Domestic cats have the potential to contract the fatal Hendra virus and pass it to humans, Queensland's chief veterinary officer says.

Dr Rick Symons says studies are being done to better understand how Hendra spreads, its effects on family pets and how dogs and cats can pass the virus to humans.

"The limited information we have is that it doesn't seem to affect the dogs," Dr Symons said.

"Cats can certainly get it and spread it.

"There is work on other species.