Stroking Cats Safely During Covid: What Owners Need To Know

Cats are beloved pets, and as their owners, we want to ensure that we keep them safe and healthy. If you have COVID-19, you may be concerned about how this could affect your cat's health. While cats cannot contract COVID-19, it is important to be aware that they can still be impacted by your illness. In this paragraph, we will explore the question: Can I stroke my cat if I have COVID? and provide information on the potential risks to your cat's health.

Can Covid increase my risk of a stroke?

According to a study published in the medical journal Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, Covid-19 may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes for up to three years after infection. The study, which was conducted by the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Southern California, found that people with any type of Covid-19 infection were twice as likely to experience a major cardiac event such as a heart attack or stroke, or even death, for up to three years after contracting the virus.

The study analysed data from 10,005 people aged 50 and older who had Covid-19 and 217,730 who did not contract the virus, and found that the risk was significantly higher for patients hospitalised for Covid-19. The risk was also greater than that posed by a previous history of heart disease.

The researchers were surprised to find that the increased risk remained consistent over the three-year period, with no sign of attenuation. They also found that the risk was higher for those who had experienced more adverse symptoms.

Blood type as a risk factor

The study also found that blood type appeared to play a role in determining the risk of a cardiac event following Covid-19 infection. People with A, B, or AB blood types were found to be at higher risk of experiencing a major cardiac event than those with an O blood type. This may be because people with O-type blood seem to be slightly protected from Covid-19 infection.

Preventing cardiac events after Covid-19

While the researchers are unsure of the exact reason for the increased risk of cardiac events following Covid-19, their working theory is that Covid-19 may be destabilising plaques that are building within the walls of arteries, making them more prone to rupturing and causing clots.

The study also found some hopeful news: people who were hospitalised for Covid-19 but were also taking low-dose aspirin did not have an increased risk of a subsequent heart attack or stroke. This means that the risk can be mitigated.

Reducing cardiovascular risk

The study's authors recommend that medical providers consider Covid-19 as a risk factor for heart disease and that anyone over 50 who has had Covid-19 should ask what they can do to reduce their cardiac risk. They also recommend staying current with Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters.

Further research

The study did not examine the effects of Covid-19 vaccination on cardiovascular risk, but the authors suspect that it would be protective, as vaccines usually prevent infections from becoming severe. The study also did not investigate whether repeated Covid-19 infections might be tied to greater health risks.

While the study provides valuable insights into the long-term effects of Covid-19, further research is needed to fully understand the impact of the virus on cardiovascular health and to develop effective strategies for preventing heart disease in patients with a history of Covid-19.

What are the symptoms of a stroke in a cat?

A stroke in cats, also known as a vascular accident or cerebral vascular accident, is caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain or a hemorrhage within the brain. Cats do not experience strokes in the same way humans do, and feline strokes are less common and less damaging than human strokes. However, they are still serious and require immediate veterinary attention.

• Rapidly moving or unevenly sized pupils
• Disorientation and loss of awareness of surroundings
• Pressing their head against a hard object
• Circling repetitively
• Unstable walking or staggering
• Abnormal head tilt
• Tremors and muscle spasms
• Being quiet and less responsive than normal
• Seeming depressed or disoriented
• Blindness
• Blue, purple, or white tongue

If you notice any of these signs in your cat, contact your veterinarian right away. They will be able to perform diagnostic tests and provide treatment to support your cat's recovery.

How can I tell if my cat has had a stroke?

Strokes in cats, also known as vascular accidents, are caused by a lack of blood flow to parts of the brain or a haemorrhage within the brain. Cats do not experience strokes in the same way humans do. The signs of a stroke in a cat include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Shaking or spasms
• Unequal pupil sizes
• Abnormal head tilt
• Unstable walking or circling
• Tremors and muscle spasms
• Being quiet and less responsive than normal
• Signs of depression, such as unusual quietness and a lack of responsiveness
• Blindness
• Blue, purple or white tongue
• Loss of balance
• Seizures

If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, take them to the vet immediately.

How can I help my cat recover from a stroke?

If you suspect that your cat has had a stroke, you should check their general alertness. Observe the cat to see if they respond to your voice or seem to be shaking or spasming. Look at your cat's head to see if it is tilting to one side, which can be a sign of pressure in the brain due to a stroke. If your cat is unstable when walking or is pacing in circles, look for other symptoms of a stroke before visiting the vet. Finally, take a look at your cat's tongue, and if it's blue, purple, or white, take the cat to an emergency vet immediately for medical attention.

If your cat has had a stroke, there are many treatments available to help them cope with and recover from the symptoms. These include:

• Treatment of underlying conditions that may have led to the stroke
• Oxygen therapy to promote healing of brain tissue
• Seizure medications to help control seizures or decrease pressure in the skull
• Physical rehabilitation (physiotherapy for cats) to help address neurological deficits
• Improvements to diet, nutrition, or hydration
• Assistance with comfort and cleanliness regarding litter box use

With proper nursing and care, some cats recover very well. However, the recovery process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 months, so it is important to be patient during this time.

Can I catch a stroke from my cat?

It is not possible to catch a stroke from your cat. However, cats can have strokes, also known as vascular accidents, which are caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain or a haemorrhage within the brain. The symptoms of a stroke in a cat include:

• Unequal pupil sizes
• Unstable walking or circling
• Tremors and muscle spasms
• Head tilting, turning or twisting
• Quiet and less responsive behaviour
• Abnormal head tilt
• Blindness
• Blue, purple or white tongue

If you suspect your cat is having a stroke, you should take them to the vet immediately. While strokes in animals tend not to be as severe as in humans, they still require immediate attention and veterinary care.

On the other hand, COVID-19 has been found to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes in humans for up to three years after infection. Therefore, if you have COVID-19, it may be advisable to avoid close contact with your cat, as you could transmit the virus to them, potentially causing health complications.

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