Cat diagnosed with H1N1 flu

St. Petersburg, Florida -  A 13-year-old Iowa cat is among the first pets to be diagnosed with the H1N1 virus.   The American Veterinary Medical Association confirms the diagnosis in the cat and two ferrets.

The cases are not connected, however, in each incident, the pets lived in households with owners who had been sick with flu-like symptoms. 

Mark Brown, a St. Petersburg veterinarian, says he's not surprised.

"It's just crossing species, just like some of these viruses can do," he said.

The Iowa cat recovered from a mild flu.

While you shouldn't panic, Brown knows from personal experience... you can get your pet sick. 

"My little puppy dog developed an upper respiratory infection.  I definitely believe he picked it up from me.  It was days after and the symptoms were almost identical," Brown explained.

If you are sick, Brown says you should treat your animals as if the possibility exists the virus can be transmitted from you to your pet.

"If you have a pet that may be a young puppy or older dog, a little more immuno-compromised, the best thing to do is probably not sleep with them during that time, wash your hands and be careful not to get them too close," recommended Brown.

The Centers for Disease Control says the H1N1 virus is not known to spread from pets to people or to other pets.  It has also not been seen in dogs.

Learn more:

American Veterinary Medical Association:  H1N1 FAQ for Pet Owners

Centers for Disease Control:  H1N1