Source: MARK LARGE / Getty
According to federal officials, two pet cats in New York State have tested positive for COVID-19.
The cats live in separate areas of New York state and show mild respiratory symptoms but are expected to make full recoveries.
This marks the first time a pet has tested positive for the virus in the United States. One cat is believed to have caught the virus from its owner, who was positive for COVID-19. Officials believe the other cat was infected by an ill household member or through contact with a neighbor.
While officials said they are still learning about the virus, there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading it.
The CDC recommends protecting pets by keeping them indoors and preventing them from interacting with people and other animals outside the household.
The finding comes after a 4-year-old Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo tested positive for the virus on April 4.
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