# Whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from the initial cases of domestic cat infections in Canada

## TL;DR

This study sequenced SARS-CoV-2 from two infected cats in Canada, revealing new mutations and close genetic ties to human cases.

## Contribution

The discovery of a previously unreported SARS-CoV-2 lineage in cats adds to understanding of viral transmission and evolution.

## Key findings

- One cat was infected with a novel SARS-CoV-2 lineage A.23.1 not previously seen in animals.
- Both cat samples showed multiple spike gene mutations and clustered closely with human-derived SARS-CoV-2 sequences.
- The study provides insights into zoonotic transmission and viral evolution in domestic cats.

## Abstract

Two cat nasal swabs from Canada’s earliest confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive domestic cats were sequenced to over 99% SARS-CoV-2 genome coverage. One cat had lineage A.23.1 SARS-CoV-2 not reported before in animals. Both sequences have multiple spike gene mutations and clustered closely with human-derived sequences in the global SARS-CoV-2 phylogenetic tree.