When Covid-19 swept across the world, many feared that pets and stray animals might spread the virus. But stray dogs and cats were rarely infected, and when they were, symptoms were almost always mild or invisible. Unlike humans or indoor pets, strays don’t spend long hours in close contact with people, which drastically lowers their risk of catching the virus.

So, why do stray animals stay healthier than we expect? Their immune systems are naturally strong, constantly “trained” by exposure to diverse germs. Nature also plays a role-only the fittest survive, creating populations that resist seasonal viruses. Strays also self-isolate when sick, preventing illness from spreading among their peers.

Humans, in contrast, face higher risks because indoor lifestyles, seasonal changes, and sudden temperature shifts make viral spread easier. Strays, it seems, are naturally pandemic-proof, showing us how adaptation and immunity work hand in hand.