Cats n dogs : So, we I’ll all be aware of the tiger who... - NRAS

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Cats n dogs

Eiram50 profile image
105 Replies

So, we I’ll all be aware of the tiger who has tested positive for covid 19. I’ve been listening to a virologist in tv who is saying that it would seem that animals can get it but what is not yet clear, is whether they can then pass this back to humans . He also said that whilst there’s no evidence that the virus can transmit to cows, pigs, chickens etc and certainly none of these have been identified or have died - they just don’t know, as yet.

Can this get any more frightening??

I have two cats and we love them but will be more stringent when petting them. I worry about those that may Just abandon them?

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Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50
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105 Replies
Mmrr profile image
Mmrr

And there will be unscrupulous people who do.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toMmrr

I know!

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr in reply toEiram50

🐕🐶🐩🐈🐱

Shalf profile image
Shalf

OMG, I hope no one abandons their pet.

I had my Hugo at the vet not so long ago. Owners weren't permitted in so vet came out to car park. At that time, I asked him if dogs/cats can get covid-19 He categorically said no. I have read a little earlier about the tiger, surprising!

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

I think that’s the thing, isn’t it? People are continually learning more about the virus. There is a dog, maybe in China and a cat in Belgium that have tested positive too.

Just seems to be coming from all angles!

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toEiram50

One of the mysteries of our world. There doesn't appear to be any certainty but if that's the case in Belgium and China. It contradicts the vet here.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

But not the virologist speaking in the news this evening?

I just pray that people are sensible and don’t begin abandoning their pets.

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toEiram50

Its spreading across so many countries though, you would assume it would have been hot news if animals could contract it or was a health concern to humans.

That would be just stupid to abandon any animal. Need clear facts on this as info is different.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

Absolutely. The problem seems to be, people are saturated with info and I think are at times operating from a place of fear

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toEiram50

I think so too! But you wouldn't abandon your granny because she is in the vulnerable group to catch it.

People leaving animals alone is just so cruel. How anyone can react in that way without concrete evidence is beyond belief! They shouldn't have had a pet in the first place.

Cheylann profile image
Cheylann in reply toShalf

I 100% agree with you. My dog is the same as my children and even if we could catch the virus from animals well then so be it, I would take the risk. I wouldn't abandon anyone in my family human or animal because I may catch a virus from them. Just plain cruel!

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

The more worrying thing is the uncertainty regarding pigs, cows and chickens - the food chain!!

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toEiram50

Well I'll only worry if it lands on carrots, broccoli or lettuce because I'm a veggie .

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

I may join you in this!!

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toEiram50

I couldn't eat an animal - Sorry.

Anyway, summer is here! Season for salads :)

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

Agreed!

Cheylann profile image
Cheylann in reply toEiram50

Well the virus came from wet market selling wild animals so it's very possible. However I'm more worried about going to supermarkets.

KittyJ profile image
KittyJ

This has already been happening. .People dumping their cats at the vets. The rescue I help at had their vets saying this was happening a couple of weeks ago🤬

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toKittyJ

Horrendous.

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady in reply toKittyJ

They can have my husband but not the cat. Not my cat but the cat that is sitting smugly on the sofa tummy full and asleep. It managed to stroll down the garden have a look in shed and mooch back to resume its nap. lol

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply tomedway-lady

👍👍

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toKittyJ

Do these people explain why they are dumping their cats or do they just abandon the wee soul and walk away?

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

God knows. I don’t even know how they go about it. I suspect some people may just not let them back in the house! More ‘humane’ may take the to a shelter, not sure. Doesn’t bear thinking about

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toEiram50

Makes me angry the very thought! I think Kitty helps out at a vet where cats have been getting dumped. Hope she replies.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

I just don’t know how anyone

Could do it. I would perfectly understand their fear but to abandon them? No.

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toEiram50

It's my pet hate ( pardon the pun) I detest that behaviour with a burning passion. Some people just shouldn't have animals.

KittyJ profile image
KittyJ in reply toShalf

I don’t work at a vet, I volunteer at a cat rescue but their vets have had people requesting euthanasia for their cats because of Covid-19 when this news first came out mid March and local rescues have had cats dumped on their doorstep too. Makes me so angry 😡 Covidiots.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toKittyJ

Omg! That’s horrific

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toKittyJ

Apologies Kitty , misunderstood there..

