Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in pets living with COVID-19 owners diagnosed during the COVID-19 lockdown in Spain: A case of an asymptomatic cat with SARS-CoV-2 in Europe

Pets from COVID-19 owners were screened for SARS-CoV-2 (April-May 2020). From 23 pets, an asymptomatic cat showed positive RT-qPCRs results from oropharyngeal swab (negative rectal swab). Remaining pets were negative. This suggests that cats can contract the virus from their infected owners and may act as potential hosts for SARS-CoV-2. Their role in carrying live or infectious viruses and disseminating them needs more investigation.

Automated summary

This study suggests that pets can potentially contract the virus from their COVID-19 infected owners, with cats possibly acting as hosts for SARS-CoV-2. Further investigation is needed to understand their role in carrying and disseminating the virus.