H1N1 (Swine) Flu Confirmed in Iowa Cat
Breaking News From Janet Crosby, D.V.M, About.com Guide to Veterinary Medicine:
The question has been circulating for months, can dogs and cats catch the H1N1 flu? While no one could say for sure, infectious disease experts felt that dogs and cats were not as susceptible as humans, pigs, and then later turkeys and ferrets.
Today, the answer is different
It has been confirmed that a cat has caught the H1N1 virus from humans. The Iowa Department of Public Health as reported that a cat became ill with H1N1 virus after 3 members of the family became ill with influenza-like symptoms.
Earlier this year, it was widely believed that household pets, such as cats, dogs, and ferrets, were safe from the H1N1 flu virus, but although the CDC has not yet updated as to these events, the AVMA has. The AVMA adds this common sense advice:
Pets that live indoors, especially cats, tend to have close contact with their owners - after all, that's why we have pets - and that increases their exposure to diseases. The best advice is to always follow common sense guidelines when dealing with animals (for example, washing your hands). In addition, it's more important than ever that pet owners keep a good eye on their pet's health and consult a veterinarian if their pet is showing any signs of illness. Keeping your pets healthy reduces their risk of becoming ill.This is sound advice. I've always stressed the importance of having a thorough knowledge of your cat's normal health condition; in fact, it's my first rule in Knowing When to Call the Vet.
Comments
Thats scary. I didn’t even know that cats could catch any type of flu. I’ve always been made aware of the diseases that one normally associates with cats and have vaccinations for. The thought that I could give my cat the flu is truly scary. Now I know I’ll have to be more careful while handling their food and water, and even be more careful if I cough around them!
Holy cow! I had no idea. Thanks for posting this. I have cats and dogs. I would have never thought this would an issue.
Oh no! NOW I may get the flu shot.
I just had to put my 6 yr old cat Nemo down 2 days ago, and I tried for little over a month to get him better, and now I think to he had the H1n1, my vet didnt have any answers but sure charge me alot of money, and I did all the work, nemo’s syptoms were, lost about 10 pounds in just a few days, a infection in his mouth from fever, and it seemed that he had something wrong with his throut. took him home with fluid I.V.s and had to force feed him, which was so hard for me to do cuz I felt like i was hurting him in the process. he got better for a week or so and then he just wouldnt eat. and the wierd thing was that even though he wanted to eat. I would put the food in front of him and he wopuld gag like it mad e him sick to his stomach. I need to no if this does sound like the h1n1. cuz then I want money back from my vet. it was over 1000.00 bucks and they did nothing to help him I did all the work. and we still had to put him down. and he was one of the best cats I have owned and bueatiful, long haired seal point. and very healthy, he weighed about 20+ pds and went down to 9 pds