The COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns about its impact on pets. A common question among cat owners is whether their feline companions can contract the virus from humans. This article addresses how cats can get COVID-19, how to identify symptoms, and how to protect your pet and family.
Can Cats Get COVID-19 from Humans?
Cats are susceptible to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19 in humans, and can contract it from infected people. This is due to ACE2 receptors in felines, similar to those in humans, which serve as the binding site for the virus to enter cells. Studies show cats can become infected with SARS-CoV-2 in laboratory settings after exposure.
While human-to-cat transmission has been confirmed, it is generally uncommon. Many infected cats show no clinical signs or exhibit very mild symptoms. For example, cats in households with COVID-19 positive individuals have tested positive, often displaying only mild respiratory signs and making a full recovery.
Infected cats can shed the virus for up to six days. This shedding can lead to transmission between cats.
Recognizing Symptoms in Cats
If a cat contracts SARS-CoV-2, the clinical signs are generally mild and often resolve on their own within several days. Symptoms can include mild respiratory issues such as sneezing, coughing, and ocular (eye) discharge. Some cats may also experience gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea.
Other general signs include lethargy, a reduced appetite, and an increased need for rest. While most cases are mild, a small number of cats have shown signs of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) following COVID-19 exposure, presenting with lethargy, inappetence, fainting, and fast or labored breathing. Many infected cats remain asymptomatic, meaning they show no outward signs of illness.
Protecting Your Cat and Your Family
If a person in your household has COVID-19, it is advisable to limit close contact with your cat. This includes avoiding petting, snuggling, kissing, or sharing food and bedding with your cat. Ideally, another household member who is not ill should care for your pets during this time.
If you must care for your cat while sick, wearing a face mask and washing your hands thoroughly before and after interactions with your pet are recommended. Should your cat develop symptoms or test positive for SARS-CoV-2, it is best to contact your veterinarian for guidance rather than bringing them to the clinic directly. Your veterinarian can help determine a treatment plan, which often involves supportive care at home, such as ensuring adequate fluids, nutrition, and rest.
The risk of cats spreading the virus to humans is considered low. While one suspected case of cat-to-human transmission has been reported, such incidents are uncommon, largely due to the short duration of viable virus shedding in cats. Human-to-human transmission remains the primary mode of spread for COVID-19.