly important that information and advice for the public is clear and we regret that this news story will have caused worry and upset amongst cat owners.
“We are not advising that all cats are kept indoors. Only cats from infected households or where their owners are self-isolating, and only if the cat is happy to be kept indoors. Some cats cannot stay indoors due to stress-related medical reasons.”
“There have been a tiny number of cases of Covid-19 in animals and in all cases, it is likely that the transmission was human to animal. There is no evidence that pets can pass Covid-19 to their owners.”
“It is very important that people don’t panic about their pets. There is no evidence that animals can pass the disease to humans.”
For further information visit www.bva.co.uk