Can cats get COVID?

Yes, cats can get COVID-19, usually after close contact with infected humans, though the risk of them spreading it back to people is considered low, according to Mayo Clinic. Most infections in pets happen when they're around sick people, and while cats can test positive, they typically show mild or no symptoms, with rare cases of more severe illness.

What happens if my cat gets COVID?

Of the small number of dogs and cats that have been infected by the COVID-19 virus, some had no symptoms. Most of the pets that got ill had mild symptoms. They could be cared for at home. Pets have rarely become seriously ill with COVID-19.

What are the symptoms of COVID in a cat?

What are the signs of coronavirus in cats?

• intermittent fever.
• extreme lethargy.
• failure to grow in kittens.
• jaundice.
• fluid build-up in the abdomen and/or chest.
• difficulty breathing.
• eye problems.
• seizures.

Should I keep my cat away from me if I have COVID?

The virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals during close contact. Pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. The risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is low.

How do I test my cat for COVID?

Your veterinarian will work with you to determine the best course of action, including whether an examination and, perhaps, testing are needed. Do not pursue testing for SARS-CoV-2 through anyone who isn't a licensed veterinarian. Only a licensed veterinarian should collect the samples needed for testing.

Cats 101 : Can Cats Get Covid?

What is the silent killer of cats?

The "silent killer" of cats often refers to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), as it progresses without obvious symptoms until significant kidney damage (around 75%) has occurred, but Heart Disease, Hyperthyroidism, and even High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) are also major culprits, masking signs until severe damage or sudden crises happen. These conditions are insidious because cats naturally hide illness well, making routine vet checks crucial for early detection. 

Can COVID be passed from human to animal?

Yes, animals, especially pets like cats and dogs, can get COVID-19 from humans through close contact, as the virus can spread between people and animals, though the risk of pets spreading it back to people is considered low. Most pet infections happen after exposure to an infected person, and while some pets might show mild symptoms, many don't, and the primary concern is human-to-human spread, with animal-to-human transmission less common. 

How long can COVID live on bedding?

COVID-19 can survive on porous materials like bedding for a shorter time than hard surfaces, with studies showing it can last about two days on some fabrics, though droplets evaporate faster on fabric as they dry out quickly. The virus thrives better on smooth surfaces like plastic or metal, but regular washing with soap and water effectively removes it from bedding and prevents transmission. 

How to care for a cat with COVID?

If you suspect your cat has COVID-19, call your veterinarian immediately, don't take them to the clinic without guidance, isolate them at home, and protect yourself by wearing a mask when near them; your vet will provide specific care instructions, likely involving at-home monitoring and isolation, as cats can get infected but usually have mild symptoms. 

How long does COVID linger in the air in a room?

Particles from an infected person can move throughout an entire room or indoor space. The particles can also linger in the air after a person has left the room – they can remain airborne for hours in some cases.

What is the 3-3-3 rule of cats?

The 3-3-3 rule for cats is a guideline for their adjustment to a new home: 3 days for decompression (hiding, overwhelmed); 3 weeks to learn routines (exploring, establishing comfort); and 3 months to feel completely at home and show their true personality (bonded, secure). It emphasizes patience, giving the cat space, setting up a safe area (base camp), and creating consistent routines to help them adjust from shelter stress to family life.
 

What are the strange symptoms of the latest COVID variant?

Common New COVID Variant Symptoms in 2025

• Sore throat (often described as severe or sharp)
• Congestion or runny nose.
• Dry cough.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Headache.
• Mild fever or chills.
• Body aches.
• Sneezing.

What are the signs of a sick cat?

To tell if your cat is sick, watch for changes in appetite, litter box habits (straining, peeing outside the box), energy levels (lethargy, hiding), grooming (matted fur, over/under-grooming), breathing (panting, fast breathing), or behavior (unusual vocalization, aggression). Because cats hide illness instinctively, any sudden change in their normal routine, like increased thirst, vomiting, weight loss, or discharge from eyes/nose, warrants a prompt vet visit, as these subtle signs can signal serious issues. 

Can I cuddle with my cat if I'm sick?

Pets won't catch or spread human viruses.

A Vanderbilt infectious disease expert, while stopping short of actually prescribing in-home “pet therapy” for colds or flu, says that if having your companion by your side makes you feel better, go right ahead. Pets won't catch or spread human viruses.

Can humans get sick from cats being sick?

Yes, a sick cat can make you sick because they carry zoonotic diseases (germs spread from animals to people), like ringworm, roundworms, cat scratch disease, or salmonella, through scratches, bites, or contact with feces, though the risk is generally low and higher for those with weakened immune systems, the young, or elderly. Proper hygiene (handwashing after touching cats/litter) and veterinary care (vaccines, parasite prevention) are key to preventing transmission, notes the CDC and other experts. 

Is feline coronavirus permanent?

As yet poorly understood changes in the virus can give rise to mutants that lead to the development of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Most cats infected with a FCoV eliminate virus following infection, but some cats may develop a persistent infection.

Can my house cat catch COVID-19 from me?

Yes, cats can get COVID-19 from humans through close contact, though serious illness in pets is rare, with mild symptoms like coughing, lethargy, or fever, but the risk of pets spreading it back to people is low. 

How does a cat get FIP?

FIP is caused by a coronavirus that spreads through cat poop, saliva, and shared litter boxes. Dry FIP causes your cat to have inflamed organs and possibly seizures. Wet FIP triggers a buildup of fluid in your cat's chest or abdomen. If the fluid buildup is in your cat's chest, they may have breathing problems.

How long will a cat with FIP live?

Historically, FIP was fatal, with wet FIP lasting days/weeks and dry FIP weeks/months, but new antiviral treatments (like GS-441524/Remdesivir) have drastically changed this, with many cats now surviving years after a 84-day treatment course, showing a massive improvement in prognosis. Survival now depends heavily on starting these advanced antiviral therapies, which can lead to long-term remission, though supportive care and monitoring are crucial.
 

What should I throw out after COVID?

After having COVID, you should focus on tossing disposable items like used tissues, masks, and wipes, throwing out your old toothbrush (or disinfecting it), and generally cleaning up by washing bedding/towels and disinfecting surfaces, but you don't need to deep clean everything or discard most household items; focus on hygiene and comfort. 

How do I clean the air in my house from COVID?

Use a portable air cleaner or air purifier if you have one

When used properly, air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a home or confined space.

Can COVID get through walls?

Because the air conditioners in each room are constantly push- ing the air, the airflow carries the virus-laden aero- sol. This aerosol might penetrate wall defects or go through old tunnels to reach other rooms (Figure 3), even nonadjacent rooms that appear to be indepen- dently isolated.

What type of pets can get COVID?

People can spread SARS-CoV-2 to animals, especially during close contact. Companion animals, including pet cats, dogs, hamsters, and ferrets.

How long is you contagious with COVID?

If you tested positive for COVID-19, you can be contagious for 1-2 days before symptoms appear and up to 8-10 days following. Most people spread COVID-19 in the first few days before and after symptoms appear.

Is there a COVID vaccine for pets?

Indeed, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which grants commercial licenses for pet vaccines, is not currently approving any for COVID-19. The "data do not indicate that such a vaccine would have value," according to the agency.