by Nomi Berger
 
If you think you have a shadow that looks remarkably like your cat, you’re not the only one. Our cherished kitty companions seem to follow us wherever we go. Have you ever wondered why?
 
One reason is safety. It’s common for nursing kittens to follow their mothers everywhere, not only learning from them but also feeling safer with them nearby. Attentive owners of adult cats assume the “mothering” role by virtue of feeding them, caring for them, playing with them, cleaning their litter boxes and showering them with affection. For their part, these purr-fectly pampered pets feel protected, provided for and loved. Is it any wonder then that they trail after you – fondly and faithfully – as you move from room to room? And don’t be surprised if they follow you into your bedroom at night. You’re literally and figuratively their security blanket (cats in the wild are especially vulnerable when asleep), and sleeping near you in their cat bed or next to you in your bed assures them that they’re safe.
 
Another is boredom: Indoor cats are easily bored. Deprived of such instinctual activities as exploring and hunting, they require a highly enriched environment to keep them both mentally stimulated and physically satisfied. Without that, they’ll expect you to fill that void. And what happier substitute could there be than “hunting” you? To remedy the situation, provide your stimulation-starved kitty with food puzzles and toys to challenge her, a tunnel to crawl through, a cat tree to climb and paw-lenty of petting, pampering and playing.
 
Cats are territorial: Inordinately fond of routine and territorial by nature, one of a cat’s daily activities involves pacing around any area they consider theirs. Why? Pacing releases their scent and spreads it around to both warn and ward off possible “intruders.” If your kitty continually rubs against the furniture or rubs against you, this means she’s on patrol and marking her territory. And so, as you move, footstep by footstep, through the rooms of your house or apartment, she’s likely to follow you, paw step by paw step because she assumes you’re marking your territory as well.
 
Cats crave playtime: Quality playtime is paramount for cats, particularly when it’s focused on chasing and catching prey. Unlike outdoor cats, free to hunt all day, every day to their hearts’ content, indoor cats must experience their hunting lives vicariously. To release this pent-up energy and drive – while amusing themselves at the same time -- some will spend hours perched on a window ledge or atop a cat tree, swatting at the birds and squirrels outside, viewing feline-friendly videos on TV, or gazing, hypnotized, at the fish in a small aquarium. But when presented with the sight of their owners’ moving legs, it’s game on as they “stalk” those tempting objects, even waiting stealthily around corners to launch a surprise “attack.”
 
Cats love you: Contrary to the belief that cats are aloof and independent, they have, over the years, evolved into more social creatures, growing increasingly dependent on their humans for companionship and care taking, attention and affection. Meow about mutual admiration societies! What more wondrous way for them to show their appreciation, friendship and love than by following us just to be near us?

by Nomi Berger
 
Did you know?
 
1. Cats have dominant paws: While studies differ as to what percentage of cats are right, left or ambidextrous, they all show that our feline friends do indeed have paw preferences, particularly when it involves performing difficult tasks. One Irish study even correlated gender with paw dominance, indicating that males prefer using their right paw and females their left. Curious about your own kitty’s paw-reference? Present her with a challenging task such as plucking tasty treats from a hard-to-reach place. For the most accurate reading, repeat this task at least 75 times. Won’t YOUR kitty be paw-leased?
 
2. Cats tiptoe: Cats are digitigrades, i.e., they navigate their world on their toes. Why? In the wild, it improves their chances both at survival and at finding food by increasing their speed and lengthening their stride. They’re also much quieter on their toes, making it more difficult for their prey to detect them.
 
3. Cat paws are extremely sensitive: Paw pads contain a high concentration of nerve receptors, allowing cats to feel texture, pressure and even vibrations. In the wild, this sensitivity helps them evaluate the energy and proximity of their prey. In domesticated cats, however, this sensitivity makes many of them resistant to having their paws rubbed too often, if at all. The pads are also very sensitive to temperature and pain, and not being insulated, they can be seriously injured on ragged surfaces and hot or frozen pavement.
 
4. Cat paws are flexible: Their front paws’ ability to bend and turn inward makes cats admirably adept at climbing trees while remaining stable as they sink their claws into trunks and branches with ease. While ideal for ascending trees, it’s less than ideal for descending them. Since their front claws face in the wrong direction for a head first descent, and because their front legs and paws are weaker than their more muscular hind legs, cats must back down trees instead.
 
