House Cat in Arkansas Tests Positive For Covid

A cat in the state of Arkansas has tested positive for COVID-19. The cat according to a news report on KARK has fully recovered. But this brings up many questions about how safe our pets are and how we can protect them from COVID-19 and can I get COVID from my pet?

Last week I wrote about how no pet should be wearing a mask as it is too dangerous for them to do that. Instead what the CDC and now the Arkansas Department of health are saying:

If you have COVID please keep your distance from your pets. That means no snuggling, hugging or kissing your pet and no sharing food with your pet. It now looks as though you can give your pet the virus but the CDC says the risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low but that doesn't mean it can't happen. First and foremost the CDC states:

There is no reason to abandon or surrender pets that have been confirmed positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.

Here are the recommendations for pet owner from the CDC if your pet tests positive:

If your pet tests positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, isolate the pet from everyone else, including other pets.
Do not wipe or bathe your pet with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other products, such as hand sanitizer, counter-cleaning wipes, or other industrial or surface cleaners.
Only a few pets have been confirmed to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Some pets did not show any signs of illness, but those pets that did get sick all had mild disease that could be taken care of at home. None have died from the infection.
If you think your pet has COVID-19, call a veterinarian first to discuss what you should do.
Pets with confirmed infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 should be restricted to isolation in the home until a veterinarian or public health official has determined that they can be around other pets and people.