Cats can also contract coronavirus; however, this strain is unrelated to the virus that infects humans. How coronavirus manifests in cats, the potential consequences, and whether the disease can be prevented are topics that veterinarians at the Exvet clinic discuss.
Transmission of Cat Coronavirus
The cat coronavirus spreads exclusively among cats. This disease poses no threat to humans, dogs, or other pets in the household.
However, among cats, the disease can spread rapidly, especially in a confined space with many cats. It can be transmitted through a shared litter box or from a mother to her kittens.
To eliminate the virus, it is essential to disinfect the environment and the litter boxes using disinfectants, such as a chlorine solution.
Good and Bad Scenarios
Coronavirus infection in cats can lead to two possible outcomes. The first is coronavirus enteritis, which is characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, and may cause growth retardation in kittens. The disease is diagnosed through a PCR test of the animal's feces.
However, coronavirus enteritis in cats is treated symptomatically and is not life-threatening. Many cats are carriers of the virus that causes this illness.
On the other hand, if the coronavirus infection results in feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), unfortunately, the disease will have a fatal outcome. There are various forms of FIP, but with any of them, a cat is unlikely to live more than a year.
Yet, feline infectious peritonitis develops in only one out of ten cats that contract the coronavirus infection.
FIP is challenging to diagnose, but the following symptoms in a cat should raise concern:
Prevention of Cat Coronavirus Infection
Firstly, it is important to maintain hygiene in areas with many cats: regularly clean and disinfect litter boxes and bowls, separate cats into smaller groups, and isolate pregnant cats. New cats should be quarantined.
Secondly, to prevent complications and the onset of FIP, it is crucial to ensure that the animal does not experience stress. Stressors for a cat can include moving, new people, changes in routine, or even changes in food or litter, so these adjustments should be made gradually.