5. Cat paws are shock absorbers: Their pads act as both sound and shock absorbers, cushioning and softening their landings when cats jump as well as when they tread through rough terrain. In the wild, they assist a hungry cat move and hunt comfortably and silently.
 
6. Cat paws are great for grooming: Designed as petite and purr-fect grooming tools, their paws and front legs help cats clean difficult-to-reach areas behind their ears, on their faces and necks and under their chins. This ritual involves licking one of their front paws several times, swiping it across any area they’re unable to lick directly, stopping to lick (thereby moistening) their paw again and repeating the process until every area has been cleaned to their satisfaction.
 
7. Cat paws help cats sweat: Since cats sweat from the bottoms of their paws, this highly effective “cooling” system prevents them from overheating on hot days. But scared and stressed out cats also sweat through their paws. Want proof? Check for moist little paw prints on the examining table the next time you take kitty to the vet.
8. Cats “communicate” through their paws: Whenever cats scratch an object, they’re marking their territory and “transmitting” information about themselves. And thanks to scent glands located between the paw pads on their front and back feet, they’re depositing pheromones containing even more information on those same, scratched surfaces. Some cats will often scratch a specific spot after spraying or urinating.
 
9. Cat paws are “color coded”: Paw pads predictably come in colors that either mirror or match the color of a cat’s coat. Examples: Gray cats usually have gray paw pads, orange cats have pink paw pads, while tuxedo cats often sport black spots on theirs. Why? The pigments that make up the fur are the same as those that color the skin.

by Nomi Berger
 
Picture this: you’re brushing your teeth or preparing a meal and your kitty hops into the sink. Competing for the same stream of water from the tap inevitably goes from amusing to annoying.
 
Why, you ask, does your finicky feline prefer the sink to her water bowl? Is it by choice or by something more sinister, such as an underlying medical condition that has her seeking out additional sources of water? 
 
Essential to answering these questions is having your capricious cat seen by the vet for a thorough examination. If she’s happily healthy, the next step is to carefully inspect your home, then make some equally essential changes to both her living space and her daily routine.
 
Begin with the location of her water bowl. Cats who crave high places may prefer a faucet because of its “view” to a bowl that’s placed flat on the floor. If it rests in a raucous or heavily trafficked area (shared with children and/or other pets), a sink may seem like a quieter and more appealing solution to all the unwanted hubbub.
 
Experiment with various locations until you find the purr-fect one. If your cat is happiest with heights, set her bowl on an easily accessible counter. If there are several cats in your household, there should also be several drinking locations. Most importantly, keep kitty’s water bowl far from her litter box. Many fastidious felines prefer not to drink near the place that they potty.
 
Quite often, cats prefer sipping from the sink simply because the water tastes better. It may be due to the sink’s being free of the lingering scents or residue found in a bowl that’s not cleaned regularly, is made of a product whose odor she dislikes (think plastic), or whose sights and sounds are disturbing to her (think metal). Two solutions: clean her current bowl daily with an unscented cleaner that leaves no residue, allowing the water to remain fresh and clear or experiment with different bowls to find the most pleasing material for your persnickety puss.
 
Cats in the wild favor freshly flowing sources of water and turn down their paws at drinking from stagnant bodies of water. Is it any wonder then, that some cats prefer the sink tap’s free flowing water to the still water in their bowl? Replace your kitty’s bowl with a specially designed pet fountain that regularly replenishes its water, thereby redirecting her attention away from the sink. To further tempt her, smear a soft, high-value treat along the edge, and consider putting a flavored additive into the water (consult your vet first, paw-lease).
 
Some cats seek out the sink purely to play with the water – a clear indication that they’re bored. If your kitty’s fascination with the running faucet is all about entertainment, find other ways to keep her constructively engaged – preferably for the entire day. Food puzzles, regularly scheduled interactive play sessions and games of hide and seek work wonders when it comes to both holding her attention and burning up her excess energy.
 
Key to the success of any new routine is reinforcing only the behavior you want repeated. Reward your kitty for drinking out of her bowl or fountain with praise and pets, treats and play: whichever she values most, any combination of the four, or all four. Whenever she reverts to drinking from the faucet or playing with the water, turn off the taps and either look or walk away. With time and perseverance on your part, she’ll hopefully learn to choose the behavior that wins your approval rather than the one that earns her the proverbial cold shoulder.

by Nomi Berger
 
If your cat’s crazy about cuddling, you’re undoubtedly used to waking up and finding a warm, furry body stretched out along your back or chest.
 
