Often we hear non-cat people say that cats "carry disease" or are "dirty animals." Well, this time it's the humans who carried the disease--onto their cat! A 13 year old indoor cat in Iowa contracted the H1N1 (also known as swine flu) virus from its human housemates after two out of three of the humans in the house had become ill.
We keep our cats indoors to protect them from outside dangers, but few people realize they can carry certain "dangers" on themselves into the house, which then gets passed to the cat.
Watch your cat for signs of respiratory infection, which is generally the first symptom, but can also include lethargic behavior and lack of appetite. Particularly if someone in your household has had the flu or flu-like symptoms, bring your cat to your veterinarian for testing immediately if he/she starts to become ill.
According to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), the Iowa cat "developed signs of a respiratory infection after several people in the household were ill. Preliminary testing was positive for 2009 H1N1 on October 29 and the results were confirmed on November 2. This is the first report of a cat infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The cat is recovering from its illness. To date, there is no evidence that the cat passed the virus to any people."
Ferrets in Oregon and Nebraska have tested positive for the flu. One of four in Nebraska died from complications. Ferrets particularly, are very prone to human colds and flu.
Before petting your cat, be sure to wash your hands well with soap and water and use anti-bacterial gels when you come home, particularly if you have had contact with other people or animals. This will help protect yourself and the rest of your family as well.
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