First report of a cat with H1N1

IOWA - A 13-year-old cat in Iowa tested positive for the H1N1 virus.

Testing was done on the animal in October after the cat developed signs of a respiratory infection. Several other people in the household were also sick.

The American Veterinary Medical Association released the information about the cat on Wednesday. The group says this is the first cat infected with H1N1. The cat has recovered.

The AVMA reports two ferrets also had H1N1. A ferret in Nebraska died, but one in Oregon has recovered.

The group is advising pet owners to closely monitor their pets' health closely.

Veterinarians say pets with H1N1 show the same upper respiratory symptoms as people. Those symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasnal discharge and watery eyes.

Treatment is the same as people as well. Veterinarians recommend keeping your pets hydrated, and letting them rest.

For more information, view the AVMA's press release on the Iowa case or visit the AVMA's H1N1 resources Web page.