2 pet cats in New York confirmed with COVID-19, 8 lions & tigers test positive

Two cats in New York have been infected with the novel coronavirus, US federal officials have announced. Both had mild respiratory symptoms and are expected to make a full recovery.

"These are the first pets in the United States to test positive," the US Department of Agriculture said Wednesday in a joint statement with the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agencies emphasised that there is no evidence pets play a role in spreading coronavirus in the United States.

"There is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare," they said.

The two cats were tested after they showed respiratory symptoms, according to the agencies, and they join the ranks of eight lions and tigers who were infected at a New York zoo.

A veterinarian tested the first house cat after it showed mild respiratory signs, but none of the humans in its household were confirmed to have the virus.

It's possible, officials said, that the cat was infected by somebody outside the home. Someone inside the house, with mild or no symptoms, could have also transmitted the virus.