Misleading headlines

[Veterinari]

Just a heads up that the news reports today do not reflect advice given by the BVA or RCVS who are recommending hand hygiene rather than restriction of all cats indoors.

Please don't panic. Hopefully BVA response to the misleading headlines should be out later today.

In the meantime this is an accurate and up to date reflection of current guidance
www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/coronavirus/faqs-about-coronavirus-covid-19-and-cats

Agreed. Sadly the hysteria has already begun:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/coronavirus/3874269-Advised-to-keep-cats-indoors-to-help-prevent-speead

They do seem to be recommending keeping them indoors if possible if you've got CV

^ Do I have to keep my cat inside if I am ill?
If you’ve been diagnosed with, are suspected of having or are displaying characteristic symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), it is advisable to minimise the amount of time your cat spends outdoors unsupervised. If possible, keep your cat indoors if they are happy to be kept indoors.^

@ErrolTheDragon yes and that has been standard guidance for weeks and obviously doesn't apply to all cats. This thread is about today's misleading headlines, as per the thread title and OP

The problem is the headlines seem to be 'keep all cats inside', not 'it's recommended to keep your cat indoors if you have symptoms of coronavirus'.

I've already seen one post on the Coronavirus board about it, but the problem with MN is if you mention a cat anywhere but the litter tray the cat haters appear!

I've been on that scaremongering thread today. Thankfully it's being removed.

Sure - that aspect may be where the confusion arose from.

I think it's really bloody irresponsible, particularly of the BBC. I think people will abandon their cats when there is absolutely no reason to do so. It feeds into a hysteria about cats. Just awful.

I've been on that scaremongering thread today. Thankfully it's being removed

Yes. It's exposed some deranged attitudes. Cat cull? It's hysteria. Legitimized by the BBC's inaccurate reports.

Cat cull?

It hadn't got that bad when I saw it. The hysteria on the coronavirus board is something else.

Sadly yes. One poster advocating a cat cull.

I agree Bovary

There is no evidence, yet plenty of Medieval Pope Gregory style superstition.

And people citing gun toting or Communist regimes as examples of best practice when it comes to pets.

www.bva.co.uk/news-and-blog/news-article/bva-statement-on-cats-and-covid-19/

Here is a link to the complaint section of the BBC. This sloppy, inaccurate reporting legitimises hysteria and will result in cats being abandoned and cruelly treated all around the world. Because of the BBC's position as an official, government news source, its report will be taken seriously. I am very worried about the repercussions.

www.bbc.com/news/20039682

There is no evidence, yet plenty of Medieval Pope Gregory style superstition

Absolutely agree middleager This kind of cat hatred has a long, ugly pedigree. I am very worried about the implications of this beyond the UK.