Yes, your cat can catch the virus that causes COVID-19 from you, primarily through close contact.
Can pets such as dogs and cats get COVID-19? Pets have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, including cats, dogs, hamsters and ferrets. Most of these animals got infected after close contact with people who had the COVID-19 virus.
What are the signs of coronavirus in cats? Most infected cats show no symptoms. If they do develop signs, then we usually see mild, self-limiting diarrhoea (due to some damage to the small intestinal cells).
However, studies have shown the virus can last about two days on some fabrics. It's unlikely you'll get COVID from your bedding, though. Just be sure to wash your bedding if you or anyone in your household has COVID, and disinfect your home's surfaces.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often going undetected until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), which damages organs without obvious signs until blindness or seizures occur, notes Muirfield Animal Hospital, Pet Health Network, www.springwoodvets.com.au, Close Veterinary Clinic, Killarney Animal Hospital, Physicians Mutual Insurance, Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, Nimbus Pet Hospital, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Covetrus North America, ASPCA Pet Insurance and PetCareRx. Other serious conditions include Hyperthyroidism, Heart Disease (like HCM), and Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis).
The 3:3:3 Rule: Help Your New Cat Adjust to Their Home The 3:3:3 rule explains some general expectations for the transition process and some tips on how to support your cat through each stage: 3 days for initial acclimatization, 3 weeks for settling in, and by 3 months, they should be comfortable and at ease in their ...
Cats hate strong, pungent, or bitter smells, with citrus (lemon, orange), vinegar, and harsh cleaning chemicals (ammonia, bleach) topping the list, along with certain herbs (lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary) and spices (cinnamon, pepper) that can irritate their sensitive noses, with some being toxic if ingested. Strong odors like spoiled food, other animals' scents, or menthol are also highly disliked.
Throw out all of the trash.
For anyone who is ill in your home, try dedicating a lined trash can for that one person's use. It's a good idea (and a CDC precaution for all cleaning and disinfecting during a time of virus) to wear gloves when you are removing or handling any trash bags.
Use a portable air cleaner or air purifier if you have one
When used properly, air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a home or confined space.
Even people who are fully vaccinated and boosted should isolate if they have symptoms or test positive. Someone in isolation should: Sleep in a bedroom not used by anyone else. If that's not possible, try to keep as much of a distance as possible between beds.
Protect pets if you are sick
If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), you should avoid contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would with people. Contact includes petting, snuggling, kissing, licking, sharing food, and sleeping in the same bed.
Samples required for the fecal RT-PCR screening test are 2-5 grams fresh feces. When screening an individual cat in a multi-cat household it is important to positively identify the source of the fecal sample. Mixing of fecal samples from multiple cats may result in an inaccurate result.
Common New COVID Variant Symptoms in 2025
Pets won't catch or spread human viruses.
A Vanderbilt infectious disease expert, while stopping short of actually prescribing in-home “pet therapy” for colds or flu, says that if having your companion by your side makes you feel better, go right ahead. Pets won't catch or spread human viruses.
The three most common protozoal diseases in cats and humans are cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, and toxoplasmosis.
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) that is mild can often go away. As an owner, you may not even be aware that your cat has FCoV.
Particles from an infected person can move throughout an entire room or indoor space. The particles can also linger in the air after a person has left the room – they can remain airborne for hours in some cases.
Bring as much fresh air into your home as possible
Bringing fresh, outdoor air into your home helps keep virus particles from accumulating inside. If it's safe to do so, open doors and windows as much as you can to bring in fresh, outdoor air.
You should clean the common areas often. You should also clean things you share with others often. You should open the windows in your house a lot to let fresh air in. You should get tested if you think you also have COVID-19.
The flu virus can live on clothing like gloves and scarves for two or three days, while diarrhea-causing viruses, such as rotavirus and norovirus, may thrive for as many as four weeks.
Soak: Soak the bristles in an antimicrobial mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide solution for a few minutes.
Take Over-The-Counter Medications
If used accurately, they can shorten the duration of illness by about 24 hours and decrease the risk of complications, especially in high-risk populations. If your symptoms include a sore throat or cough, use over-the-counter cough drops or cough medicine, such as Robitussin or Delsym.
Rosemary and lavender are good for helping you and your feline friend relax. Neroli and chamomile also have a particularly calming effect. However, the following scents are not particularly suitable for cats: cinnamon, clove, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus.
Respect your cat's boundaries by giving them space when they need it. Inappropriately grabbing your cat. Sudden or rough handling makes cats uncomfortable, and they can develop behavioral issues such as reactivity or fear if they are distressed.
Cats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, and even some humans think bananas are smelly. Bear in mind cats are mostly carnivores, so "smells like fruit" doesn't mean "smells like food" to a cat.