The outbreak of COVIC-19 has created panic among people all over the world. The disease has been declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. The global death toll has risen to more than 10,000.
There is a lot of information about coronavirus online. It is a family of viruses that affects both animals and humans. Certain types of canine and feline coronaviruses infect your dogs and cats. Pet owners are in a panic after they found out that their cats can also become sick from the coronavirus.
Pet owners are asking a lot of questions regarding the feline coronavirus. They want to know if it is contagious. Currently, no evidence suggests the spread of feline coronavirus from cats to humans.
Coronavirus In Cats
Feline coronavirus is an enveloped RNA virus that causes Feline Infectious Peritonitis in cats. Most of the feline coronavirus strains do not cause any disease. Most of the cats do not show any symptoms in the initial stage of the feline coronavirus infection. In about 5 to 10 percentage of the infected cats, the infection progresses into Feline Infectious Peritonitis either due to a mutation of the virus or by the abnormality of the immune system.
Symptoms Of Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Feline Infectious Peritonitis is not a highly contagious disease. The feline coronavirus is transmitted from cat-to-cat through the saliva or feces. Mild respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, and watery eyes are the initial symptoms of the coronavirus infection. In some rare cases, symptoms like diarrhea and mild intestinal disease are also seen.
Treatment For Feline Infectious Peritonitis
The cure for the infection of feline coronavirus is not yet developed. The treatment of Feline Infectious Peritonitis is aimed at supportive care and alleviating the inflammatory response of the disease. Cytotoxic drugs, antibiotics, and corticosteroids are generally given to cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis. More research is going on to find the drugs that could slow down or prevent the replication of feline coronavirus.
Precautionary Measures
It is true that no evidence suggests the spread of coronavirus from cats to humans. But it is better to take some precautions to avoid a worst-case scenario since all animals are a carrier of disease-causing germs. Always wash your hands after holding or petting your cats. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Always wear face masks when you are around your pets. Also, try to reduce contact with your cats and other animals if they are showing any signs of infections.