COVID-19 has raised many questions for pet owners, including “Can cats get COVID-19?” This confusion is understandable because cats already have their own type of coronavirus, which is completely different from the virus that causes COVID-19 in people.
In rare cases, cats can become infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, usually after close contact with an infected human. However, this virus is not the same as feline coronavirus, and current evidence shows that cats do not play a significant role in spreading COVID-19 to people.
The good news is that the risk to cats is very low. When infection does occur, most cats develop mild symptoms or none at all and recover fully without complications. Severe illness in cats is extremely uncommon.
If you’re a pet parent worried about your feline companion, this article explains the key differences between coronaviruses affecting humans and cats, how likely COVID-19 infection in cats really is, what symptoms (if any) may appear, and practical steps to protect both you and your cat from infection.
What Is COVID-19 and How Is It Different From Feline Coronavirus?
Feature | COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) | Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) |
Virus type | Betacoronavirus | Alphacoronavirus |
Species affected | Humans primarily | Cats only |
Common symptoms | Respiratory (mild to severe) | Usually none or mild digestive issues |
Transmission | Human-to-human | Cat-to-cat (fecal-oral) |
Serious illness | Possible in humans | Rare; FIP in 5–10% of cats |
Vaccine | Yes, for humans | Yes, FCoV vaccine (does not protect against SARS-CoV-2) |
COVID-19 and feline coronavirus are two separate diseases caused by different viruses within the coronavirus family. Although they share a similar name, they affect different species and lead to very different health outcomes.
COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a betacoronavirus that primarily infects humans and mainly affects the respiratory system. In contrast, cats are commonly exposed to Feline Coronavirus (FCoV), an alphacoronavirus that usually infects only cats.
FCoV is extremely common, especially in multi-cat households, shelters, or breeding environments. In most cases, it causes no symptoms or only mild digestive issues, such as temporary diarrhea. SARS-CoV-2, on the other hand, is primarily a respiratory virus in humans and can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild illness to severe disease.
Importantly, these two viruses are not interchangeable, and infection with feline coronavirus does not mean a cat has or can transmit COVID-19.
Feline Coronavirus and FIP: What Cat Owners Should Know
Most cats that contract Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) never become seriously ill. Many have no symptoms at all or only mild digestive upset, such as temporary diarrhea. However, in about 5–10% of infected cats, the virus can mutate inside their body and lead to a much more serious condition called Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).
Common signs of FIP may include:
Symptom | Description |
Pot-bellied appearance | Fluid buildup in abdomen/chest, can affect breathing |
Organ inflammation | Brain, eyes, liver, kidneys; may cause seizures, vision issues, jaundice |
Persistent fever | Does not respond to antibiotics |
Lethargy | Low energy and inactivity |
Weight loss / Poor appetite | Reduced food intake and body mass |
Stunted growth (kittens) | Affects kittens’ development |
It’s important to understand that FIP is not contagious to humans and is completely unrelated to COVID-19. The FCoV vaccine (where available) does not protect against SARS-CoV-2, and COVID-19 vaccines do not affect feline viruses.
While FCoV spreads easily between cats, the mutated form that causes FIP is generally not considered transmissible from one cat to another. This means FIP usually develops from an internal mutation rather than being directly passed between cats.
Note: FIP was once considered almost always fatal, but newer antiviral treatments (available in some countries) have significantly improved survival rates when started early, making early detection and veterinary care especially important.
How Do Cats Get Coronavirus?
Cats can be exposed to different types of coronaviruses through separate and specific pathways, which is why it’s important to clearly distinguish between the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans and the common feline coronavirus.
How Cats Get COVID-19
Cats primarily contract COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) from humans, not from other cats. Infection usually happens after close and prolonged contact with an infected person. This may include:
Petting, snuggling, or kissing
Sharing a bed or allowing a cat to lick a person’s face
Exposure to respiratory droplets or aerosols released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks closely
While cat-to-cat transmission of COVID-19 is possible in high-density settings (such as research or shelter environments), it is uncommon in typical households. Most infections in cats can be traced back to an infected human.
How Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) Spreads
Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) is a species-specific virus that is completely unrelated to human COVID-19. It spreads only between cats, mainly through the fecal–oral route.
Cats shed FCoV in their feces, and other cats become infected by:
Ingesting or inhaling microscopic viral particles while grooming themselves or other cats
Using shared litter boxes, where the virus can stick to paws or fur
Contact with contaminated objects (known as fomites), such as shared food bowls, toys, or bedding
FCoV is highly resilient and can survive for up to seven weeks in dried fecal material or contaminated cat litter, which makes it difficult to control in group settings.
Why FCoV Is So Common
Feline coronavirus is extremely widespread, affecting an estimated 80–90% of cats in multi-cat environments such as shelters, rescues, or breeding facilities. This is because the virus often cycles continuously between cats. Even if one cat clears the infection, they can be easily re-infected by another cat that is still shedding the virus.
Its environmental stability, combined with shared resources and close contact between cats, makes FCoV very difficult to eliminate once introduced into a large group.
