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Officials from Iowa and the United States Department of Agriculture have confirmed a pet cat in the United States has tested positive for the H1N1 virus.  This is the first time a feline has contracted the H1N1 virus in the United States, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

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According to reports, the 13-year-old cat became ill after several people in the home exhibited flu-like symptoms.  The cat became lethargic and had trouble breathing.  On October 9, preliminary testing for H1N1 was positive.  The results were confirmed on November 2, 2009. 

The 13-year-old kitty was treated at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at the Iowa State University of Veterinary Medicine last week and has now recovered.

Swine Flu and Pets

Dr. Brett Sponseller, the Iowa veterinarian who treated the cat, said this was the first “highly-suspected case of H1N1 going from humans into a cat.”  H1N1 has also been confirmed in two ferrets, one from Nebraska and one from Oregon.  Both died.   Ferrets are especially prone to influenza viruses. 

Pet owners are urged to take the same precautions against spreading H1N1 to pets as they do with humans.  Recommendations include frequent hand washing, covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing and minimizing contact with pets while ill.   According to Iowa veterinarian Dr. David Schmitt, “Indoor pets that live in close proximity to someone who has been sick, are at risk and it is wise to monitor their health to ensure they aren’t showing signs of illness.”  If a pet shows signs of respiratory illness, please contact your vet.  Currently, there are no H1N1 vaccinations for pets.

Further information for pet owners is available on the AVMA website. The USDA has an up-to-date listing of animals that have tested positive with the virus.

Siamese kitty photo by Dominic Morel

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