An animal expert has urged Brits to avoid cuddling pets after a cat caught coronavirus.

It is widely believed the cat caught Covid-19 from its owners, but has now recovered.

Covid-19 has killed over 45,000 Brits in hospitals since March.

Daniella dos Santos, a vet expert, appeared on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday's show to discuss the findings.

Speaking about the development, GMB host Ben Shephard asked: "What advice would you give - if somebody has the symptoms of Covid but not a positive test.

"What advice would you give them with regards to their pets?"

Daniella, appearing via video link from Central London, said: "It really is the same advice we have been giving throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

"It is about hygiene. Make sure you are practicing good hygiene - hand washing, catching any coughs or sneezes into tissues and discarding them immediately."

She added: "But make sure you are trying to minimise contact with your pets as much as possible. Of course, you need to feed your pets but wash your hands before and after.

"If you have a particularly affectionate animal, consider minimising contact, if you have an affectionate dog or cat which enjoys snuggling up to you because it is all about that contact."

UK organisation Cats Protection says it is believed transmission of Covid-19 from humans to cats is extremely rare.

Its website adds: "There is currently no evidence that cats can transmit Covid-19 to humans and so owners should not worry unnecessarily.

"However, as it is known that the virus can survive on surfaces such as door handles, it may be possible, despite the lack of evidence, for the virus to survive in a similar way on a cat’s fur."