Virus cats can get

That means wearing a mask and avoiding contact with their cats and dogs as much as possible. According to VandeWoude, two questions remain: Can pets infect people who have not yet been infected, and if they do, will the virus mutate, as it did last year in a mink farm in Denmark. Mutations are more likely to occur when a virus is rapidly transmitted between many hosts, such as in farmed or wild animal populations or humans living in densely populated cities.

Transfers between one pet and one human, on the other hand, are less of a concern. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. NBC News Logo. Covid Politics U. News World Opinion Business. Share this —. While the specific source of origin isn't known, the virus that causes COVID is believed to have started in an animal, spread to humans and then spread between people.

According to the U. This happened mostly after the animals were in close contact with people infected with the COVID virus. Based on the limited available information, the risk of animals spreading the COVID virus to people is considered low. There is no evidence that viruses can spread to people or other animals from a pet's skin, fur or hair. However, keep in mind that young children, people with weakened immune systems, and people age 65 and older are more likely to get sick from some other germs that animals can carry.

To protect your pet from the COVID virus, don't let your dog or cat interact with people or animals outside your household. For example:. Instead, contact the veterinarian. He or she might offer advice through a virtual visit or make another plan for treating your pet. Testing is only recommended for pets that have symptoms and have been exposed to a person with COVID If your pet tests positive for the virus that causes COVID , follow the same precautions you would if a family member became infected.

Aim to isolate your pet in a separate room away from the rest of your family and have your pet stay at home. Wear gloves when you interact with your pet or its food, dishes, waste or bedding. Wash your hands after touching any of your pet's items.

Don't put a face covering on your pet and don't wipe your pet with disinfectants, which can be harmful. Salmonella infections in garden birds and cats in a domestic environment. Vet Rec. Human salmonella infections linked to contaminated dry dog and cat food, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cats: diseases. Updated April 1, Humans with latent toxoplasmosis display altered reward modulation of cognitive control. Sci Rep. Q fever: epidemiology and statistics.

Updated June 27, Q fever in Bulgaria: Laboratory and epidemiological findings on human cases and outbreaks, to Euro Surveill. Pandemic and seasonal human influenza virus infections in domestic cats: prevalence, association with respiratory disease, and seasonality patterns. J Clin Microbiol. Influenza in cats. Updated September 28, Updated September 3, Updated July 9, National Health Service United Kingdom.

First cat-to-human TB infections reported. March 28, Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights.

Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. What to Know About Cat Allergies. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up.