The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department today said a pet cat of a COVID-19 patient tested positive for the virus.

The case involves a domestic short-haired cat whose owner lives in Tai Kok Tsui. It was sent for quarantine at the animal keeping facility at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port on July 27.

The department explained that while the cat’s samples tested positive for COVID-19, it has not shown any symptoms.

The department will closely monitor the cat and conduct repeated testing.

It emphasised that currently there is no evidence that pets are playing a role in the spread of human infection with the COVID-19 virus.

Pet owners are reminded to maintain good hygiene practices, including hand washing before and after being around or handling pets, their food or supplies, as well as avoid kissing pets.

If there are any changes in their pet’s health condition, advice from a veterinarian should be sought as soon as possible.