It's such a shame we live in a society with so many stupid people. Some just jump to conclusions without any facts, thoughts or logic. I am so worried that I have Hugo resting his head on my chest right now up on my bed. I will be cautious of anyone coming near him though!

Cheylann profile image
Cheylann in reply toShalf

It's happening a lot in America. Abandoning their pets through fear. Ignorance!

Summerrain14 profile image
Summerrain14

There has been reports of many people just dumping their pets. Truly awful. I have a cat but he is a house cat so on lockdown with me. x

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toSummerrain14

It’s horrific.

Both our cats are outdoor cats and to keep them in would be cruel.

We will just be extra vigilant when petting them and washing our hands. I’ll also keep them out of the girls rooms as they tend to sleep in the girls pillows!

Summerrain14 profile image
Summerrain14 in reply toEiram50

Billy had to become a house cat bless him last year due to his own health issues. I feel so bad for him stuck in with me all day at the moment. I think he loves it though. x

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toSummerrain14

Yeah. Our Atticus (7) is beginning to enjoy longer spells in the house but he still lives his outdoor time

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toSummerrain14

Any idea why? Is it news on Facebook ?

Lyndy profile image
Lyndy

It is quite unusual for disease to jump species... despite the crazy press coverage. Washing our hands after touching pets is good practice at any time, I will keep doing this after cat/dog cuddles xx

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toLyndy

Well, to be fair, this disease did jump species.

Cheylann profile image
Cheylann in reply toEiram50

Exactly. Thanks to the wet markets in China.

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels

Oh hells bells, when I saw this on the news this morning that didn’t occur to me. I do hope it turns out that's won't be the case.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply tonomoreheels

I hope so too.

That’s a whole additional world of pain for people - and animals

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toEiram50

This could needlessly be very traumatic to a lot of animals. Clarity is needed urgently and reassurance by the Government.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

It is as it seems to be taking on a greater shift within the media and people will inevitably panic

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toEiram50

Is this going around social media due to tiger news?

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

I don’t know. I listened to the virologist in the news, this evening. I’m not on Facebook etc and to be honest. Wouldn’t put great faith in anything I heard via social media. No, this was on the news

Pippy25 profile image
Pippy25

That would be awful if people started abandoning animals and does not bear thinking about the consequences heaven forbid this were to happen. It would be a cruel twist in this already merciless situation. As Mmrr said the sad thing it there will be some unscrupulous people who would do this.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toPippy25

Agreed

allanah profile image
allanah

A vet said it could have been on their coats just like steph aureus etc so wash your hands after petting g your animaks x

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toallanah

That’s what I was hearing last week. Then we heard about the dog and the cat being positive and today, the tiger.

I am not changing my ways with them a cuddle and a stroke with my boys every day makes me smile and I find soothing. But yes there wil be some that will read it the time to get rid of their pets. I hope not they should be part of your family too.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to

Absolutely. One would have to be, even acknowledging that it would come from a gear based place, heartless to abandon any pet

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toEiram50

The Gov.uk site says you can't contract it from animals infact there is suggestion the poor tiger was infected by a human who worked in the zoo!

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

Yes, that’s what they were saying in the news. How recent is the update of the gov.uk site? In the news this evening is the first time I’ve heard legitimate

Concerns about transmition raised.

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toEiram50

27th March I think, will need to double check

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toShalf

Last updated 31st March

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

Six hours ago -in paper

What precautions should pet owners take?

While there is, to date, no evidence that companion animals, such as pet cats or dogs, can transmit the virus to humans, it is theoretically possible.

Animals and humans can sometimes share diseases, so it is recommended that people who have symptoms of coronavirus limit their contact with their pets until more information about the virus is known.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

I think I’ll do as always - remember they are outdoor animals and wash my hands as always x

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toEiram50

Sounds very like the animals have caught it from an infected human.

