The coronavirus has steadily been infecting more citizens, but now it has officially reached a new status. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus has the ability to infect certain animals, including household pets such as cats. There is still lots of research to be done, but there is enough to help citizens to do their best to stay healthy.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

The first animal case was a tiger at the Bronx Zoo. Zookeepers noticed that the big cat, Nadia, had a very dry cough, neglected her meals, and wheezed. When other tigers in the vicinity started to have the same symptoms, the zoo vets gave them the Covid-19 test and found out they were positive. Since this incident which took place April 5, more and more animals seem to be contracting the virus. Two pet cats in New York also tested positive for the virus. According to the CDC, the cats tested positive, but they should be able to make a full recovery soon. The source of the virus is still unknown as no members of the household had the virus. The virus is not just limited to felines. In North Carolina, a pug has tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that becomes Covid-19 in humans. This pug is believed to be the first dog to contract the virus which means there is very little information about how it will affect the pug’s body. These new discoveries have led to a new set of precautions to keep both people and their pets healthy.                                                                     

The CDC has stated that the chance of animals spreading the virus to humans is still very low, but it is safe to treat pets just like other members of the family. It is wise to limit their interactions with other people and pets outside of the house, and if someone gets sick, make sure they are isolated from all people and pets as well. There is still a ton of research to be done to fully understand the role animals play in the spread of Covid-19, but it is better to take extra safety measures now until the CDC or other reliable health organizations like WHO release more information and advice.