A blessing in disguise for cat fans.
Almost 15% of cats screened in Wuhan were discovered to be carrying COVID-19 antibodies, and now it's confirmed to be able to infect tigers, lions, dogs, monkeys, and ferrets as well.
As an avid cat fan, this breaks my heart. A lot of non-human animals will suffer and die from this virus, and many more will be culled due to the risk of perpetuated transmission via wildlife and urban colonies.
One should certainly not rush to get rid of cats either, lest their absence attract vermin and other diseases. We urgently need further research on the transmissibility potential from cats to humans.
There is currently no evidence that pets such as dogs & cats can transmit COVID-19 to humans. However, absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. We just don't know.
Please remember to wash your hands after contacting pets or strays, try to wash their paws if possible if they have been outside, and try to limit their range.
Some additional materials I have collected on the matter for your enjoyment :
About 15% of cats in Wuhan infected with novel coronavirus, researchers say
Coronavirus: Belgian cat infected by owner
SARS virus infection of cats and ferrets
Coronavirus can infect cats — dogs, not so much
Susceptibility of ferrets, cats, dogs, and different domestic animals to SARS-coronavirus-2
Pet dog further tests positive for antibodies for COVID-19 virus