KittyJ profile image
KittyJ in reply toShalf

Yes but the kind of people who would dump a cat won’t read that far, they’re probably out the door with their cat before then 😿

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toKittyJ

I know what you mean. Poor wee things. If anything breaks me that does!

KittyJ profile image
KittyJ in reply toShalf

Me too 😿

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toKittyJ

Not me 👍

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toEiram50

You need to edit again Marie 😂

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

Haha! In no!! Which post? Swollen and crooked fingers to blame 😀

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toEiram50

Haha, did you mean 'me too' in post above? Same here!

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

I did!

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toEiram50

I'll keep you right hen 🤣 xx

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toShalf

Yay!! 👍

3LittleBirds2 profile image
3LittleBirds2

I follow Dr James Greenwood the vet, he’s been giving some great advice and suggested IF YOU CAN to keep cats in..but it all depends on the personality of the cat. We’re washing the dogs down and doing their paws after a walk but would do that anyway ...not much more we can do until more research is done. I’ve heard reports of people starting to dump their pets, very scary and sad times.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to3LittleBirds2

Exceptionally sad. Both out cats are outdoor cats and I’m restricting their access in the house, we are being stringent with hand washing anyway but more so when petting them and I’m going crazy steaming the floors! Gonna send me into a flare!!!

3LittleBirds2 profile image
3LittleBirds2 in reply toEiram50

Oh bless them they probably haven’t got a clue what’s going on have they but they sense things..bit like my dog today as I was washing the shopping down..a why the heck are you doing that look!! You’re doing all you can..it’s a worry but no way are our pets going anywhere...the dogs know I’d antibacterial him if I could 😂 I wouldn’t of course..but you can get perm wipes. Take a look if you can at James Greenwood he’s very good. I hope you don’t flare but know just what you mean x

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to3LittleBirds2

The cats are so confused - mostly because we are all at home! I do have the wipes you speak of but the cats would

Just run!

3LittleBirds2 profile image
3LittleBirds2 in reply toEiram50

I know it’s no easy for the cats, like you say as long as we keep washing our hands etc. Cat’s can get corona viruses Normally but they not sure about this one yet.

springcross profile image
springcross

I think that's already begun. Hubby told me about it this morning when I got up - put me in a right bad mood, the poor things! There is no positive proof yet from what I heard on the TV.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply tospringcross

Absolutely.

springcross profile image
springcross in reply toEiram50

It breaks my heart to think of all those poor innocent creatures being dumped. Those responsible really do not love their animals.

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply tospringcross

I care more about animals getting abandoned than I do about the economy and I mean that. There is a public information team within the Scottish Parliament. I'm going to write to them.

springcross profile image
springcross in reply toShalf

I don't think it's just in Scotland.

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply tospringcross

Of course! But I am unsure of the procedures in England, Wales and NI re animal welfare. We have the SSPCA here. Its RSPCA in England. I just want abandoning animals to stop. Perhaps you can write too. x

springcross profile image
springcross in reply toShalf

I wasn't suggesting that you should write to them all. My meaning was that it's probably countrywide.

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply tospringcross

It is indeed. Shocking and heartbreaking xx

VeronicaF profile image
VeronicaF

wasnit how animals were treated in that market that started all this with this virus, the problem is us human beings not the animals in this world, when are humans going to learn this world is cause and effect, and that is what we have got now.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toVeronicaF

Well said, Veronica

springcross profile image
springcross in reply toVeronicaF

Hear, hear!

Cheylann profile image
Cheylann in reply toVeronicaF

Exactly. Man's greed and cruelty has resulted in this virus. Poor animals.

CarolyneJA profile image
CarolyneJA

Let's go with what we do know: transmission to pets appears to be extremely rare. I have read of only two cases including the tiger. This is what science knows at this point, based on the evidence. As people self isolate with their pets, this should reduce any risk to absolutely nonexistent. Remember swine and bird flu are still a thing. Let's not lose our heads over covid-19. We know a lot more then we might think we do,when we look at the evidence. You're more apt to be struck by lightning 3 times then contract covid 19 off an animal.

janmary profile image
janmary

People keeping cats indoors equals good news for birds. Pretty grey cat in my garden yesterday ( belonging to very elderly lady in lockdown) busy savaging a little bird. Free cat eats free bird goes home for cuddle with locked up lady - what if transmission is possible even if just on feathers and fur?

