Virus-Hunting Cat Helps Scientists, Again

Most cats bring their humans dead lizards, half-eaten mice, or, if they’re generous, a slightly crumpled leaf. But Pepper isn’t like most cats. This adventurous feline has helped scientists discover not one, but two previously unknown viruses, and she’s done it without even trying.

Pepper lives a seemingly normal cat life in Gainesville, Florida. She naps in sunny windows, patrols her backyard like a tiny panther, and occasionally brings “gifts” to her humans. 

But her owner just so happens to be Dr. John Lednicky, a virologist at the University of Florida. So when Pepper dragged in a lifeless shrew one day, instead of recoiling in horror, Lednicky did what any virus researcher would do, he swabbed it.

What he found was a new strain of orthoreovirus, a virus typically found in mammals and birds, and one that has occasionally been linked to gastrointestinal or neurological illness in humans. 

The new virus, officially dubbed Gainesville shrew mammalian orthoreovirus type 3 strain UF-1 (try saying that three times fast), was living in that unlucky Everglades short-tailed shrew. And thanks to Pepper’s keen hunting skills, scientists now know it exists.

“We wouldn’t have found it if not for Pepper,” said Dr. Lednicky. “It’s funny, because this is the second time she’s done this. I don’t think she knows she’s contributing to science, but she’s certainly making her mark.”

Last year, Pepper brought home a cotton rat, which led to the discovery of another rare virus called a jeilongvirus, the first of its kind found in North America. At this point, her batting average is better than some research grants.

The latest find was part of an ongoing project led by Lednicky and researcher Emily DeRuyter, who studies viruses in wildlife. They’re interested in how viruses move through animal populations and what that means for human health. And while no one is saying Pepper is the next big epidemiologist, she has inspired a new wave of curiosity in “backyard biosurveillance.”

“We’ve started taking a second look at what comes through the door, whether it’s roadkill or something Pepper drags in,” said DeRuyter. “I never thought I’d be thanking a cat for contributing to my research, but here we are.”

Orthoreoviruses are common in many species and typically don’t cause illness in healthy people. Still, discovering new strains helps researchers understand how viruses evolve, spread, and occasionally jump between species.

“There’s still so much we don’t know about the viruses living quietly in wild animals,” said DeRuyter. “Every new one we identify gives us another piece of the puzzle.”

Back at home, Pepper seems unfazed by her growing reputation. According to Lednicky, she continues to bring in specimens, though not all of them are useful.

“Sometimes it’s a frog, sometimes it’s a plastic fork from the neighbors’ trash. You never know what you’re going to get,” he said with a laugh.

On social media, Pepper has become something of a folk hero. A tweet featuring her photo next to the words “Virus Hunter” has gone viral, and fans have suggested everything from honorary degrees to a dedicated lab named in her honor.

“Someone even asked if she could be part of a research team,” said Lednicky. “I told them only if the pay includes salmon treats.”

So, what’s next for Pepper? More prowling, probably. Maybe another rodent-shaped contribution to science. For now, she’s enjoying her status as the most unintentionally helpful cat in Florida.

As Lednicky put it: “She’s not a trained lab assistant, but she’s definitely earned her place in the team photo.”

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.