When the COVID-19 pandemic transformed our lives in early 2020, many of us found comfort in the company of our feline friends. As we navigated lockdowns and social distancing, our cats became our constant companions, emotional support systems, and sometimes our only social interactions. But as we cuddled with our pets, a concerning question emerged: Can cats get COVID 19?

The answer, it turns out, is yes, though not in the way many feared. Research has revealed that nearly 30% of cats owned by COVID 19 positive patients developed SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, indicating exposure to the virus. This statistic might sound alarming, but we want to reassure you that the risk of cats actually becoming seriously ill remains relatively low compared to humans.

As veterinarians and cat lovers ourselves, we understand your concerns about your furry family members. That's why we've created this article to help you navigate the realities of COVID 19 and cats. Throughout this article, we'll explore the latest scientific evidence, discuss symptoms to watch for, and provide practical advice on protecting both you and your feline companions.

Our goal is to replace fear with facts and provide you with evidence based information you can trust. Let's separate myth from reality when it comes to COVID 19 and the cats we cherish.

As veterinarians, we've learned that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19 in humans, can indeed infect our feline companions. This occurs primarily through human to cat transmission when infected owners interact closely with their pets. The virus binds to ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptors in cats, which are structurally similar to those in humans, explaining why cats are susceptible while some other animals are not. Once infected, cats can spread the virus to other felines through both direct contact and environmental contamination.

It's crucial to understand that SARS-CoV-2 is entirely different from the common feline coronavirus (FCoV) that many cat owners may already be familiar with. FCoV can mutate in some cats to cause feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a potentially fatal disease, but it doesn't cause COVID 19 and isn't transmissible to humans. As the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) notes in their guidelines:

We recommend maintaining normal interaction with your cats even during COVID-19 outbreaks, but implementing basic hygiene practices if you're infected, such as washing hands before and after handling pets and avoiding close face contact when symptomatic.

We've seen substantial scientific evidence confirming SARS-CoV-2 infection in domestic cats since the pandemic began. Studies consistently show significant seroprevalence (presence of antibodies) in feline populations, ranging from 16-53% depending on location and timing. A 2024 study revealed that 16% of sampled cats were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2, with notably higher rates (44%) observed in cats sampled during Fall 2020 when human cases were surging. This temporal correlation strengthens the connection between human and feline infections.

The household connection is particularly revealing. Research from the Netherlands found that 20.4% of cats living in COVID-19 positive households tested positive themselves, highlighting the transmission risk between owners and pets. Meta analysis has confirmed that cats appear more susceptible to infection than dogs, which aligns with laboratory findings about feline ACE2 receptors. Our understanding of feline COVID-19 has evolved considerably since the first confirmed cases in early 2020.

Key research findings include:

As we've learned since the pandemic began, our feline companions aren't immune to COVID-19. The primary way cats contract the SARS-CoV-2 virus is through close contact with infected humans. We've observed that when we spend time with our cats while infected, whether through breathing, talking, or even petting them after touching our face, we can inadvertently pass the virus to them. This human to cat transmission remains the most common route of infection for domestic cats.

Research has also confirmed that once one cat becomes infected, they can transmit the virus to other cats in the household. This can happen through direct contact like grooming, playing, or sharing sleeping areas, as well as through indirect pathways. We've found that the virus can contaminate the environment where infected cats live, surfaces, food bowls, bedding, and even the air in enclosed spaces can harbor viral particles that other cats may encounter. This is why we recommend isolating infected cats when possible.

While there's substantial evidence of humans infecting cats and cats infecting other cats, it's worth noting that documented cases of cat to human transmission remain extremely rare. However, we still advise treating cats as potential members of the transmission chain within a household. If someone in your home tests positive for COVID 19, it's prudent to practice the same precautions with your pets as you would with human family members to minimize the risk of spread.

When we look at COVID-19 infection in cats, the primary risk factor is undeniably close contact with infected humans. Our research shows a significant seroprevalence rate of 21-53% in cats living in households where humans tested positive for COVID-19. This is much higher than the infection rates we observe in cats from households without COVID-19, confirming that human to cat transmission is the most common route of feline infection.

Multi cat environments present an additional concern. We've found that once one cat becomes infected, the virus can spread between felines, creating higher risks in shelters, catteries, and homes with multiple pets. A recent meta analysis that we reviewed confirms that cats appear more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 than dogs, though we haven't identified specific cat breeds or age groups with heightened vulnerability. The good news is that while cats can get infected, the overall risk remains relatively low for the general cat population, and when infections do occur, they're typically mild. However, we've documented occasional severe cases, particularly in cats with underlying health conditions or advanced age.

