What's the risk of my cats catching COVID-19 from me or others?

Hello. Please do not worry about this. While coronavirus was cultured in the nose of a few dogs that lived in homes with infected people, they were, & stayed completely normal. Nothing has been described in cats. Just about every species has its own coronavirus unique to them. It is a very unique set of circumstances that PRESUMABLY allowed the virus to jump from animals in China to a human host, no worries about this happening in our pet community. So yes, the feline coronavirus can mutate to a virulent form that leads to FIP, but the thing to remember is this is an enteric, or gut virus, not a respiratory one that we are seeing in people. There is absolutely no connection between Covid-19 & the Feline Coronavirus. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mici. Currently, there is no proof that COVID-19 can be spread from people to pets. Dogs and cats are susceptible to their own strain of coronavirus, but this is a completely separate disease from the current outbreak. You do not need to make life style changes for her at this point. I recommend focusing on good hygiene and your own health at this point. I hope this information helps!

If you have him vaccinated against feline coronavirus he should be well protected. The human coronovirus is not contagious to cats so you cannot be infected by your cat. ( https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/can-pets-contract-coronavirus-humans-or-vice-versa )

Coronavirus itself is in most cases harmless to cats and many cats will have a coronavirus infection that will go unnoticed. The problem in a very small minority of cases is that this virus mutate into a new form and becomes what is known as FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) which is a fatal disease. The mutated virus cannot be transmitted to another cat. To summarise, risk is minor, but still exist.

Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Great question. I personally would not be worried about your cats contracting FIP. The coronavirus is found in the saliva and feces of infected cats. Therefore, cat-to-cat contact and exposure to feces in litter boxes are the most common modes of infection. Contaminated food or water dishes, bedding, and your clothing may also serve as sources of infection. It doesn't sound like this is a concern based on your description of how you separated the cats, washed your hands, etc. The coronavirus can live in the environment anywhere from 3-7 weeks. After 3 weeks, however, the number of virus particles present is probably too small to cause infection. Many disinfectants will kill the virus, including household bleach diluted 1:32 in water (1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water). So, you may want to do a thorough cleaning of the area where you housed the kittens and it may be best for you to not get any foster kittens for at least a month to try to prevent the new ones from getting infected. Hope this answers your questions. Best wishes.

FIP is caused by a mutation of feline coronavirus and the disease itself is not contagious. Feline coronavirus is very contagious but in most cats will not cause symptoms or even will only cause mild diarrhea. Only 1-5% of cats with coronavirus will develop FIP. I think its fair to be cautious but the likelihood of your cat developing FIP is very low. If you prefer peace of mind then maybe consider helping your sister find another pet sitter.

According to the OIE, the current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human-to-human transmission, and, to date, there is no evidence that companion animals can spread the disease. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare. They can become passive vectors of the disease for short period of time, but cannot get the infection.