When news broke that two cats in New York had tested positive for COVID-19, pet owners worldwide felt a new wave of pandemic anxiety. The story quickly reached expat communities in Spain, where British cat owners along the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca expressed immediate concern for their beloved pets. But what’s the real story behind these feline cases, and should cat owners actually be worried?
The New York Cat Cases That Sparked Global Concern
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In April 2020, two household cats from separate areas of New York became the first pets in the United States to test positive for the coronavirus. Both cats developed mild respiratory symptoms but were expected to make full recoveries. Health officials believe they contracted the virus from people in their households or neighborhoods.
The news traveled fast, reaching worried pet owners in Spain’s coastal communities. “OMG, I didn’t know cats could get it, surely that means it could happen here?” said Sue Keargan, a concerned cat owner in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol. Her reaction echoed the feelings of many pet owners who suddenly feared for their animals’ safety.
Another worried owner mentioned friends in Alicante with three cats, saying, “I better tell them to keep them all inside, this is really worrying.” This rapid spread of concern shows how quickly pet-related health news can travel among tight-knit expat communities.
What Experts Say About Cats and Coronavirus
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Despite the understandable worry, health authorities have been clear about what these cases actually mean. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, addressed the situation directly: “Animals, pets, can get infected… There’s no evidence that the virus is transmitted from the pet to a human.”
This crucial distinction helps put the cases in perspective. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasized in their statement that “there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States.” They further noted that “there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare.”
Looking at the global picture, these cases aren’t entirely unique. The American Veterinary Medical Association reported few known COVID-19 infections in pets worldwide. A cat in Hong Kong tested positive without showing symptoms, while another in Belgium recovered after nine days of illness.
Big Cats Also Affected: The Bronx Zoo Situation
The New York house cats weren’t the only felines affected. In a more dramatic development, five tigers and three lions at the Bronx Zoo also tested positive for COVID-19. According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the zoo, these big cats were infected by an asymptomatic staff member.
“All eight cats continue to do well,” the WCS reported. “They are behaving normally, eating well, and their coughing is greatly reduced.” The organization also noted that other zoo animals, including leopards, cheetahs, pumas, and servals, showed no signs of illness.
This situation with the zoo’s big cats provided valuable information about how the virus affects different feline species. It also reinforced the understanding that transmission occurs primarily from humans to cats, not the other way around.
Practical Advice for Cat Owners During the Pandemic
For expat cat owners in Spain’s coastal regions, these guidelines offer practical steps without causing undue alarm. It’s worth remembering that further studies are needed to fully understand how different animals might be affected by the virus.
The most important takeaway for worried pet owners is that while cats can contract the coronavirus, there’s currently no evidence they can transmit it to humans. This crucial fact should provide some comfort to those concerned about their feline friends.
As one veterinarian put it, “Your cat is much more likely to catch COVID-19 from you than you are from your cat.” With proper precautions and common sense, both humans and their beloved pets can stay safe during these challenging times.