Have you ever wondered WHY you’re so often your kitty’s favorite spot to snuggle while she purr, purr, purrs herself sweetly to sleep?
 
If so, paw-lease consider the following:
 
Cats crave warmth. Fond of catching the sun’s first morning rays, whether it’s on a window ledge or on the floor, cats will soak up those rays’ soothing warmth like human sun worshippers at the beach! But once the sun goes down, removing its light and its heat, cats quickly transfer their focus to YOU for the warmth they crave by curling up in your lap on the couch or burrowing with you under the covers in bed.
 
People are particularly comfortable. Because cats can sleep for 15 hours or more every day, they’re constantly searching for plush and peaceful places to settle. Sometimes it’s a baby soft blanket or a basket of fresh laundry, a cozy cat bed or an especially plump pillow. But if you happen to be stretched out on the sofa or lying leisurely on a lounge, your belly will quickly surpass those other spots, becoming, in short order, your cat’s idea of utter bliss.
 
Cats adore attention. If you’re away during the day and return home in the evening, don’t be surprised if you find your cat waiting eagerly by the door to greet you. Second only to being fed is being your shadow, as she follows after you while coyly treating you to a chorus of meows and a series of head butts in the hopes that you’ll reciprocate with a shower of kisses and plenty of pets.  
 
Cats savor safety. Much like people, cats seek out places of safety and security. And so, when your cat’s in search of somewhere to sleep, as warm and supple as it is familiar and comfortable, what more reassuring refuge could she find than your very own body? You’re figuratively her shield against all predators – fearsome or fictional -- allowing her to drift off to dreamland without a care in her kitty cat world.
 
Your sounds and smells can soothe her. When your cat sleeps on top of you, she may find the steady beating of your heart coupled with the rise and fall of your chest as you inhale and exhale especially reassuring and soothing, thereby lulling her into gentle slumber. She may also find your body’s distinctive scent particularly pleasant because she associates it with the care, companionship and safety you provide her, relaxing her own body more deeply and completely.
 
In short, cats are territorial by nature and often “mark” their favorite people as their own. The fact that your kitty sleeps on top of you is indicative of her absolute trust in you and that she considers your body the sweetest, safest spot to be.

by Nomi Berger

While one of the most enjoyable experiences of working from home throughout the COVID-19 pandemic may be the extra time you’ve spent with your cats, the downside may be their separation anxiety when you return to work. This is particularly true for cats adopted during the pandemic because they’ve had less time to accustom themselves to their new homes and new routines.

Animal behaviorists are, therefore, encouraging you to start preparing your feline friends NOW to help them adjust to yet another “new normal.”

Set and keep to a consistent schedule: Cats are creatures of habit and are most comfortable with a fixed routine. If you’ve been free-feeding yours during the day, break that habit immediately. Implement or return to regularly scheduled meal times to reinforce their sense of safety and ritual.

Practice leaving them on their own: Leave them alone for brief periods of time by taking a short walk or going for a drive. As their stress levels decrease, gradually increase the amount of time you’re gone until they’ve adjusted completely and appear unperturbed by your absence. On the other hand, if they become excited or anxious when you show signs of leaving – whether it’s putting on your shoes or picking up your keys -- desensitize them by doing this and NOT leaving the house. Repeat the process until they no longer react. But most importantly, resist the temptation to draw out your “good-byes” when you leave and your “hellos” when you return. Being as intuitive as they are, they will automatically react to your tone of voice, body language and overall energy – both positive and negative. Here, calmness is key.

Create a tranquil environment: To reduce their stress levels, consider the benefits of “white noise” such as the TV, classical music or a sound machine. Diffusers with pet-appeasing pheromones can also be used to provide them with a greater sense of security. Leave out a well-worn shirt or a cozy blanket with your scent on it for them to curl up on or cuddle.

Keep them stimulated and entertained: Establish a daily play schedule for meaningful interaction with your cats.  Have them chase after the laser’s red dot or engage them with various wand toys – activities that help build their confidence and strengthen their bond with you. And be generous with those high-value treats! Ensure that at least one window has a cat tree, perch or bed in front of it to allow them to look out at the world. Then, as you head out the door, put down a puzzle toy for them to work on and hold their attention indefinitely.

