COVID-19 in Cats: Symptoms, Transmission, and Care
Understanding COVID-19 symptoms in cats and how to protect your feline companion.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, many cat owners wonder whether their feline companions can contract the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans. The good news is that while cats can become infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, they typically experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Understanding the risks, recognizing potential signs of infection, and knowing how to protect your cat is essential for responsible pet ownership.
Can Cats Get COVID-19?
Yes, cats can become infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19 in humans. Research has demonstrated that cats are highly susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2, and there have been numerous documented cases of human-to-cat transmission in households where someone has tested positive for COVID-19. However, the severity of the disease in cats differs significantly from what humans experience.
One of the most reassuring facts for cat owners is that infected cats generally display mild respiratory signs and then recover. In most cases, cats either show no symptoms whatsoever or develop only mild clinical signs. Severe illness caused by COVID-19 in pets is very rare, making the overall prognosis for infected cats quite favorable.
Common Symptoms of COVID-19 in Cats
If your cat does develop symptoms after exposure to someone with COVID-19, the signs are typically mild and similar to those seen in other common feline illnesses. Understanding these symptoms can help you determine whether veterinary care is necessary.
Respiratory Symptoms
The most commonly reported respiratory symptoms in infected cats include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Eye discharge
- Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
According to research studies, sneezing and lethargy are the most common signs observed in infected cats. Respiratory symptoms appear in roughly 17-32% of infected cats, depending on the study and variant involved.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Some cats may experience digestive issues following SARS-CoV-2 infection, including:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Reduced appetite
Gastrointestinal symptoms occur in approximately 10-28% of infected cats. These symptoms are typically mild and self-limiting, resolving without intervention over time.
General Health Changes
Beyond specific organ system symptoms, infected cats may show signs of reduced general health, such as:
- Lack of energy or sluggishness
- Lethargy or increased need for rest
- Fever
- Reduced resilience or activity levels
Studies indicate that approximately 24-32% of infected cats experience a reduction in general health. These symptoms typically appear mild and temporary, with most cats recovering within one to two weeks.
Asymptomatic Infection in Cats
A significant proportion of cats infected with SARS-CoV-2 remain completely asymptomatic, meaning they show no signs of illness whatsoever. Just like in people, pets who are infected with COVID may be asymptomatic. Research suggests that approximately 50-58% of infected cats display no clinical signs at all.
This asymptomatic presentation is actually common with SARS-CoV-2 infection in cats and means that your cat could be infected and spreading the virus without you even realizing it. This underscores the importance of preventive measures when you or someone in your household has COVID-19.
Severity and Duration of Illness
One of the most important facts for cat owners to understand is that cases of severe COVID-19 in cats are extremely rare. When cats do develop symptoms, they are typically mild and self-limiting, meaning the body’s immune system naturally resolves the infection without medical intervention.
The duration of viral shedding in infected cats is relatively brief. Research indicates that virus can be shed from infected cats for up to one week. After this period, cats generally stop transmitting the virus to others, even if some symptoms may persist slightly longer.
Cats at Higher Risk for Severe Disease
While severe COVID-19 in cats is rare overall, certain feline health conditions may increase the risk of more serious illness. Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a common heart condition in cats) appear to be predisposed to developing more severe disease following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, very young kittens may be more susceptible to infection than adult cats, as their immune systems are still developing.
If your cat has pre-existing health conditions, particularly heart disease, kidney disease, or other chronic illnesses, it is especially important to take preventive measures to minimize their exposure risk.
How COVID-19 Spreads to Cats
Understanding transmission routes is crucial for protecting your feline companion. COVID-19 in cats is primarily acquired through human-to-cat transmission. When a person infected with SARS-CoV-2 has close contact with their cat—such as petting, grooming, or allowing the cat to sleep in their bed—there is a risk of transmitting the virus.
Cat-to-cat transmission of COVID-19 appears to be possible but is not well-documented in natural settings. The primary concern for most cat owners is preventing transmission from infected household members to their pets.
What to Do If You Think Your Cat Has COVID-19
If you suspect your cat may be infected with COVID-19, the appropriate course of action depends on your situation and your cat’s symptoms.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
If your pet is exhibiting any of the COVID symptoms listed, simply call your vet’s office for advice or for a telephone appointment. Rather than bringing your cat into the clinic immediately, call ahead and describe the symptoms. Your veterinarian can then advise whether an in-person visit is necessary.
Contact your vet promptly if your cat shows:
- Persistent coughing or sneezing
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Loss of appetite lasting more than 24 hours
- Vomiting or diarrhea that doesn’t improve within 24-48 hours
- Unusual lethargy or behavioral changes
- Fever (normal cat temperature is 99.5-102.5°F)
Preventing Transmission During COVID-19 Illness
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, take steps to protect your cat:
- Minimize close contact with your cat, including petting and sleeping arrangements
- Wash your hands before and after handling your cat
- Wear a mask when interacting with your cat if possible
- Ask another household member who is not ill to handle feeding and litter box duties
- Avoid touching your cat’s face and keep your face away from the cat
- Clean and disinfect surfaces your cat frequents
It is important to note that if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for COVID please do not visit your veterinary clinic. Instead, call ahead to arrange a telephone appointment or ask about virtual consultations.
