SARS-CoV-2 in Domestic UK Cats from Alpha to Omicron: Swab Surveillance and Case Reports

Abstract

Although domestic cats are susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2, the role of the virus in causing feline disease is less well defined. We conducted a large-scale study to identify SARS-CoV-2 infections in UK pet cats, using active and passive surveillance. Remnant feline respiratory swab samples, submitted for other pathogen testing between May 2021 and February 2023, were screened using RT-qPCR. In addition, we appealed to veterinarians for swab samples from cats suspected of having clinical SARS-CoV-2 infections. Bespoke testing for SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies was also performed, on request, in suspected cases. One RT-qPCR-positive cat was identified by active surveillance (1/549, 0.18%), during the Delta wave (1/175, 0.57%). Passive surveillance detected one cat infected with the Alpha variant, and two of ten cats tested RT-qPCR-positive during the Delta wave. No cats tested RT-qPCR-positive after the emergence of Omicron BA.1 and its descendants although 374 were tested by active and eleven by passive surveillance. We describe four cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pet cats, identified by RT-qPCR and/or serology, that presented with a range of clinical signs, as well as their SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences. These cases demonstrate that, although uncommon in cats, a variety of clinical signs can occur.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant (B.1.617.2) in Domestic Dogs and Zoo Tigers in England and Jersey during 2021

“…SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals has been reported since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most notable have been the detection and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in farmed mink [ 20 , 21 ], white-tailed-deer [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ], and companion animals [ 18 , 39 , 40 , 41 ] where close interactions with SARS-CoV-2 infected humans have occurred. Among companion animals; cats, ferrets, and hamsters are described to be highly susceptible and most at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection [ 18 , 42 ].…”

Prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in domestic cats (Felis catus) during COVID‐19 pandemic in Latvia

“…Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is one of the novel CoVs and is the etiological agent of the global COVID‐19 pandemic. The COVID‐19 pandemic is currently driven by human‐to‐human transmission; however, many spillover events from infected humans to companion animals have been reported (Bae et al., 2022 ; Fuentealba et al., 2021 ; Jairak et al., 2022 ; Jones et al., 2023 ; Pecora et al., 2022 ). Cats are the most frequently kept companion animal species in Europe (FEDIAF, 2020 ) and an increasing number of cats are kept in close contact with humans and at the same time a considerable proportion of these animals roam freely, thus serving as a link between household and the environment.…”