If, despite all of these preparations, you believe your cats may be suffering from stress while you’re gone, the most effective way to determine the extent of it is through the use of a home monitor. Capturing their behaviors on tape allows you to work on modifying those behaviors and helps ensure that your cats’ “home alone” environment is as pleasant as paws-ible.

by Nomi Berger
 
Does your kitty suck on blankets – or other “feel good” fabrics -- while purring in pure feline bliss?
 
Have you ever pondered the reasons behind this paw-ticular behavior?
 
If so, consider these five paws-ibilities and wonder no more.
 
1. Kittens suck on blankets if separated too early from their mothers: In a purr-fect world, kittens should remain with their mothers for at least the first eight weeks of their lives. If, however, they’re orphaned and raised instead by humans, these so-called “bottle baby” kittens are more prone to sucking on blankets than those suckled by and socialized by their natural mothers.
 
2. Some cat breeds are more inclined than others to suck on blankets: Siamese and other Oriental breeds are more likely to “nurse” on all things fabric than other cat breeds. While there doesn’t appear to be a genetic cause for this behavior, it’s a well-known fact that Oriental cats require a longer weaning period than most other cats.
 
3. Sucking on blankets is a form of relaxation: Much like thumb sucking in young children, sucking on blankets provides your cat with a sense of well being, safety and comfort. An especially sensitive kitten may mature into a blanket-sucking cat because this behavior is a replication of and a reminder of how secure she felt when she was surrounded by her mother and littermates.
 
4. Sucking on fabrics such as clothing is a demonstration of trust: If your cat settles herself in your lap and begins “nursing” on your clothes, she’s showing you that she has complete faith in your ability to protect her from harm. Why? Because this behavior demands intense concentration on her part and it would be difficult for her to focus that intently if she didn’t feel completely safe with you.
 
5. Sucking on blankets is a way of coping with extreme stress: There is, unfortunately, a negative answer to explain this behavior. How ironic is it that “nursing” can be indicative of either complete trust or extreme anxiety? When a cat initiates a behavior that reminds her of the safety she felt as a kitten to comfort herself when she occasionally feels stressed, it may be considered sweet or cute. But when anxiety pervades every aspect of her life to the point where she’s continually “suckling” in an attempt to soothe herself, it’s a problem.
 
What then should you do if your cat is sucking on blankets or other fabrics and you’re worried about it? Start by assessing her surroundings, make a concerted effort to determine the root of her stress, and do everything you can to remedy it. Enrich her environment by adding vertical and horizontal spaces for her to explore – from multi-tiered cat trees to stepped wall ledges. Spend more time with her engaging in interactive play with an expanded assortment of wands and toys to distract her and help her to rebuild her confidence and trust. If all else fails, consult a cat behaviorist or speak to your vet who may prescribe a short course of anti-anxiety medication for her.

by Nomi Berger
 
Cat tunnels are the purr-fect way to enrich your kitty’s environment.
 
Why? For the simple – and obvious – reason that cats love to hide. Your particular cat may be hiding because she’s frightened or because she just wants to play. Others prefer to be tucked away while they sleep in order to feel safe or to stay warm. But whatever the reason, hiding is an essential part of a cat’s life and it’s equally essential that you provide yours with the opportunity to do so.
 
You can purchase fabric cat tunnels either online or at your local pet products store. They come in many different lengths and styles, depending on your budget and the size of your room(s). Some even have holes cut into the middle of them that allow your cat to poke her head through or to pop her entire body through. You can opt to make your own tunnel by using paper bags. Cut out the bottoms of the bags and tape several of them together. To increase the tunnel’s stability and prevent it from collapsing, “roll” a cuff on each end of each bag before attaching them. For tunnels with greater durability, use long boxes instead. Cats, as every cat owner knows, LOVE boxes.
 
Before you engage your cat in any interactive playtime, place her tunnel on the floor and one of her favorite toys on the floor outside of it. Then watch her “lie low” while she waits for the precise moment to pounce on her “prey.” Alternatively, you can put a toy inside the tunnel beforehand to pique her curiosity and interest. To keep her constructively occupied on her own, place a puzzle feeder or an especially enticing new toy inside the tunnel for her to discover and engage with, hopefully, on and off for hours.
 
If your cat likes being hidden when she sleeps but isn’t fond of sleeping in an enclosed bed, picture her stretched out languidly in a cat tunnel. A tunnel will keep her both hidden and ready to “pounce” should a tempting bit of “prey” (aka toys or shoes) wander past her field of vision.
 
