Yes, Cats CAN Get COVID-19

Leslie Harris here, and some tragic news comes out of Bloomington, Illinois. Relieu, an 11 year old snow leopard who was living at Miller Park zoo has died from pneumonia, caused by covid-19.

A staff member said, “Relieu’s personality and beauty will be missed by guests and staff, but he will not be forgotten.”

What makes this story even more tragic is that there are only between 4,000 and 6,500 snow leopards left in the world. While snow leopards are exceptionally susceptible to covid-19, house cats can also catch the disease. In fact, one of my friends lost not one but two house cats to coronavirus.

If you or someone in your household contracts covid-19, minimize your contact with your feline friends, especially kittens who have underdeveloped immune systems. It could save their lives.