Conflicting evidence about cats may be leaving pet owners confused, Doncaster Free Press columnist says

A captive tiger in the US has tested positive for Covid-19 and a recent study in China has concluded that domestic cats can contract Covid-19 and pass it to other cats.There is evidence that a domestic cat in Belgium which tested positive may have passed the virus onto its owner.

Coronavirus is a collective term for a group of viruses which, when seen under magnification, have a corona, or halo.The virus which causes the common cold is also a coronavirus.

SARS-CoV-2 is the specific virus in this group which causes Covid-19.

We’re in the middle of an evolving information stream and we need to pay careful attention to the wording of how scientists are delivering their message.“At this time” has become the favourite conjunctive of all of those responsible for sharing information and that’s because we are on a steep learning curve and we need to prepare for changing advice as new information is discovered.

The World Health Organisation says that there is no evidence that cats (or indeed dogs) can transmit Covid-19 to people but acknowledge that the coronavirus family has a proven history of infecting animals of other species.

The reason why domestic cats may be interesting if they can indeed contract and transmit Covid-19 is more than just concern their owners may have for their pet’s health.The way we keep domestic cats generally allows a freedom of movement we do not allow our dogs.Cats are known to visit several houses for food and sleeping arrangements and legally we cannot be held responsible for the actions of our cats.Dogs, on the other hand generally only go where their owners go and are not allowed to roam from house to house to beg for food and warm blanket space.

Where is your cat and where it has been? Whose cat have you been feeding? There is no evidence at this time that Covid-19 can be contracted from urine and faeces but other coronaviruses can be.

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