If yours is a multi-cat household with a high degree of tension in it or if your single cat’s particularly timid, set down tunnels in several of your rooms. This way, any cat can walk through any room and not feel as threatened or exposed.
 
If you’ve recently brought a new kitty home and she’s fearful of her strange surroundings, use tunnels to help allay those fears. Place one in the middle of her “designated” room to encourage her to explore her new environment, paw step by paw step, while still feeling protected. If she’s hiding in a closet or under the bed, set down one tunnel leading to her food and water bowls and another to her litter box. To keep from spending money on multiple tunnels, consider using your homemade paper bag tunnels instead.
 
Tantalizingly thrilling for kittens, cat tunnels can provide them with endless entertaining possibilities as they frisk and frolic about in their expanding world. For adults who seem to have lost their appetite for playing, adding a tunnel to your playtime together may be all the incentive they need to put a new spring in their step. For seniors, geriatric cats or those with limited mobility, a tunnel allows them to be tucked cozily away without having to do more than poke out a paw from time to time to bat at a toy being teasingly dangled from the end of a wand.

by Nomi Berger
 
CLEANING
 
Fabric and rope toys: Most can be washed by hand in hot, soapy water or in hot water in your washing machine. While the hot water and detergent kills the germs, washing them should remove the stains. If using your machine, place your cat’s toys in a garment bag to keep them separate from any other items and avoid scented detergents and fabric softeners that may offend kitty’s sensitive nose. Hang the fabric toys up rather than machine dry them because the dryer can cause them to shrink or warp and the rope toys to unravel.
 
Plastic toys and puzzle games: Wash them by hand with dish detergent and hot water to kill any germs. Remove any sticky residue with a sponge or dishcloth, not a scrubber. Scrubbers create tiny scratches that can harbor bacteria, not only decreasing the life of the toys and games but potentially making your cat ill. Dishwashers aren’t recommended since soft plastics will warp in the heat and lightweight toys can get thrown around inside, possibly breaking both the toy and the dishwasher itself.
 
Fur toys: Whether real or artificial, fur toys are too fragile for the washing machine. Hand wash them in hot, soapy water, rinse them thoroughly, and hang them up to dry.
 
Feather toys: Rinse the feather parts in hot water and hang the toys up to dry.
 
Catnip toys: Most catnip toys are made of fabric, and since cats constantly chew and suck on them, detergent and fabric softeners may contaminate the catnip inside. The safest option is hand rinsing them, wringing them out carefully, then hanging them up to dry. And NEVER put catnip toys in the dryer – the catnip will lose its potency. If, however, your toys are refillable, simply remove the old catnip, rinse the toys themselves in hot water, and put fresh catnip inside once the toys are dry.
 
TOSSING
 
Fabric toys and catnip toys: When a toy starts to rip and the stuffing starts to fall out, throw it away. Otherwise, your cat may swallow some of that stuffing which could cause an intestinal blockage, resulting in an expensive emergency visit to the vet. If your cat urinates on a toy or a toy lands in a soiled litter box, toss it out. No amount of washing will eliminate those odors.
 
Plastic toys: If you notice scratches in any of these toys, toss them out promptly because of the aforementioned issue of bacterial buildup. Similarly, if a toy breaks or small parts have started to come off, chuck it before those parts end up inside your cat’s stomach.
 
Fur and feather toys: Once the feather breaks or begins to fall apart, throw it out and replace it. Fur toys should be thrown out immediately if they’re either soiled by urine or feces or so tattered that kitty is at risk of swallowing bits and pieces of the torn fur.

by Nomi Berger
 
If you’re currently working from home, like millions of other cat owners, the success of this “new normal” – however long it lasts – will depend as much on you as on the personality of your particular pet.
 
Cats are, essentially and notoriously, creatures of habit. And while some may relish your sudden availability -- whether it’s to play with them, pet them or cuddle with them – others may find your presence disrupts the peace and calm of their daily routine. Examples: it might be more difficult for them to sleep and/or they might not want to “share” the sofa with you. But most importantly, being as sensitive as they are, they’re certain to pick up on your own anxiety and stress.
 
Vital to any solution is: being patient with yourself and your kitty, maintaining as much of a regular routine as possible, including her feeding schedule, your own household, eating and sleeping schedules, and enriching your time together through additional activities.
 
Consider these suggestions to ensure – or at least attempt to ensure – that your kitty keeps her paws to herself and off the keys of your computer until work time is over for the day and playtime can commence.
 
