RSS
Home
New concerns for cats and swine flu?
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Don't let your cat get sidelined by H1N1.
When H1N1, or swine flu, first struck this year, veterinary experts assured pet owners that their animal companions were unlikely to become victims or hosts for the virulent flu bug.
But, as predicted by experts, the virus isn't acting in an entirely predictable manner. Last week, we learned of the first cat known to have contracted the H1N1 virus. (In October, a pet ferret - an animal that is more susceptible to disease - was diagnosed with the virus.)
According to The Washington Post, the feline flu victim was a 13-year-old cat from Iowa, who lives in a house with three humans; two of whom also showed signs of the flu. Happily, the cat and humans have recovered from the illness.
Nonetheless, news of the human-to-furry-companion-flu-transmission is a bit disconcerting for pet owners who are concerned about protecting the health of their animal friends.
But don't go rushing to purchase a cat-sized "flu mask" or applying instant hand sanitizer to kitty's paws just yet. The World Health Organization (WHO) said that thus far, human-to-pet (and vice versa) H1N1 cases have been "isolated events and pose no special risks to human health."
If you have concerns about keeping yourself and your pets healthy during the flu season, here are a few helpful tips:
- Check with the American Veterinary Medical Association for frequent updates on H1N1/pet cases.
- If you have flu symptoms, resist the urge to let Mr. Snuggles play "nurse kitty" while you stay home to recover. Keep your distance from your pets - just as you would with any other member of the family - until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
- Practice good hygiene at home with frequent hand washing, particularly after sneezing or blowing your nose.
- Monitor your cat's health. If she or he shows signs of respiratory illness, lethargy, appetite loss, fever, runny nose and/or eyes, coughing, sneezing or difficulty breathing, contact a vet as soon as possible.