As veterinarians, we've observed that cats can indeed contract COVID 19, though many feline cases are mild or even asymptomatic. When symptoms do appear, they typically manifest differently than the feline coronavirus (FCoV) that causes FIP. We've found that most cats with COVID-19 recover without specialized treatment, but it's important for pet parents to monitor their cats for potential symptoms.

Watch for these signs in your cat:

While most cats experience mild illness, we occasionally see cases of severe respiratory disease requiring veterinary attention. If your cat shows any concerning symptoms, especially difficulty breathing, we recommend contacting your veterinarian promptly. Remember that these symptoms can also indicate other common feline illnesses, so professional diagnosis is essential. We continue to learn more about how this virus affects our feline companions as research progresses.

Diagnosing COVID-19 in cats relies primarily on PCR testing, similar to the approach used in humans. When we suspect a cat may have been infected, we collect respiratory or other samples using swabs to detect viral RNA. In our experience, cats may show symptoms around the same time they test positive, though this timing can vary. We typically recommend testing when a cat has been exposed to COVID 19 positive humans or when they display suspicious symptoms like coughing, sneezing, lethargy, or gastrointestinal issues.

While PCR testing remains the gold standard for active infection, antibody testing can also help determine if a cat has been previously exposed to the virus. If you notice concerning symptoms in your cat following exposure to someone with COVID 19, we strongly advise contacting your veterinarian promptly. They can guide you through the testing process and recommend appropriate care measures. Remember that early detection can help us manage your cat's symptoms more effectively and prevent potential complications.

As pet parents, we understand how important our feline companions are to our families. During these challenging times, it's crucial to consider how COVID-19 might affect our cats and take appropriate precautions to keep everyone safe. If you've tested positive for COVID 19, limiting contact with your cat is recommended while ensuring their welfare remains a priority.

Good hygiene practices are essential when interacting with cats during this time. We recommend washing hands thoroughly before and after handling your cat, using hand sanitizer regularly, and disinfecting surfaces your cat frequently contacts. If possible, have another household member take over cat care responsibilities. For multi pet households, try to maintain separate feeding areas and litter boxes if one cat has been exposed, and clean these areas more frequently than usual.

If you test positive for COVID-19 and have cats, follow these steps:

When caring for cats infected with this illness, our primary approach is supportive care to help them through the recovery process. This typically includes ensuring they stay well hydrated, maintaining nutrition (even if that means offering tempting foods like boiled chicken or wet food), and allowing plenty of rest in a quiet, comfortable environment. We recommend monitoring your cat's symptoms daily, keeping track of their food and water intake, activity levels, and any changes in symptoms.

Veterinary care should be sought for cats showing moderate to severe symptoms, as they may need fluid therapy, anti nausea medications, or other treatments. While infected, cats should remain indoors and only leave home for essential medical care. We've found that with proper care, most cats recover well within 1-2 weeks, though some may take longer depending on their age and overall health status. Throughout their recovery, we recommend continuing to monitor them closely even after symptoms begin to improve.

When we talk about managing infectious diseases like COVID-19, we must adopt the One Health approach that recognizes the interconnectedness between humans, animals, and our shared environment. I've seen firsthand how important it is to consider cats as integral members of households when developing transmission prevention strategies. When someone in the home becomes infected, their feline companions should be included in isolation plans.

Current public health guidelines recommend monitoring pets when household members are infected, limiting their contact with infected individuals, and keeping them indoors to prevent potential community spread. We've established surveillance programs in many regions to track infections in companion animals, helping us better understand cross species transmission patterns. 

While cats contribution to SARS-CoV-2 transmission appears largely limited to within household scenarios, acknowledging their role in the transmission cycle remains vital for comprehensive public health planning. By including our pets in our health considerations, we strengthen our collective approach to disease management and demonstrate the practical application of One Health principles in protecting both human and animal populations.

We've learned that COVID 19 can affect our feline companions, but there's good news, most cats experience only mild symptoms, if any at all. Throughout this pandemic, the scientific community has worked diligently to understand how SARS-CoV-2 affects different species, and the evidence suggests that while transmission between humans and cats is possible, it's relatively uncommon.

As responsible pet owners, we can take simple precautions to protect our cats, maintaining good hygiene, limiting exposure when we're ill, and monitoring for any unusual symptoms. These measures not only protect our beloved pets but also contribute to broader public health efforts.

I want to emphasize that panic isn't warranted, but awareness is key. The veterinary community continues to study this virus and its impacts on animals, with new insights emerging regularly. That's why I encourage you to stay informed through reliable sources like your veterinarian, the American Veterinary Medical Association, or the CDC's pet health resources.

If you notice concerning symptoms in your cat, particularly after known COVID-19 exposure, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian. They can provide guidance specific to your pet's situation and the latest recommendations.