Tire her out early by establishing an exercise and activity regime BEFORE you begin to work. A few minutes of vigorous play with the help of an enticing feather wand or a dancing laser pointer followed by some high quality treats in a food puzzle are excellent ways to prime your kitty for a well-earned nap. A tired cat with a full tummy is a contented cat – one who hopefully won’t clamber all over you while you’re trying to both focus and be productive as you adjust to the newness of your own situation.
 
Take breaks from what you’re doing throughout the day to literally stretch and clear your head. And while you’re relaxing, what more pleasant way to enhance that down time than by incorporating your cat into it? Make room for some mutually satisfying snuggles and play with her for a few minutes before resuming your work.
 
During important calls, distract and occupy her by using anything from automated toys and, once again, treat-filled food puzzles to cardboard boxes wadded with tissue paper and sprinkled with treats. Move a chair, a cat tree or a cat condo to a different window and allow her an entirely new view of the world outside, capturing and holding her interest for as long as – or even longer than -- those calls may take.
 
Offer her an especially cozy and comfortable alternative to both you and your computer. Place a heated cat bed on a chair near your desk (place one in a corner of your desk if it’s large enough), thereby providing her with a highly desirable spot to lie instead of against the back of your neck, on your shoulder or across the keyboard. If you don’t have a heated cat bed, plump up a fluffy blanket on a tall, cleared off shelf nearby, line it with several of her favorite toys and let her watch you work from “on high.”
 
Never reward any behaviors you don’t want continued. If your cat meows or yowls at you and you “talk back”, pet her or even shout at her, that could be exactly the response – and attention – she wants. And that’s a mistake! Reward good behaviors – calmness, quiet and compliance -- with high quality treats and/or praise.
 
As a last resort, close the door of the room in which you’re working, but be prepared for a kitty protest. If your cat starts scratching at the door, ignore her, and if necessary, place a simple deterrent like a piece of cardboard with sticky tape on it right outside the door. This will make it highly unpleasant for her to continue her protest within earshot of you.
 
During these unprecedented times, when social distancing is, itself, the “new normal”, hopefully you can find comfort in the reassuring presence of your BFF – beloved feline friend.

by Nomi Berger
 
Confronting the global pandemic and how it’s affected our daily lives is being compounded by the challenge of separating fact from fiction. Whether you’re now working from home, self-isolating or even ill with COVID-19, here’s what you should know about the novel coronavirus and your cherished kitties.
 
According to the experts, you CANNOT catch COVID-19 from your cats nor can you give it to them. The web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states: “At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals, including cats, can spread COVID-19.” One caveat: until more is known about this particular virus.
 
According to a vet with the American Veterinary Medical Association, there have been no cases of cats testing positive for or showing signs of the disease. And although there is a coronavirus specific to cats, it isn’t contagious to humans.
 
Are you self-isolating and symptom-free? Some authorities suggest stocking up on two weeks worth of food, medications, paper products and sanitizing supplies for yourself and the same amount of food, cat litter and other items for your kitty. Other crisis response experts, however, urge stocking up on at least a month’s worth for both of you. Why? Not only because of the unfortunate reality of hoarding and empty store shelves, but the possibility of your exhibiting symptoms only towards the end of your self-isolation.
 
If, however, you’re sick with COVID-19, you should restrict contact with your cat just as you should restrict contact with every other member of your household. Avoid petting and snuggling your cat, being kissed or licked by her, and sharing your food with her. Wash your hands before and after you interact with her and wear a facemask.
 
Why? If you sneeze or cough on your cat and someone in your home pets her, that person could potentially pick up the infection. While the CDC hasn’t YET recorded any cases of this happening, they still recommend exercising an abundance of caution. When in doubt, have a healthy person in your household be your cat’s primary caregiver temporarily (if you live alone, ask a family member or reliable friend to act on your behalf). Being sick is NO reason to either surrender or abandon her!
 
If you’re ill and your cat has a non-urgent, wellness appointment with the vet, call your vet, explain the situation and reschedule your appointment. Even if you’re not ill, err on the side of caution, and call your vet to reschedule the visit anyway. If, on the other hand, you’re ill, quarantined, and your cat needs urgent veterinary care, contact your vet and your public health officials so that she can receive the attention she requires (this is where your kitty’s temporary guardian comes in) while you remain in quarantine.
 
For more information on this continually evolving situation, visit the Centers for Disease Control web site at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/whats-new-all.html