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Yes. Cats can catch SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in people, usually after close contact with an infected person. Most diagnosed pet cases are mild, but signs such as coughing, vomiting, or diarrhea do not prove a cat has COVID-19. Call a veterinarian about concerning symptoms—and contact the clinic before bringing in a cat with a known or suspected exposure.
“Coronavirus in cats” can also mean feline enteric coronavirus (FeCV or FCoV), a different, common virus associated with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in a minority of infected cats. SARS-CoV-2 does not cause FIP.
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Can my cat catch COVID from me?
Yes. Cats can become infected with SARS-CoV-2 after close, prolonged contact with an infected person. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says transmission from pets to people is rare, and evidence that infected cats or dogs spread the virus to other animals is limited. Cats are not considered an important source of human COVID-19.
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What are COVID symptoms in cats?
Some infected animals have no signs. Possible signs listed by the AVMA include:
- Fever, coughing, or difficulty breathing
- Lethargy or sneezing
- Nasal or eye discharge
- Vomiting or diarrhea
These signs are not specific to COVID-19; many more common illnesses can look similar. You cannot identify the virus from symptoms alone. Difficulty breathing warrants immediate veterinary contact. If your cat has signs and a known or suspected COVID-19 exposure, call the clinic before transporting the animal so staff can advise you on precautions.
Should I get my cat tested?
Usually, no. The AVMA says most pets do not need SARS-CoV-2 testing, and there are no in-home tests for animals. In the United States, veterinary and public-health authorities coordinate testing decisions. Testing may be considered in limited circumstances after a veterinarian evaluates the cat’s signs and exposure and considers more likely causes.
Do not seek an unapproved test or try to diagnose your cat at home. For current decisions, follow your veterinarian’s advice and local veterinary and public-health direction. A joint statement from veterinary and public-health organizations dated April 21, 2020, also advised against routine animal testing; that statement is dated guidance, not a substitute for current local advice.
How is COVID-19 in cats treated?
If a cat is diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2, a veterinarian will determine the care plan. The AVMA says most diagnosed pet cases are mild and resolve with supportive care, such as fluids, good nutrition, and rest. A veterinarian may recommend home isolation depending on the cat’s condition. Follow the individual care instructions and call if signs worsen or new ones appear.
Do not give a cat human COVID-19 medicines, over-the-counter remedies, or other medication unless a veterinarian specifically directs it. Keep a cat in home isolation indoors and follow the clinic’s guidance.
Is feline coronavirus the same as COVID-19 or FIP?
No. SARS-CoV-2 and feline enteric coronavirus are different viruses. They differ in the usual exposure context and in their relationship to FIP; symptoms alone cannot tell them apart.
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|---|---|---|
| What is it? | The virus that causes COVID-19 in people and can infect cats. | A common feline virus shed in feces. |
| Usual exposure context | A cat may acquire it after close contact with an infected person. | It can spread among cats through fecal contamination. |
| Typical signs | Some infected animals have no signs; possible signs include respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. | Often no signs, or mild, self-limited gastrointestinal signs. |
| Relationship to FIP | Does not cause FIP. | In some infected cats, viral mutations arising within the cat can lead to FIP. |
| Care pathway | Veterinary-directed supportive care for a diagnosed cat. | FIP requires separate veterinary diagnosis and treatment decisions. |
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine estimates that approximately 10% of cats infected with feline coronavirus develop mutations associated with FIP; the page does not state a publication year for this estimate. Cornell also reports that about 70% of FIP diagnoses are in cats younger than 1.5 years and 50% of cases are in cats younger than 7 months. These are Cornell’s attributed estimates, not SARS-CoV-2 statistics or independently verified current surveillance figures.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What if I’m worried about FIP?
FIP is a serious disease associated with mutations in feline coronavirus within an infected cat. It is not another name for COVID-19, and a cat does not develop FIP from catching SARS-CoV-2. A veterinarian must assess a cat suspected of having FIP; symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose it.
Cornell discusses GS-441524 as a treatment for cats diagnosed with FIP, not for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cornell’s May 30, 2024 update describes a compounded oral formulation in the United States as requiring a veterinary prescription. Treatment approaches and access can change, and Cornell notes unresolved questions about long-term effectiveness, the ideal minimum dose, resistance, and preferred treatment. Ask a veterinarian about diagnosis, eligibility, access, and treatment; do not use unregulated products, whose reported concentration and purity can vary.
Quick Recap
How can I reduce the risk at home?
- Limit a cat’s close contact with a person who has COVID-19; ask someone who is not ill to provide care when feasible.
- If the ill person must handle the cat, wear a mask and wash hands before and after contact. Avoid kissing, hugging, snuggling, sharing food, and sleeping together.
- If the cat is being isolated at home, keep it indoors and follow the veterinarian’s instructions. Do not put a mask on the cat.
- A person’s COVID-19 infection alone is not a reason to remove a pet from the home if appropriate care can be provided.
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