Two cats in New York have been infected with the novel coronavirus , US federal officials have announced. Both had mild respiratory symptoms and are expected to make a full recovery.

"These are the first pets in the United States to test positive," the US Department of Agriculture said Wednesday in a joint statement with the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agencies emphasised that there is no evidence pets play a role in spreading coronavirus in the United States.

"There is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare," they said.

Cats can contract COVID-19, it has been revealed. (AP)

The two cats were tested after they showed respiratory symptoms, according to the agencies, and they join the ranks of eight lions and tigers who were infected at a New York zoo.

A veterinarian tested the first house cat after it showed mild respiratory signs, but none of the humans in its household were confirmed to have the virus.

It's possible, officials said, that the cat was infected by somebody outside the home. Someone inside the house, with mild or no symptoms, could have also transmitted the virus.

Eight lions and tigers, including this one, have tested positive for coronavirus at Bronx Zoo in New York. (AP)

The second cat, in a separate area of New York, was also tested after it showed signs of respiratory illness. The owner of that cat tested positive for Covid-19 before the cat became ill, but another cat in the household has shown no signs of illness.

Social distancing for cats and dogs, too

Asked about the cats on Wednesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci said "it's not surprising" they could have been infected.

But Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease specialist, emphasised that "there is no evidence whatsoever that we've seen, from an epidemiological standpoint, that pets can be transmitters within the household."

While officials are still learning more about coronavirus and pets, the CDC is recommending that people limit interactions between their pets and people or animals outside the household.

Officials are still learning more about coronavirus and pets, but the CDC is recommending that people limit interactions between their pets and people or animals outside the household.

Cats should be kept indoors when possible, the CDC said, and dogs should be walked on a leash, maintaining at least six feet from other people and animals.

People wear facial masks for protection against the coronavirus as they walk their dogs on the Brooklyn Bridge. (AP)

The agency said dogs should also avoid public places where a large number of people and animals gather, such as dog parks.

If someone is ill with Covid-19 -- whether suspected or confirmed -- officials recommend having another member of the household care for pets.

If that's not possible, people should wear cloth face coverings around animals, making sure to wash their hands before and after any interactions.

A woman walks her dog along Brighton-Le-Sands Beach as the sun rises over Botany Bay in Sydney. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)