The COVID-19 pandemic has raised a lot of questions about how the virus spreads, not just among humans but also animals. As a pet owner, you may wonder: can cats get COVID-19? While much of the focus has been on how the virus affects people, there have been reports of some animals, including cats, contracting the virus. In this article, we will explore what we know about COVID-19 and cats, how cats can be affected by the virus, the risks involved, and how you can protect your feline friend.

Can Cats Get COVID-19? Yes, but It’s Rare

Yes, cats can contract COVID-19, but cases of feline infection appear to be relatively rare. The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, primarily spreads between humans, and animals, including cats, generally get infected from human-to-animal transmission. There have been isolated cases where cats have been infected by their owners, particularly those who were actively infected with COVID-19.

It’s important to understand that while cats can get COVID-19, the risk of your cat becoming seriously ill is low, and there is no evidence to suggest that cats play a significant role in spreading the virus to humans.

1. How Can Cats Get COVID-19?

Cats typically get COVID-19 from close contact with humans who are infected with the virus. This can happen if a person who is sick with COVID-19 has close interactions with their cat, such as through direct physical contact or respiratory droplets.

Here’s how the transmission generally works:

• Human-to-Cat Transmission: The virus spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing respiratory droplets into the air. If these droplets come into contact with the cat, the virus can be transmitted. Alternatively, the virus can spread if a person touches a surface contaminated with the virus (such as a doorknob or countertop) and then pets or interacts with the cat.
• Cat-to-Cat Transmission: There have been rare instances where cats have transmitted the virus to other cats, particularly in environments like animal shelters. However, there is little evidence to suggest that domestic cats spread COVID-19 to other animals or humans.

2. Can Cats Show Symptoms of COVID-19?

Most cats that contract COVID-19 either show mild symptoms or none at all. However, some cats may experience mild respiratory symptoms similar to those seen in humans, such as:

• Coughing or sneezing
• Runny nose or nasal discharge
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing

In general, the symptoms of COVID-19 in cats are mild and do not usually require medical treatment. However, in some cases, cats with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems might experience more severe symptoms.

If your cat shows any of these signs after you've been sick with COVID-19 or if you are concerned, it's a good idea to contact your veterinarian. They can provide guidance on whether testing or treatment is necessary.

3. Can Cats Spread COVID-19 to Humans?

As of now, there is no evidence to suggest that cats are a significant source of COVID-19 transmission to humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the primary way COVID-19 spreads is through human-to-human transmission via respiratory droplets. While there have been reports of cats testing positive for the virus, these cases have primarily been linked to human-to-animal transmission.

There is currently no evidence that pets, including cats, are spreading COVID-19 to people. The CDC also emphasizes that there is no need to separate pets from their owners who are healthy, and routine testing of animals for COVID-19 is not recommended.

4. How Common Is COVID-19 in Cats?

While there have been reported cases of cats contracting COVID-19, it is still considered uncommon. A study published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020 found that a small number of domestic cats tested positive for COVID-19, but these cases were typically linked to households where people were infected.

In the U.S., the CDC and other health organizations have monitored cases of pets testing positive for COVID-19, particularly in households with confirmed human cases. According to data, as of 2021, there were only a few hundred cases of pets, including cats, testing positive for the virus, with the majority being asymptomatic or showing mild symptoms.

The actual number of cats infected with COVID-19 is likely higher since many infected cats may not show any symptoms or may not be tested.

5. How to Protect Your Cat from COVID-19

While the risk of cats contracting COVID-19 is relatively low, it’s still important to take precautions to reduce the chances of your cat being exposed to the virus. Here are some steps you can take to protect your feline friend:

1. Avoid Close Contact if You Are Sick

If you have COVID-19 or suspect that you may have it, it’s important to limit close contact with your cat. This includes avoiding direct physical contact such as petting, hugging, or kissing your cat. If possible, have another member of the household care for your cat while you are sick.

2. Practice Good Hygiene

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling your cat, especially if you've been in contact with other people or surfaces that could potentially harbor the virus. Also, avoid sneezing or coughing around your cat, as the virus can spread through respiratory droplets.

3. Keep Your Cat Indoors

If your cat typically goes outdoors, consider keeping them indoors during the pandemic to reduce the chances of them coming into contact with an infected person or animal. Although the risk of animals spreading the virus is low, it’s still a good idea to limit your cat’s exposure.

4. Avoid Contact with Sick Animals

If your cat is not sick but you suspect another pet or animal in your household may be ill, avoid allowing them to interact. This is especially important if you are unsure whether an animal has been exposed to COVID-19.

5. Consult Your Veterinarian

If your cat starts showing symptoms of illness or you are concerned about COVID-19, it’s always a good idea to contact your veterinarian. They can guide you on whether your cat should be tested or if further precautions need to be taken.

6. What to Do If Your Cat Tests Positive for COVID-19

If your cat tests positive for COVID-19, follow the advice of your veterinarian. In most cases, mild symptoms don’t require medical intervention, and cats will recover on their own. However, it’s important to:

• Isolate your cat from other pets and humans to prevent potential spread.
• Provide them with a comfortable, quiet space to rest and recover.
• Monitor their health closely, especially if they develop breathing difficulties or show signs of worsening illness.

If your cat is at risk for complications (due to underlying health conditions), your veterinarian may recommend treatment to help manage their symptoms.

7. Conclusion: Can Cats Get COVID-19?

Yes, cats can get COVID-19, but it is rare, and the risk of severe illness is low. Most cats that contract the virus experience mild symptoms or none at all. The virus is most commonly transmitted from humans to cats, not the other way around, and there is no evidence to suggest that cats can significantly spread COVID-19 to humans.

To protect your cat, avoid close contact if you are sick with COVID-19, practice good hygiene, and monitor your cat’s health. If you have concerns, especially if your cat shows symptoms of illness, it’s important to contact your veterinarian.

By following these guidelines, you can help keep your cat safe and healthy during the pandemic while ensuring that they receive the care and attention they need.