Diagnostic Considerations
Veterinarians can perform PCR tests to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infection in cats, though testing is typically reserved for cases where COVID-19 is strongly suspected. However, because many symptoms of COVID-19 in cats overlap with other common feline illnesses, your veterinarian may investigate other possible causes first.
It is important to remember that while these are common signs of COVID-19 in pets, these symptoms are also common to many other conditions seen in dogs and cats. Your veterinarian will help determine whether COVID-19 is the likely cause or if another condition requires treatment.
Variants and Their Impact on Cats
As new variants of SARS-CoV-2 have emerged, researchers have studied whether these variants affect cats differently. Studies with experimental infections have revealed interesting findings: cats inoculated with ancestral and Delta variants developed lethargy and fever, whereas cats exposed to the Omicron variant did not develop any clinical signs and continued to gain weight during observation periods.
However, it is not known whether the variants that have arisen are more or less likely to be transmitted from humans to cats, so continued vigilance is warranted regardless of which variant is circulating.
Distinguishing COVID-19 from Feline Coronavirus
It is crucial not to confuse SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19) with feline coronavirus (FCoV), which is a different virus that naturally infects cats. Feline coronavirus is extremely common in the cat population and usually causes only mild, self-limiting diarrhea or no symptoms at all.
While FCoV is very common, it can, in rare cases, undergo genetic mutations and develop into feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a serious and typically fatal disease. However, SARS-CoV-2 does not cause FIP and follows a completely different disease course in cats.
Long-Term Outlook for Infected Cats
The long-term prognosis for cats infected with SARS-CoV-2 is excellent. Most infected cats recover completely without any lasting complications. Even cats that develop respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms typically resolve within one to two weeks as their immune systems clear the virus.
There is no evidence of chronic COVID-19 in cats or long-term health complications following SARS-CoV-2 infection in felines, unlike some concerning reports in humans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my cat give me COVID-19?
A: While cats can be infected with SARS-CoV-2, documented instances of cat-to-human transmission are extremely rare. The primary direction of transmission is from humans to cats, not the reverse.
Q: Should I test my cat for COVID-19?
A: Testing is typically recommended only if your cat shows symptoms and you are concerned about COVID-19 specifically. Most cases resolve without intervention, so testing may not change your approach to care. Consult your veterinarian about whether testing is appropriate for your situation.
Q: Can I keep my cat if I have COVID-19?
A: Yes, you can keep your cat, but you should take precautions to minimize transmission risk. Minimize direct contact, practice good hygiene, wear a mask if possible, and consider having another healthy household member handle the cat’s care if feasible.
Q: What if my cat develops severe respiratory symptoms?
A: If your cat develops severe breathing difficulties, unusual behavior, or other concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately, even if you suspect COVID-19. There may be other serious conditions requiring urgent treatment.
Q: How long is my cat contagious?
A: An infected cat can shed the virus for up to one week. After this period, the cat is generally no longer contagious to other cats or humans, though some mild symptoms may persist slightly longer.
Q: Are there treatments for COVID-19 in cats?
A: There are no specific antiviral treatments approved for COVID-19 in cats. Treatment focuses on supportive care, including rest, hydration, and nutritional support while the cat’s immune system fights the infection.
Protecting Your Cat From COVID-19
The best approach to protecting your cat is prevention. If you or someone in your household tests positive for COVID-19:
- Isolate yourself from your cat as much as possible
- Practice strict hand hygiene before and after any cat contact
- Avoid sharing bedding, furniture, or food with your cat
- Wear a mask when in close proximity to your cat
- Have another household member care for the cat if possible
- Clean surfaces your cat frequents regularly
- Monitor your cat for any signs of illness
Conclusion
While COVID-19 in cats is a real possibility in households where humans are infected, the good news for cat owners is that feline infections are typically mild or asymptomatic. Cats do not develop severe COVID-19 the way humans sometimes do, and recovery is the norm rather than the exception. By understanding the symptoms, transmission routes, and preventive measures, you can protect your feline companion while managing your own illness. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian for professional guidance tailored to your cat’s specific situation.
References
- The basics of dogs, cats, and COVID — Animal General (Avon Vets). 2022-01-30. https://www.animalgeneralct.com/site/blog/2022/01/30/the-basics-of-dogs-cats-and-covid
- SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Clinical Signs in Cats and Dogs — National Institutes of Health (NIH). 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10144952/
- GUIDELINE for SARS-Coronavirus (CoV-2) and cats — ABCD (Advisory Board on Cat Diseases). 2023. https://www.abcdcatsvets.org/guideline-for-sars-coronavirus-cov-2-and-cats/
- Coronavirus in cats — Elwood Veterinary Clinic. 2023. https://www.elwoodvet.net/coronavirus-in-cats
- COVID-19 and pets: Can dogs and cats get COVID-19? — Mayo Clinic. 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/can-pets-get-coronavirus/faq-20486391
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