Cats Can Catch Coronavirus
A study came out this week raising eyebrows about the possibility of cats becoming infected with COVID-19, but not dogs.
It was such a shocker, the World Health Organization (WHO) says it will take a closer look at the transmission of the virus between humans and pets.
The biggest concern seems to be that the virus can live on their fur if petted by an infected person.
Researchers found dogs, chickens, pigs and ducks are not likely to catch the virus, but cats and ferrets can.
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Side note, I'll never be able to deal with information regarding ferrets without thinking of the classic TV show, M*A*S*H* and the character, Major Frank Burns. You tell 'em ferret face.
The study was based on Chinese research conducted in January and February where many different animals were purposely infected with viral particles.
The virus is believed to have spread from bats to humans. Except for a few instances, there is not a lot of evidence to suggest pets can be carriers.
A tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York City who developed a dry cough and loss of appetite after contact with an infected zookeeper tested positive for the coronavirus last Sunday.
At that time, it was not believed that animals could pass the virus to humans. This new research suggests otherwise. Stay tuned, as they say, this fluid situation is morphing into different areas of concern all the time. A cheeky, mysterious little bugger, this COVID-19.