Two Cats Are COVID-19 Positive In The US, And They Got Infected By Humans

COVID-19 has been on our mind since quite some time now. From avoiding people to maintain social distancing and spreading of the coronavirus.

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A while ago, people were concerned about their pets spreading or catching COVID-19, and now reports reveal that two cats in the US are the first pets to have tested positive for COVID-19.

This was announced by the Agriculture Department and the Centers for Disease Control on Wednesday. The cats belong from different parts of the state.

One of the cat¡¯s owners was already positive with COVID-19 when he brought the cat in for testing, whereas in the other cat¡¯s home, no one was positive. The owners brought their cats to the vet when they noticed their felines experiencing respiratory infections.

Unlike humans, cats have a different process for testing. And unlike humans, COVID-19 doesn¡¯t affect cats the same way. Both cats showed mild symptoms and are expected to soon feel better in a few days.

Are these the first cats to catch COVID-19?

Not technically. A few weeks ago, Bronx zoo reported tigers testing positive with COVID-19, which they too got it from one of the infected zookeepers.

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And according to Dr Karen Terio in conversation with the New York Times, who tested the tiger¡¯s samples revealed if cats did aid in spreading COVID-19, the number of infected cases would have been greater than now. COVID-19 for them is a mild disease.

Does this mean cats can spread COVID-19?

No, researchers have emphasised that there is no evidence that cats or house pets can spread COVID-19. In fact, in most cases, it¡¯s the other way around. Infected owners could give it to their pets, infecting them.

So in case you feel you¡¯re sick or you have COVID-19, please stay away from your cat, no matter how much she/he wants to snuggle with you, for their safety.