The virus responsible for COVID-19, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), can infect domestic cats. While the primary mode of transmission remains human-to-human, cats are susceptible to infection, though severe illness is uncommon. Understanding how the virus affects cats, how it spreads, and what signs to watch for helps owners take informed precautions. The risk to cats is low, and the outcome is typically mild and short-lived.
Feline Susceptibility and Transmission Pathways
The susceptibility of cats to SARS-CoV-2 stems from the structure of a protein found on their cells. The virus uses its spike protein to bind to the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor to gain entry. Cats possess an ACE2 receptor structure functionally similar to the human version, which allows the virus to replicate effectively in the feline respiratory tract. Cats are among the most permissive domestic animal hosts for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The established transmission route is predominantly anthroponotic, meaning from humans to cats. Most confirmed cases in household pets occur in animals living in close contact with owners who were symptomatic with COVID-19. This close proximity, involving shared air space and frequent physical contact, is the main source of exposure. Genetic sequencing of the virus in infected cats often shows a near-identical match to the strain found in their infected human family members, supporting the human-to-cat pathway.
Transmission between cats, known as cat-to-cat spread, is also possible, particularly in close-quarters settings like research environments or multi-cat households. Infected cats can shed the virus, primarily through nasal and oral secretions, which can then infect other felines. However, cat-to-cat spread is considered a minor contributor to the overall spread of the virus outside of controlled settings.
Recognizing Signs of Illness in Cats
The majority of cats infected with SARS-CoV-2 are either asymptomatic or display very mild signs of illness. When clinical signs appear, they are usually respiratory or gastrointestinal. Common observations include mild coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, or eye discharge.
The cat may appear lethargic, experience a mild fever, or show a temporary lack of appetite. Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea have been reported. These symptoms are often indistinguishable from those of other common feline upper respiratory infections, making a definitive diagnosis based on symptoms alone impossible.
If an owner is ill with COVID-19 and their cat develops any of these signs, they should contact their veterinarian for guidance. It is important to call ahead and inform the clinic so the veterinary team can take appropriate precautions. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in pets is not routinely recommended unless the pet is symptomatic and has a known exposure to an infected person. Most infected cats recover fully with supportive care.
Safety Protocols for Pet Owners
When a pet owner is confirmed to have COVID-19, implementing strict safety protocols is recommended to limit transmission risk to their cat. The primary goal is to restrict close contact. If possible, another household member who is not ill should take over the responsibility of caring for the cat.
If the infected person must care for the cat, they should wear a face mask and maintain rigorous hygiene. This includes washing hands thoroughly before and after every interaction, such as handling food, water bowls, or the litter box. Infected owners should temporarily avoid close contact activities like snuggling, petting, or sharing a bed, and should not allow the cat to lick them.
The risk of cat-to-human transmission is exceptionally low, especially compared to person-to-person spread. While one suspected case has been documented, it involved a highly infectious, symptomatic cat and a veterinarian who was sneezed on during examination. For the average pet owner, the risk of their cat spreading SARS-CoV-2 back to them is considered negligible.
If a veterinarian advises isolating a cat that has tested positive, the cat should be kept indoors and separate from other people and pets. The caretaker should wear gloves when handling the cat’s waste and wash their hands after touching any of the pet’s supplies. Maintaining the cat’s overall health with regular veterinary check-ups and routine vaccinations helps ensure a robust immune system.