After two New York house cats tested positive for the coronavirus, we asked a member of our 21 News coronavirus team how the virus can be transmitted to cats or dogs.

Doctor Linda Saif of Ohio State University's  Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine said it is more likely a person would give the virus to a cat or dog, or they would contract it from a surface.

The symptoms in cats will likely remain mild.

"Maybe slight nasal discharge, maybe a mild lack of appetite, but usually if they have symptoms it's usually mild," said Dr. Saif.

She said people who are quarantined with COVID 19 need to isolate themselves from their pets.

"Because in that situation, if the cat is around the owner and they are exposing the cat every day because they are infected, then the cat is going to be exposed to a much higher dose than it probably normally would if it wasn't in an infected household or had a direct contact with an infected person."

The CDC recommends pet owners should not let them interact with people or other animals outside of the home.

They said owners should keep cats indoors when possible, walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet from other people and animals.

They also recommend to avoid dog parks or public places.

And if you are sick with COVID-19, restrict contact with your pets.

The CDC isn't encouraging people to get their pets tested.

They said tests should be reserved for humans first.