Can I get COVID-19 from my cat or dog's fur?

The chances of getting COVID-19 from your cat or dog's fur are very low. While there have been cases of pets like cats and dogs becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, there is no strong evidence that pets play a significant role in spreading the virus to humans.

Pets can become infected with SARS-CoV-2, usually through close contact with infected people. Most infected pets show mild or no symptoms at all. There is currently no evidence that pets, including cats and dogs, play a significant role in the transmission of COVID-19 to people. The main way COVID-19 spreads is through respiratory droplets from person to person.

Although SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces for a short time, it is unlikely that you will become infected by touching a surface such as a pet’s fur and then touching your face. Regular hand hygiene further reduces this risk.

The chance of getting COVID-19 from your cat or dog’s fur is very low. The most important advice is to follow good hygiene measures, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding close contact with pets if you are sick. The spread of COVID-19 occurs mainly through person-to-person contact through respiratory droplets.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2023-12-11 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024