Cat confirmed to have the swine flu: Are your pets safe?

The H1N1 flu (swine flu) has been found in humans, pigs, birds, ferrets, and now a cat. It has been confirmed a 13-year-old Iowa cat has been infected. This s believed to be the first case of the H1N1 virus in a feline.

The cat, who is reportedly getting better, started to show signs of respiratory infection after at least one of its human roommates was sick with H1N1. However, there is no data to indicate that the cat has passed the virus to any humans, reports the American Veterinary Medical Association.

“This is the first cat that we are aware of with the pandemic H1N1,” assistant professor of veterinarian microbiology Brett Sponseller said.

It is well known that some viruses can be passed from people to their pets so this situation is not unique. Until more data is available veterinarians are urging that pets are treated the same way humans are regarding precautions to prevent the flu. You can keep your pets healthy by washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and minimizing contact with pets while ill with flu-like symptoms. If your pet starts have respiratory issues, contact your veterinarian.