Authorities and pet lovers in Hong Kong are locked in a game of cat and mouse, with citizens mounting a clandestine rescue operation for hamsters condemned to be euthanised over fears they could transmit Covid-19.On Tuesday, government and health officials announced traces of the virus had been found on 11 hamsters , all in a pet shop where a 23-year-old staff member had fallen ill.

The order includes pets that were bought days before Christmas be handed over, with a warning not to “kiss or abandon them on the street” as Hong Kong and mainland China attempt to sustain a zero Covid strategy, attempting to suppress all outbreaks internally while maintaining tight border controls with the outside world.

Lindsey Manton’s tattoo of her yorkshire terrier, Kimi.Photograph: Lindsey Manton/Guardian Community.Photograph: Stephanie/Guardian Community.Photograph: Valeria/Guardian Community.Photograph: Jennifer/Guardian Community.Photograph: Andrew Lewis/Guardian Community.Photograph: Nicholas Cook/Guardian CommunityWhen our lurcher Nelson passed away during lockdown, it was crushing.

pic.twitter.com/4kawvXB6eM — Cyclone (@JulyCyclone) My babies are Luna and Neville ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/1pByZbpCvt — Aureylian △⃒⃘ (@aureylian) The thread has inspired more than 230 responses from pet owners around the world. pic.twitter.com/7V3Lg7N2Gl — Brandy🐱🐰🐺 (@_zombielemonade) Popular names include Dobby, Ginny and Luna, but Minerva is a popular choice for cats – for obvious reasons.

Monica and Reggie the Chow Chow (Picture: Gerrard Gethings)Dogs really do seem to look like their owners and now we have further evidence. From long-haired afghan hounds with their hipster owners to Chinese crested dogs with the same fluffy heads as their humans, it really is a case of spot the difference.

Hamster blog site Hammysworld also suggests placing the crate on a stone or tiled floor during the day if possible in order to help them remain cool and comfortable.