Cat Gets Swine Flu
You may have heard that a pet ferret contracted H1N1 — swine flu — in October after it’s owner was sick with flu-like symptoms. In a report today at PetMD.com, Iowa officials confirm that a 13-year-old cat with respiratory illness symptoms tested positive for H1N1. The cat’s owners had been sick with a flu-like illness and were thought to be the source of the infection for this cat. The good news is that the cat recovered.
This story reminds us that some viruses do pass between humans and their pets. The same good hygiene tips that help prevent the spread of infection between humans can also reduce the risk of spreading between humans and pets.
Tips for reducing the spread of infection:
- Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands! This is the #1 best way to prevent the spread of infection! When my wheaten visits patients, I always wash his paws after leaving the hospital to help reduce him carrying infections home on his feet, too.
- Do the Dracula cough and sneeze by coughing and sneezing into your elbow. Don’t sneeze into your bare hands. And if you do sneeze or cough into your hands — wash before touching anything, anyone, or any pet.
- Minimize close contact with your pet if either of you is sick. It’s great to have Fido at the bedside when you’re not feeling well, but keep him on the floor next to the bed or at your feet rather than smooching near your face.
If you want to keep track of H1N1 cases in pets, follow the reports on the American Veterinary Medicine Association webpage.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that these ailments can be transmitted from animal to human and vice versa. I was always under the impression that it wasn’t possible. In fact, I’d never heard of it until this H1N1 came along. I’m happy the cat recovered and also if its human did. I’m happy to have the info. about preventing the transmission of these ailments to our animal babies. It’ll come in quite handy from now on!
Not all diseases can pass from animal to human or vice versa, but clearly some can. That’s why the same important hygiene rules we use to avoid spreading infections between humans should also apply to our contacts with animals. Can’t stress enough that the absolute best way to avoid spreading infections is to wash your hands!