How do cats get coronavirus? - briefly
Cats can contract the coronavirus through direct contact with infected humans or other animals. The virus is primarily spread via respiratory droplets when an infected individual sneezes or coughs near the cat.
How do cats get coronavirus? - in detail
Cats can contract coronaviruses, specifically feline coronaviruses (FCoVs), through various routes and mechanisms. Understanding these pathways is crucial for both pet owners and veterinary professionals.
Firstly, cats are most commonly infected with FCoVs through fecal-oral transmission. This occurs when a cat ingests or comes into contact with feces containing the virus. The virus can survive in the environment for several weeks, making contaminated surfaces and litter boxes significant sources of infection. Cats grooming themselves or other cats after contact with infected feces can also spread the virus.
Secondly, cats can contract coronaviruses through direct contact with an infected cat. This is particularly common in multi-cat households or shelters where close proximity and shared resources facilitate viral transmission. Respiratory secretions from infected cats can contain the virus, which can be spread through sneezing, coughing, or even during social interactions like grooming.
Thirdly, vertical transmission is another route by which kittens can become infected with coronaviruses. This occurs when a pregnant cat carries the virus and passes it on to her kittens either in utero or through her milk. Kittens born to infected mothers often show symptoms of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a severe and often fatal disease caused by FCoVs.
It is important to note that while cats can be infected with certain coronaviruses, the specific strain known as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 in humans, does not typically infect cats. However, there have been a few reported cases of cats testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 after close contact with infected humans. In these instances, it is believed that the virus was transmitted from humans to cats, highlighting the potential for zoonotic transmission in some circumstances.
In conclusion, cats can contract coronaviruses through fecal-oral transmission, direct contact with infected cats, and vertical transmission from mother to kitten. Understanding these routes of infection is essential for implementing effective preventive measures and managing feline health.