An in vitro study regarding an animal model for the attenuation of SARS-CoV-2: Are cats possible candidates?

Abstract

Although the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is not definitively known, this virus is seen that adapted to human. It is known yet, several animal species are naturally susceptible for SARS-CoV-2, including pets. In this in vitro study, it was investigated whether cats could have a host status in this infection. It was also following questioned, whether cats could be an animal model for vaccine attenuation. Felis catus whole fetus 4 (FCWF-4) and Vero cells were used in this study for propagation of SARS-CoV-2-Ank1 strain. Virus replication was controlled by immunohistochemistry and real time pcr techniques. While an increase in virus titer was detected in the serious passages made in Vero cells, no increase was observed in the FCWF-4 cell. The results were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Due to the fact that SARS CoV 2 is a zoonotic potential, its presence in domestic animals frequently investigated in current studies. Cats can get this virus from infected owners with whom they share the same habitat. The results of this study also showed that cats are not candidates to be a natural source of infection for SARS-CoV-2.