H1N1 Positive Cat in Iowa

November 4, 6:22 PMCleveland Pet Training ExaminerRachel Friedman

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Officials at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine confirmed today the first known transfer of the H1N1 (aka Swine Flu) virus from people to a cat. Just last month the first and second reported cases were found in pet ferrets - one in Oregon, one in Nebraska. While the 13 year old neutered male cat recovered, sadly the ferrets both died.        

While other strains of influenza are known to jump species from man to animals, in a process called zoonosis, this first case scenario of people giving to a feline gives rise to the same adages we're being inundated with all the time. Advise that is wise.

Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and if you or a loved one in your home is sick, pay attention to the energy level of non human loved ones too to ensure their ongoing health can continue to enchant.

For more info: Center for Disease Control (CDC), Zoonosis