As COVID-19 spread through New York, a question emerged beyond human health: could our pets get it too? A new report confirms that two domestic cats in the state have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. These are the first reported cases of companion animals with the infection in the United States.
The report only involves these two cats. We don't know how they became infected, what their symptoms were, or how they are doing now. The report doesn't mention any safety issues for the animals or for the people around them.
It's crucial to remember this is a case report—a detailed account of just two animals. It tells us infection in pets is possible, but it doesn't tell us how likely it is. This finding raises awareness but doesn't provide answers about risk or transmission between pets and people. More investigation is needed to understand what this means.