This is such a controversial subject with the outbreak of the Flu everywhere! It is also, however, one that we do not want to take lightly. I spoke with my own Vet who assured me that our pets cannot contract any of the human illnesses and diseases that we get but after further research it appears that it can happen, but very rarely. When it happens there are other issues involved.
The truth of the matter is that pets do get Flu but it is in no way the same type of Flu that the humans get. Through my research I have found that the H1N1 Flu has the ability to change its genetic structure as it can jump from species to species. There is a Canine Flue, An Avian Flu (Affecting Birds), and since H1N1 and the H5N1 Flu have some of the same genes and cats can easily attract the flu through an infected bird (providing that your cat is an outdoor cat).
As rare as it is, there was a recent documented case of a cat that did get the H1N1 Flu from the family, with 3 members of the family suffering from the disease. They are all recovering but it is something of concern for us all. Statistics from vetmedicine.com states that cats, ferrets, pigs and turkeys have contracted the disease from people but not the other way around. At any rate, most of the studies are still in their infancy and we should take whatever precautions we need to for protecting our families, including our pets. For further detailed information on this controversial subject, check out the vetmedicine.About.com. Besides that recent case with the cat, some ferrets have also been reported to have gotten the swine type flu (and they too are recovering) but there are no documented cases as far as dogs getting it at this time.
As always, wash hands often, be as sanitary as possible and isolate the affected, ill person and/or animal. Preventative measures are out there with vaccinations so be sure to talk to your doctor or vet. There are different types of influenza, a type A and type B, whereas animals have their own type of influenza. The canine influenza virus is an influenza Type A H3N8 virus, and the feline version is Type A H5N1 influenza virus. There appears to be a brand new vaccine available for the H3N8 influenza virus so I could not hesitate to contact my Vet if I were you to inquire about the dangers to your pets and if you can get them protected. Prevention is always the best medicine.
Take any precautions that you can to keep pets safe from most dangers that can spread the various viruses around. Keep cats indoors and in safe environments as much as possible and dogs should most surely be protected before entering a kennel type situation when being around other pets that may be infected.
We now know that it is a rare situation but is possible our pets can contract the H1N1 (in a different form), so I would definitely do more research and call your own personal trusted Vet for confirmation on what you should do to be sure everyone, including your beloved pets, are definitely protected and safe.