Angjoplin profile image
Angjoplin

There's no way I'd get rid of my fur babies. Ever.

My cat still sleeps on my bed and the dog still goes out with the dog walker. They are part of the family.

My husband still goes to work and insists on getting a morning paper. I haven't yet abandoned him at the vets.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toAngjoplin

👍

Dayli profile image
Dayli

Someone recently sent me a Youtube hour long documentary by a Dr Geiger prophesying all that is now happening with Coronavirus. Backed up by scientific references, the virus mutated and spread from avian flu in chickens, directly caused by our cruel intensive farming practices, where it could jump from bird to bird with such ease.

The cost of our cruelty seems to have now resulted in nature's payback. And this video was 2008!

It's not a lot of consolation to me that I am veggie, and no, I will not be abandoning our 2 cats, they are part of our family.

Keep safe and well everybody, I think we are more dangerous than our feline friends.........

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply toDayli

Absolutely!

cropredy profile image
cropredy

It is scary but we would NEVER abandon our moggie, love her to bits.

Keep well and stay safe.

jimmx profile image
jimmx

This quote from CNN news online "The bottom line is that there is no evidence that any cat, large or small, can transmit the virus back to humans," said veterinarian Dr. Sarah Caddy, a clinical research fellow at the University of Cambridge.

edition.cnn.com/2020/04/06/...

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply tojimmx

I think the general opinion from professionals is the acknowledgement that they can act as a ‘surface’ by way of transmition

Cheylann profile image
Cheylann in reply toEiram50

So can your shoes.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toCheylann

Absolutely. But your not stroking the sole of your shoe and then possibly touching your face?

Cheylann profile image
Cheylann in reply toEiram50

No but you are walking back inside your home and potentially spreading virus onto other surfaces then touching your face etc.

The whole thing is ridiculous. You can never spray or wipe a virus away. It's impossible.

Simple hygiene is all one can do the rest is unsustainable.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toCheylann

I don’t think anyone was arguing differently .....

Cheylann profile image
Cheylann in reply toEiram50

Nobody is arguing. However saying an animal can bring virus in on their coats thereby saying cats can give you Covid 19 then I'm saying so can your shoes etc so it's quite a pointless thing to even discuss.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toCheylann

Let me be clear.

I wasn’t saying an animal can bring the virus in on their coats. This was reported by vets and scientists on a news report on tv. They were stating that cats could potentially carry it on their fur ( if people coughed on them etc)and suggested that as such, it was seen in the same way as any other surface and to wash hands etc in the same way as you would touching any other surface.

I also categorically did not say cats could give anyone covid 19- this goes back to the point that was made above and not by me, but by vets and scientists.

I feel it was worth discussion. The fact you state it is a ‘pointless thing to discuss’, is your view and you’re entitled to it.

Maybe the same respect can be afforded to another’s point of view.

Cheylann profile image
Cheylann in reply toEiram50

I was discussing it! What is pointless is the trying to avoid an unavoidable virus that can be brought into your house by lots of means not just cats.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply toCheylann

Uh huh. Ok.

phebamom profile image
phebamom

I am in the US. I have been concerned for the pet population since this started. People are being laid off, have no jobs, no money. I am thinking for many pets and pet care will be one of the first things abandoned of necessity. I hope no. On the other hand, some shelters are seeing more adoptions. Since people are stuck at home they are wanting a pet for company. Pets need care. We have two dogs and a cat. Their medication costs as much as mine.

Castroll profile image
Castroll

Hi there

I have not read all the posts. But I also have two cats one that roams and most likely to other people's homes like most cats do.

Eventhough some virus can be passed on from animals to humans mostly by consumption and other ways, I have not directly heard of anyone that has actually caught something from there own pets in recient years.

As long as we wash our hands and maybe not let pets lick our faces ect ( which is nasty anyway) I think we will be ok, I doubt anyone would abandon their pets either.

Take care everyone 🙏

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50

Agreed! X

phebamom profile image
phebamom

They will have to pry Bonnie Beagle from my cold dead hands.

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