Despite how common it is among cats, FCoV cannot infect humans. It is a long-established, cat-only virus and has no connection to the COVID-19 pandemic beyond sharing the word “coronavirus.”
Can I Give My Cat COVID?
Can pets get COVID from their owners? Yes, it is possible to pass COVID-19 to your cat, but the overall risk is considered low. COVID-19 is primarily a human disease, but the virus that causes it (SARS-CoV-2) can spread from people to animals during close, prolonged contact.
If you are infected, your cat may be exposed through:
Snuggling, kissing, or close face-to-face contact
Sleeping in the same bed or sharing food
Being near you when you cough or sneeze
Although cats can be infected, naturally occurring cases are uncommon. Most cats that do contract the virus develop mild symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, or lethargy, or no symptoms at all. The majority recover fully without medical treatment, and serious illness in pets is extremely rare.
If you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19, a detailed list of recommended steps is provided later in the article. In general, experts like the CDC, AVMA and Mayoclinic recommend limiting close contact with your cat and having a healthy household member care for them when possible. If you must provide care yourself, wear a mask and avoid sharing bedding, towels, or food bowls. Never use disinfectants, alcohol, or hand sanitizer on your pet. For hygiene or health concerns, consult your veterinarian for safe care advice.
Key takeaway: while human-to-cat transmission can happen, it is rare, usually mild, and manageable with basic precautions and good hygiene.
Can Cats Spread COVID to People?
Current evidence from health organizations and scientific studies shows that the risk of cats spreading COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) to people is very low.
There is no solid evidence that cats play a meaningful role in transmitting the virus to humans. While a small number of suspected cat-to-human transmission cases have been reported in unusual, high-exposure situations, these events are exceptional and extremely rare and do not change overall public health guidance.
Importantly, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted to humans through a cat’s fur, skin, or hair. Pet hair is porous and tends to trap viral particles rather than transfer them, making transmission from a cat’s coat far less likely than from frequently touched, hard surfaces such as doorknobs or phones.
Because of this, extreme measures are unnecessary and unsafe. Never use chemical disinfectants, alcohol, or cleaning wipes on a cat’s fur, as these products can cause skin irritation, poisoning, or stress. Humans remain the primary source of COVID-19 transmission to other humans.
While the risk from pets is minimal, practicing basic hygiene is still recommended for overall health. Washing your hands after handling pets, cleaning litter boxes, or touching pet food and supplies helps reduce exposure to other common germs that pets may carry.
Cat COVID Symptoms
Cats infected with SARS-CoV-2 may show a mix of respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, although many show no symptoms at all. When signs do appear, they may include:
Symptom Type | Examples |
Respiratory | Coughing, sneezing, runny nose, eye discharge |
Digestive | Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite |
General | Lethargy, reduced activity |
It’s important to note that most infections are mild or asymptomatic, and severe illness in cats is extremely rare. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the majority of infected pets recover fully with simple supportive care at home, such as rest, hydration, and monitoring.
If symptoms persist, worsen, or your cat has underlying health conditions, contacting a veterinarian is recommended for guidance and reassurance.
Can Cats Be Tested for COVID?
Testing cats for COVID-19 is rarely necessary and is not recommended as a routine procedure. Decisions about testing should always be made in consultation with a veterinarian.
In most cases, testing is only considered when a cat:
Shows compatible symptoms (such as respiratory or gastrointestinal signs)
Has had known close exposure to a person with COVID-19
Has already been evaluated for, and ruled out, more common feline illnesses
It’s also important to know that there are no validated at-home COVID-19 tests for pets. Testing requires professional sample collection and submission to specialized veterinary diagnostic laboratories approved for animal testing.
Because illness in cats is usually mild and self-limiting, veterinarians typically focus on supportive care and monitoring rather than testing, unless the results would directly affect clinical or public health decisions.
Feline Coronavirus Treatment
Treatment for Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) depends entirely on whether the virus remains in its common, mild form or has mutated into the more serious Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).
Standard FCoV
For the vast majority of cats, no specific medical treatment is needed. Most cats with FCoV are asymptomatic or may experience mild, self-limiting diarrhea, and they usually recover on their own.
If a cat does show mild digestive upset, a veterinarian may recommend:
A highly digestible diet to ease the digestive system
Probiotics to support gut health
Currently, there are no antiviral medications required to clear a healthy cat of standard FCoV. Supportive care and monitoring are typically sufficient.
FIP (Mutated Virus)
If the virus mutates into FIP, the condition becomes serious and life-threatening, requiring veterinary management. Treatment plans depend on whether the cat has the “wet” (effusive) or “dry” (non-effusive) form of FIP.
Specialized antiviral treatments for FIP do exist, but they:
Are often expensive
Require a long-term commitment, typically 84 days of treatment
Must be administered under veterinary supervision
It is critical to avoid unregulated FIP drugs purchased online, as these products can be unsafe, ineffective, or toxic. Always follow the legal and clinical guidance provided by a licensed veterinarian.
Key takeaway: Most cats with FCoV recover naturally, and only a small fraction develop FIP, which requires careful veterinary care and specialized treatment.
