Serological Investigation on the Presence of Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Domestic Cats Living with COVID-19 Positive Owners in the UAE, 2022

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The current study represents the first serological investigation on the presence of FCoV and SARS-CoV-2 in domestic cats in the UAE. A total of 83 sera were obtained from domestic cats living with COVID-19-positive owners (by RT-qPCR). Seroprevalence of FCoV in collected samples from all cats was 65% (54/83). All cat breeds could be infected with FCoV. Purebred cats showed a higher seropositivity rate than mixed-breed cats. British short-hair breed showed the highest prevalence rate, while Siamese showed the lowest rate. Cats that have outdoor access are less susceptible to becoming infected than those without outdoor access. Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in cats’ population at a low prevalence, eight (9.6%) cats were considered positive. Both FCoV and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in four samples (4.8%). COVID-19-positive patients should avoid close contact with their cats during illness time. ABSTRACT: Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is widely circulating among domestic cats (Felis catus). The zoonotic origin of the emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the biological characteristics of CoVs, including the ability to cross interspecies barriers, facilitate its emergence in different animals, including cats’ populations. The current study is the first to report the serological investigation on the presence of FCoV and SARS-CoV-2 in domestic cats living with COVID-19-positive owners in the UAE. A total of 83 sera were collected from domestic cats living with COVID-19-positive owners (by RT-qPCR). The cats were sampled during the period between February and May 2022 in Al-Ain and Abu Dhabi Cities, UAE. Detection of FCoV and SARS-CoV-2 was carried out by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). FCoV antibodies were detected in 54 samples (65%). The frequencies of FCoV were significantly higher in purebred cats (48%; 40/83) and in the cat group with outdoor access (49.4%; 41/83). SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in collected sera revealed 8 samples (9.6%) with positive results. Four samples (4.8%) showed positive results for both FCoV and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. In conclusion, FCoV is widely circulating within cats’ populations involved in the study. The antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 were detected in cats’ populations but at a low prevalence rate. COVID-19-positive people should avoid close contact with their cats. Future serological testing of large cats’ populations is crucial for providing a good understanding of COVID-19 dynamics in cats.