Research presented at the European Congress for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) suggests that people with COVID-19 pass it to their pets quite frequently. Also, cats that sleep in their owners’ beds may be at higher risk of catching it.
Several previous studies have shown that cats and dogs can contract COVID-19 from their owners, but it was not clear if they were very susceptible. Thus, as the researchers indicate, answering these questions is important from both a public health and pet health standpoint.
Study development
To find out, the scientists studied the cats and dogs of people who had had COVID-19 . The animals, 48 cats and 54 dogs from 77 different households, were tested for antibodies to COVID-19.
Their owners were surveyed on how they interacted with their pets, (even if they stroked and kissed them) or if they allowed them to sleep in bed. They were also asked if they allowed their pet to kiss them on the face and how much time they spent with their pet each day.
Similarly, the researchers studied 75 dogs and cats that lived in an animal shelter and 75 stray cats that had been treated at a veterinary clinic for antibodies.
Results
67% of cats and 43% of dogs living within a home tested positive for antibodies, showing they had had COVID-19. In contrast, only 9% of pets from the animal shelter and 3% of stray cats had antibodies.
Also, 20% of the dogs had symptoms, such as lack of energy or loss of appetite. Some animals had a cough or diarrhea, however all the symptoms were mild and quickly disappeared.
27% of the cats also had symptoms, such as a runny nose or shortness of breath, the most common signs of COVID-19. However, most of the cases were mild.
Also, as the scientists point out, cats that spent more time with their owners appeared to be at higher risk of infection. Also, cats that slept in their owners’ beds were more likely to have COVID-19.
The study authors believe that cats are more susceptible to COVID-19 than dogs. Cats are also more likely to sleep close to their owners’ faces (unlike dogs), increasing their exposure to any infection.
“If someone has COVID-19, there is a surprisingly high probability that they will pass it on to their pet. Cats, especially those that sleep in their owner’s bed, seem to be particularly vulnerable. So if you have COVID-19 , you should stay away from your pet and prevent it from entering your bedroom, ”explained Dorothee Bienzle, professor of veterinary pathology at the University of Guelph (Canada).
Fuente: European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2021.