What to Do If You Have COVID and a Cat
Can animals get COVID? If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and are worried you might give your cat COVID, there’s no need to panic. While human-to-cat transmission is possible, the risk is low, and a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe.
Following the CDC guidelines, here’s how to manage your cat’s care while you recover:
Limit close contact: Avoid kissing, snuggling, or sharing your bed with your cat until your isolation period is over.
Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your cat, their food, or water bowls.
Delegate care if possible: Have a healthy household member handle feeding, grooming, and litter box duties. If you must care for your cat yourself, wear a well-fitting mask while in the same room.
Keep your cat indoors: This prevents potential exposure to other people or animals until you have fully recovered.
Monitor your cat’s health: If your cat shows persistent coughing, lethargy, or any unusual symptoms, contact your veterinarian by phone for professional guidance before visiting in person.
Key takeaway: With these precautions, most cats remain healthy even if their owner has COVID-19. Simple hygiene and careful monitoring are usually sufficient to protect your pet.
What to Do If You Think Your Cat Has COVID
If you suspect your cat may have COVID-19—most often after close contact with an infected human—take the following steps to protect both your cat’s health and the people around them:
Contact your veterinarian first. Call, text, or email your veterinary clinic to discuss your cat’s symptoms and any known exposure. Many clinics offer telemedicine or virtual consultations, which allow your vet to assess the situation without an in-person visit.
Do not visit the clinic without advance notice. To reduce the risk of potential spread, always alert the veterinary team before bringing your cat in. If you are sick with COVID-19, do not transport your cat yourself. If an in-person exam is necessary, ask a healthy person from outside your household to take them instead.
Monitor symptoms closely and keep a log. The CDC and AVMA recommend keeping a daily record of symptoms such as appetite, energy level, breathing, and digestive changes. This helps your veterinarian determine whether the condition is improving or worsening.
Expect recovery at home in most cases. Serious illness in cats is very rare. Most infected cats experience mild, self-limiting symptoms and recover within a few days with basic supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and monitoring.
Isolate your cat indoors. Keep your cat in a separate room, away from other people and pets, and prevent them from going outside until fully recovered. Follow the AVMA guidelines for safe home isolation to minimize any risk of transmission.
With prompt veterinary guidance and simple precautions, most cats recover fully and without complications.
How to Protect Your Cat From COVID
Protecting your cat from COVID-19 involves a few simple and practical precautions, especially if someone in the household is ill.
Limit close contact if you are sick. If you have COVID-19, avoid petting, snuggling, kissing, or sharing food with your cat until you recover.
Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your cat, their food, litter, or supplies to reduce the spread of germs.
Avoid chemical cleaners on your cat. Never wipe or bathe your cat with disinfectants, alcohol, or hand sanitizers. These products can cause skin irritation, poisoning, or toxic reactions if ingested during grooming.
Keep exposed cats indoors. If your cat has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or has tested positive, keep them indoors and away from other people and animals until they recover.
It’s natural to feel concerned, but experts emphasize that the risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is very low. Most cats that do become infected develop mild or no symptoms and recover fully at home with basic care and monitoring.
Key Takeaways: Can Cats Get COVID?
Cats can get COVID-19, but infections are rare. When cats do test positive, they usually develop mild respiratory or digestive symptoms, or no symptoms at all, and recover with basic supportive care. Feline coronavirus is not the same virus as the one that causes COVID-19 in humans and should not be confused with it.
There is currently no evidence that cats play a significant role in spreading COVID-19 to people. Transmission remains primarily human to human. If your cat shows signs of illness or has been exposed to someone who is sick, your veterinarian is the best source of guidance.
While concern is understandable, the actual risk to your cat is low, and most cases resolve without complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats get COVID from humans?
Yes. Studies show that cats can contract COVID-19 from people during close, prolonged contact, a process known as reverse zoonosis, where a virus spreads from humans to animals. Many infected cats show no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and may include coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, reduced appetite, or lethargy.
How to treat a cat with COVID?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19 in cats. Care focuses on supportive treatment at home, as most cases are mild and resolve on their own within a few days. This includes ensuring your cat stays hydrated, comfortable, and well nourished, while monitoring for any worsening symptoms. Always consult a veterinarian if you have concerns.
Can cats contract COVID? Should I be worried about infecting my cat with COVID?
Yes, cats can contract COVID-19, usually from infected humans. However, serious illness in pets is extremely rare. If you are sick, taking basic precautions—such as limiting close contact—can further reduce the already low risk. In most situations, there is little cause for concern.
Risk of catching feline coronavirus at the vet?
There is a small but generally low risk of a cat being exposed to Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) at a veterinary clinic, mainly through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces (fomites). While FCoV is highly contagious among cats, transmission typically requires ingestion or inhalation of viral particles, often from fecal contamination on surfaces or shared equipment. Veterinary clinics follow strict cleaning and infection-control protocols to minimize this risk.
What are feline coronavirus symptoms?
Most cats infected with FCoV show no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they are usually mild and may include temporary diarrhea, occasional vomiting, sneezing, watery eyes, mild nasal discharge, or reduced appetite. Serious complications are uncommon and occur only in a small percentage of cases.
