The Latest Information For You And Your Cat

 

UPDATE 12/15/2021: We are now seeing clients in the building. Masks are required for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status. Masks must be properly fitted and cover the mouth and nose at all times.

Please call when you arrive so we can make sure there is a clean room available for you and your cat without too many people waiting in the lobby. Thank you for your patience as we navigate this new normal.

If you have any signs of respiratory illness, including fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, and general malaise, OR have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is highly suspect for it, please call the clinic to reschedule your appointment.

Similarly, staff who meet these same criteria will be asked to remain home. Please exercise patience during this time as wait times may be longer and phone calls delayed if we become short-staffed.

All cats must arrive in carriers. There are no exceptions. If you do not have a carrier, we will ask you to put your cat in one of ours prior to our staff bringing him or her inside. This is for your cat’s safety. The carrier will be appropriately cleaned and disinfected before and after handling.

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Sanitization And Cleanliness

At ACHH, cleanliness remains a priority. Increased disinfection continues in the hospital to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are using EPA-approved virucidal products including accelerated hydrogen peroxide, bleach solutions, and isopropyl alcohol. High-use items such as doorknobs and phones are disinfected after every use and at the beginning and end of every day. We maintain the cleanliness of the rest of the hospital as before.

Summary

Together, we can keep people safe while still caring for our cherished feline companions. With these new protocols in place, you can rest assured that your cat is in good, clean, hands.
Please don’t hesitate to call us with any concerns or questions you might have. We are, as ever, here for you and your cat.

 

 

 

Previous Updates:

2/20/21: As vaccines become more widespread, restrictions regarding businesses will ease up. We are following all CDC guidelines to keep our patients and their caregivers healthy. For now, this means that we are continuing curbside service. Simply call us when you arrive, and we will come outside to talk to you at your car and bring your cat in for the exam. Dr. Anthony will then discuss her exam findings and any treatments she thinks your cat needs.

NO ONE is allowed in the clinic without doctor authorization. Anyone who is allowed to enter the building will need to fill out a COVID questionnaire and have their temperature taken, or provide proof of vaccination (must be at least 2 weeks from second vaccine). All people must wear a well-fitting mask at all times in the building, regardless of vaccination status.

2020 Updates

UPDATE 4/23: Two more domestic cats, both living in New York, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Both cats displayed mild respiratory signs and are expected to fully recover.

Update 4/8: There seems to be evidence that cats are susceptible to this particular Coronavirus. Experimental infections have shown replication in the upper airways of pet cats (not the lungs as described in people). There have been two reported cases of domestic cats testing positive for the virus. One in Hong Kong, which had no symptoms, and one in Belgium with mild upper respiratory signs. Ferrets also seem to be at risk for infection, whereas other pets, including dogs, do not.
There is still NO EVIDENCE that cats can pass the virus back to people, so the main concern is human to cat transmission.

IF YOU HAVE COVID-19: You do not need to get rid of your cat! Simply reduce close physical contact with your cat as much as possible (e.g. limit kissing, snuggling your face in their fur, and sharing food items). All cats should remain indoors whenever possible during this time, but this is especially true for cats in households with infected persons. Though it remains unproven at this time, cats could potentially serve as fomites (passive carriers) of the virus. Take reasonable precautions.