The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) today announced the first confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection in two pet cats. These are the first pets in the United States to test positive for the novel coronavirus.

The cats live in two separate areas of New York state. Both had mild respiratory illness and are expected to make a full recovery. SARS-CoV-2 infections have been reported in very few animals worldwide, mostly in those that had close contact with a person with COVID-19.

A tiger at the Bronx Zoo also has COVID-19.  And two pet dogs in Belgium and a cat in Hong Kong tested positive for COVID-19 in early April.  All of these animals contracted the virus from humans.  There is no evidence the animals gave the virus to humans.

At this time, routine testing of animals is not recommended.  In the New York cases, a veterinarian tested the first cat after it showed mild respiratory symptoms.  Nobody in the household was confirmed to have COVID-19.  Samples from the second cat were taken after it showed signs of respiratory illness. The owner of the cat tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the cat showing signs. Another cat in the household has shown no signs of illness.

The CDC notes that public health officials are still learning about  COVID-19, but there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare.  But they urge caution—don’t let your pets come in contact with other pets or people outside the house.  And if somebody does have COVID-19, do not come in contact with your pet to the extent possible.

For the full CDC report and additional information and cautions, click here.