Can cats get COVID and give it to people?

Can Cats Get COVID and Give It to People?

Many cat owners worry: “Can cats get COVID?” and “Could my kitty pass the virus back to me?” Here’s what the latest research and public health experts say—explained in everyday language, without sugar-coating but also without extra panic.

1. Can Cats Catch SARS-CoV-2?
   • Shi et al. (2020) showed that cats are susceptible. In a controlled lab setting, healthy cats exposed to SARS-CoV-2 developed infection in their noses and throats. Some even transmitted it to other cats in close contact.
   • Zhang et al. (2020) performed a serological survey in China and found neutralizing antibodies in about 15% of cats from areas hard-hit by COVID-19. This indicates real-world infections—most likely from their human owners.
   • Field reports and pet registries around the world have confirmed a small number of naturally infected cats. Most had mild or no symptoms.

2. How Do Cats Get Infected?
   Cats most likely contract SARS-CoV-2 through close contact with COVID-positive humans. Key factors include:
   • Sharing beds or couches
   • Being licked or nuzzled by an infected person
   • Exposure to respiratory droplets when people cough, sneeze, speak or breathe

3. What Symptoms Do Infected Cats Show?
   Most infected cats remain healthy or have only mild signs:
   • Sneezing, coughing or runny nose
   • Mild fever
   • Lethargy or reduced appetite
   • Vomiting or diarrhea (rare)
   Very few cats develop severe disease. No large-scale outbreaks have been reported in shelters or catteries.

4. Can Cats Give COVID to People?
   As of now, there are no confirmed cases of cat-to-human transmission. Here’s what we know:
   • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) say the risk is “low.”
   • Viral loads in infected cats tend to be lower than in humans. Transmission from cat to cat was only seen under close lab conditions.
   • No epidemiological studies have traced human infections back to pet cats.
   • If transmission from cats to humans can occur at all, it is likely very rare.

5. Why the Fear?
   Pets are part of our families. Hearing that a virus can jump between species is unsettling. But so far:
   • Humans remain the main drivers of SARS-CoV-2 spread.
   • Pets are more of a “spillover” host than a reservoir.
   • Public health measures focus on human-to-human transmission to control the pandemic.

6. Practical Tips for Cat Owners
   Even if the risk is low, it’s smart to take simple steps:
   • If you test positive for COVID-19, limit contact with your cat. Have another household member feed and care for them.
   • Wear a mask and wash hands before touching your cat, their food, or litter box.
   • Keep cats indoors if possible to avoid contact with other animals or people.
   • Clean and disinfect any areas where your cat eats, sleeps or uses the litter box.
   • Monitor your cat for respiratory or digestive signs. Call your vet if you notice anything unusual.

7. What to Do If You Think Your Cat Is Infected
   • Contact your veterinarian by phone first. Describe symptoms and any exposure you or your cat have had to COVID-19.
   • The vet will advise if testing is needed. Not all clinics can test pets for SARS-CoV-2.
   • Keep your cat isolated in a quiet area with food, water and a litter box.
   • Follow your vet’s instructions on medication or supportive care.

8. Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones
   • Continue wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene and maintaining social distancing from people outside your household.
   • If you develop any COVID-like signs—fever, cough, loss of taste or smell—consider doing a free, online symptom check for COVID-19. Early detection helps you seek care sooner and avoid spreading the virus.
   • Talk to a doctor if you have any serious or worsening symptoms. Never delay care for chest pain, difficulty breathing or other life-threatening problems.

9. Key Takeaways
   • Yes, cats can catch COVID-19—mostly from their owners.
   • Infected cats usually have mild or no symptoms.
   • There’s no strong evidence that cats can pass the virus back to people.
   • Basic hygiene and distancing from pets when you’re sick will keep everyone safer.
   • If in doubt, consult a vet about your cat and a doctor about yourself.

10. When to Speak to a Doctor
    If you or someone in your home feels seriously ill—trouble breathing, persistent pain, confusion, bluish lips—or if you’re unsure about your own health, please speak to a doctor right away. Your well-being and your pet’s health are both important.

By following these guidelines, you can care for your cat while protecting your household. Staying informed, practicing simple precautions and seeking professional advice when needed will help you navigate pet ownership during the COVID-19 era—without unnecessary worry.