H1N1 Can Infect Cats

As if we need any more hype and panic about the H1N1 pandemic. But I thought it was newsworthy to mention that your cat can become infected with the H1N1 virus. So far, it is thought that cats cannot infect humans – but an Iowa kitty was infected by his owner.

On October 27, 2009 a 13 year-old tabby in Iowa caught the H1N1 virus from its owner. To-date this article reports the only known instance where a cat caught the flu from a human. There is no evidence that felines can infect humans with the flu – so there is no need for being overly alarmed when you come into contact with outdoor cats. But you may want to wash your hands after handling unfamiliar cats to prevent possible contamination being passed to your own felines.

Washing your hands frequently during the flu and cold season is just common sense. Being aware that the so-called swine flu can also be passed to your cats is hopefully going to help prevent their being infected as well. The tabby in Iowa lived to see another day – but being for warned is being for armed. No dogs have been reported with the H1N1 virus, but don’t discount the possibility. Wash up after handling other people’s pets.