The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University diagnosed the H1N1 virus in a cat. It's the first diagnosis in a cat in the nation. Because this is the first cat case of H1N1, they don't know exactly how the virus affects cats or other felines.
Two family members that own the 13-year-old cat had flu-like symptoms before the cat got sick. The cat is back at home with the family and everyone is healthy, but Dr. Albert Jergens at Veterinary Clinic Services is shocked. "I have to say that when the screening test came back positive, I was more suspicious that it would be confirmed that this cat had H1N1, says Jergens.
If you feel sick, Dr. Michelle Spencer of Abel-Keppy Animal Hospital in Bettendorf says, "Make sure you wash your hands before coming in contact with your cat. Avoid breathing, sneezing and coughing on your pet would be recommended."
Samantha Deyoung of Rock Island Co. Animal Care and Control ask that, "People who are sick to stay home. Don't bring it out the public and obviously with the cat that contracted H1N1 from a human. It would definitely be a wise decision to stay home."
Experts are wondering how a disease could jump from the human species to an animal. Experts recommend if you are sick, don't curl up with your pet.
Two ferrets have also been confirmed with the virus one in Oregon and one in Nebraska.
Two family members that own the 13-year-old cat had flu-like symptoms before the cat got sick. The cat is back at home with the family and everyone is healthy, but Dr. Albert Jergens at Veterinary Clinic Services is shocked. "I have to say that when the screening test came back positive, I was more suspicious that it would be confirmed that this cat had H1N1, says Jergens.
If you feel sick, Dr. Michelle Spencer of Abel-Keppy Animal Hospital in Bettendorf says, "Make sure you wash your hands before coming in contact with your cat. Avoid breathing, sneezing and coughing on your pet would be recommended."
Samantha Deyoung of Rock Island Co. Animal Care and Control ask that, "People who are sick to stay home. Don't bring it out the public and obviously with the cat that contracted H1N1 from a human. It would definitely be a wise decision to stay home."
Experts are wondering how a disease could jump from the human species to an animal. Experts recommend if you are sick, don't curl up with your pet.
Two ferrets have also been confirmed with the virus one in Oregon and one in Nebraska.
