No detection of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic cats exposed to infected owners during the Omicron Wave in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been demonstrated to infect various mammals, including cats, dogs, and minks. Given the close coexistence of humans and cats, transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants between these two species has been documented. This study involved the sampling of eight domestic cats that resided solely with their infected owners in Brazil, during the early stage of the Omicron variant wave. Nasal and anal secretion samples obtained from the eight cats were subjected to RT-qPCR analysis, which revealed no detection of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, serum samples collected from these cats did not show the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The findings of this study indicate that the Omicron variant has a low potential to infect felines, which contributes to the absence of transmission. Therefore, cats do not appear to play a significant role in the transmission chain of SARS-CoV-2.