Last updated on February 23rd, 2025 at 01:46 am
When COVID-19 first spread across the world, many people worried about whether their pets could catch the virus. If you’re a cat owner, you might be wondering: Can cats get COVID? The short answer is yes, but the risk of serious illness is very low.
Let’s break down what we know about COVID-19 in cats, how it spreads, symptoms to watch for, and how to keep your feline friend safe.
Can Cats Get COVID from Humans?
Yes, cats can get COVID from humans. Studies have shown that cats can become infected after close contact with someone who has the virus. If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, there is a small chance you could pass it to your cat.
However, while cats can get COVID, they don’t seem to spread it back to humans. The virus mainly spreads from person to person, and there’s no strong evidence that pets play a big role in transmission.
How Do Cats Get COVID?
Cats usually get COVID the same way people do—through respiratory droplets. This means if an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes near their cat, the virus could enter the cat’s body.
The risk of infection increases if your cat sleeps in your bed, licks your face, or spends a lot of time close to you while you’re sick. However, most cats that get COVID experience only mild symptoms, if any at all.
Symptoms of COVID in Cats
If a cat does get COVID, the symptoms are usually mild and go away on their own. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Lethargy (acting more tired than usual)
- Loss of appetite
Most cats recover without any medical treatment. However, if your cat has trouble breathing or seems very sick, contact your vet for advice.
Can Cats Get COVID from Other Animals?
Yes, cats can get COVID from other infected animals, though it is not very common. A study published in Microbiology Spectrum found that cats can efficiently spread the virus to one another, and transmission can be sustained in close-contact settings.
Researchers tested 16 cats in different exposure scenarios. Among the cats that were housed with an infected cat, three out of four became infected. However, when cats were exposed only to a contaminated pen where an infected cat had previously been, only one out of eight got sick.
This suggests that direct contact with an infected cat is a bigger risk than picking up the virus from surfaces, though environmental exposure is still possible. The infected cats in the study showed only mild symptoms, such as nasal discharge.
While the risk of cat-to-cat transmission exists, it’s still much lower than human-to-human spread. If your cat is exposed to another infected animal, keeping them separate for a while and monitoring for symptoms is a good precaution.
Big Cats and COVID-19
Big cats, like tigers and lions, can catch COVID-19, mainly from people. Several zoos have reported cases where these animals became sick after being exposed to infected staff members.
One of the first known cases happened at the Bronx Zoo in New York in April 2020. A Malayan tiger tested positive after developing a cough. Soon after, five other tigers and three lions also showed mild respiratory symptoms. All of the affected animals recovered.
A similar outbreak happened at Zoo Knoxville in Tennessee in October 2020. Three Malayan tigers—Arya, Bashir, and Tanvir—started coughing and acting more tired than usual. Bashir tested positive for COVID-19, and the others were suspected to have it too. Luckily, they also made a full recovery.
Because big cats in zoos live in close contact with their caretakers, many zoos have put safety measures in place, like having staff wear protective gear and vaccinating certain animals.
So far, there’s no evidence that wild big cats are getting COVID-19, but zoos are being extra careful to protect their animals from possible outbreaks.
How Can a Cat Be Tested for COVID?
Testing cats for COVID-19 is not routine and is usually only done in specific cases. Most cats with respiratory symptoms have common illnesses like feline upper respiratory infections, and veterinarians typically rule out those conditions first. However, if a vet suspects a cat may have COVID-19, they can use a specialized test.
IDEXX Laboratories, a leading veterinary diagnostics company, developed the IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR™ Test to detect COVID-19 in pets. This test became available in April 2020 and is performed through IDEXX Reference Laboratories, which operates over 80 labs worldwide.
When Should a Cat Be Tested?
According to IDEXX, a veterinarian may recommend testing if:
- The cat lives in a household where a human has tested positive for COVID-19.
- Other common infections have been ruled out through veterinary testing.
- The cat is showing clinical signs of COVID-19, such as coughing, sneezing, fever, or lethargy.
How Is the Test Performed?
If a veterinarian determines that testing is necessary, they will collect a sample, usually with a nasal or throat swab, similar to how COVID-19 tests are done in people. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Since cases of COVID-19 in cats are rare, most veterinarians follow public health guidelines before deciding to test a pet. If you suspect your cat may have been exposed, it’s best to contact your vet for guidance.
How to Protect Your Cat If You Have COVID
If you test positive for COVID, here are some simple steps to keep your cat safe:
- Limit close contact – Try not to cuddle, kiss, or share a bed with your cat while you’re sick.
- Wash your hands – Before feeding or petting your cat, wash your hands with soap and water.
- Wear a mask – If possible, wear a mask when you’re near your cat to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.
- Have someone else care for them – If you live with family or roommates, ask them to handle feeding and litter box duties until you’re better.
Can Cats Get COVID More Than Once?
Scientists are still studying how COVID affects animals, but it is possible for a cat to get the virus more than once. Just like people, a cat’s immunity after infection may not last forever. However, reinfection seems to be rare, and most cats recover well the first time around.
Should You Worry About Your Cat Getting COVID?
For most pet owners, the answer is no. While cats can get COVID, the risk of severe illness is very low. In fact, many infected cats don’t show any symptoms at all.
The best thing you can do is take basic precautions if you’re sick and keep an eye on your cat’s health. If they start acting unusual or seem unwell, a quick call to the vet can help you figure out the next steps.
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Final Thoughts
So, can cats get COVID? Yes, but it’s rare, and they usually recover quickly. If you’re sick, try to minimize close contact with your cat just to be safe. Otherwise, there’s no need to worry too much—your feline friend is likely to stay happy and healthy.
If you have any concerns about your cat’s health, your vet is always the best source of advice. Stay safe, take care of yourself, and give your cat some extra love (from a slight distance if needed!).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I catch COVID from my cat?
There is no evidence that cats can spread COVID-19 to humans in a way that contributes to outbreaks. While some cats have tested positive after being exposed to infected humans, there have been no confirmed cases of a cat transmitting COVID-19 back to a person. The virus primarily spreads between people, so pet owners should focus on preventing human-to-human transmission rather than worrying about their cat infecting them.
Should I test my cat for COVID if they seem sick?
In most cases, testing your cat for COVID is not necessary. If your cat has mild respiratory symptoms, they are more likely caused by common feline illnesses like a cold or allergies. However, if your cat has been exposed to someone with COVID and is showing severe symptoms, your vet may recommend testing.
Should I quarantine my cat if they’ve been exposed to COVID?
If your cat has been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, monitor them for symptoms like sneezing, coughing, lethargy, or loss of appetite. In most cases, cats show mild symptoms or none at all and recover without treatment. While there’s no need to isolate them from the household, it’s a good idea to limit their contact with people outside the home and avoid kissing or sharing food with them while you’re sick. If you’re concerned, consult your veterinarian for guidance.
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