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A pet cat is the first animal in Britain to be diagnosed with coronavirus.

Experts believe the cat caught the virus from its owners, not the other way round.

The cat suffered from a nasal discharge and shortness of breath – Covid-19 symptoms that affect people.

Both pet and owners have made a full recovery.

After a referral by a local vet the cat was diagnosed with the virus after being tested at Glasgow University.

The illness was confirmed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency laboratory in Weybridge, Surrey.

The Prime Minister’s spokesperson said:

“Its symptoms were a respiratory infection with a nasal discharge and some shortness of breath.”

And, Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:

“’Tests have confirmed that the virus responsible for Covid-19 has been detected in a pet cat in England.

“This is a very rare event with infected animals detected to date only showing mild clinical signs and recovering within in a few days.

“There is no evidence to suggest that pets directly transmit the virus to humans.

“We will continue to monitor this situation closely and will update our guidance to pet owners should the situation change.”