An orange tabby in Iowa is the first confirmed case of swine flu in cats. According to veterinarians, the cat caught swine flu from his caretakers. While this came as a surprise to some, any seasoned feline companion will tell you that it’s very common for cats to catch diseases from their caretakers–and vice versa! Beyond swine flu, here’s a partial list of diseases that can jump between you and your cat:
- ringworm
- feline conjunctivitis
- pasteurella
- salmonella
- bartonellosis (cat scratch fever)
- helicobacter pylori
- toxoplasmosis
- rotavirus
- rabies
While our orange tabby is making a recovery, this is an important reminder for caretakers.
So how do you prevent catching (or giving!) a bug to/from your furry friend? As always, simple hygeine goes a long way!
- wash your hands frequently, especially after petting sessions, after being licked, or after being sneezed on
- clean out the litter box daily
- if feeding raw (the ideal diet for your cat), be careful–never store raw meat in the fridge for more than 24 hours and always dispose of uneaten portions no later than 30 minutes after setting it out.
- keep kitty’s claws clipped to prevent scratches from breaking the skin
- never allow kitty on counter-tops or other food preparation areas