Do Pets Catch COVID‑19? The Curious Case of Cats, Dogs, and More
Scientists have just released a surprising study: cats can catch the new coronavirus, but dogs? Not so much. This finding has the World Health Organization (WHO) buzzing as they dig deeper into how animals might play a role in the pandemic.
What the Study Says
- Ferrets are also susceptible, like cats.
- Dogs, chickens, pigs, and ducks seem immune—no viral traces detected.
- In humans, SARS‑CoV‑2 (the name for the COVID‑19 virus) has claimed over 83,000 lives worldwide.
The research aimed to spot which creatures could be used as vaccine test beds. It’s all about finding a practical model for fighting this pandemic.
How Animals Get Infected
Taking a cue from the Hong Kong outbreak, researchers introduced the virus directly into the animals’ nasal passages.
- Cats: infection easily spreads between them via respiratory droplets. The virus hides in their mouths, noses, and intestines. Kids (a.k.a. kittens) end up with serious lung, nose, and throat damage.
- Ferrets: viral presence is limited to the upper respiratory tract and doesn’t cause major illness.
- Dogs: less likely to catch the virus, a finding backed by antibody tests.
- Pigs, chickens, ducks: no traces at all, indicating they’re unlikely carriers.
In Human Tails
Just when you thought the story couldn’t get more unexpected, a tiger at the Bronx Zoo coughed up a dry sniff and lost its appetite after its zookeeper got sick. The tiger later tested positive for the virus.
Expert Insight
Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes from Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital notes that the original SARS outbreak involved civet cats, a pattern repeating itself. He reminds us: if you’re dealing with COVID‑19, keep your household pets—especially cats—at bay to avoid turning your furry friends into unwitting carriers.
WHO’s Take
Maria Van Kerkhove, a WHO epidemiologist, states that pets aren’t actively spreading the virus yet but can still be infected by their owners. Mike Ryan, the WHO’s top emergency spokesperson, urges people not to retaliate against animals; they’re victims too.
For the latest updates on the coronavirus and COVID‑19 news, keep your ears—and eyes—open.
