A 13-year-old male cat tested positive for the H1N1 virus in Iowa. Doctors say it's the first known case of a cat contracting influenza from its owners.

Ferrets, pigs and cats are the only animals known to have contracted swine flu from people. Dr. Michael Putnam says animal flu symptoms are very similar to humans.

"Your cough, your fever, slow low grade fever just in general," Dr. Putnam said.

Dr. Putnam says to watch their eating habits, "A cat with a fever does often times quit eating, and it is dangerous for cats to go off food for very many days in a row, so we do want to make note of that if they quit eating." Also be careful not to spread germs. "Wash your hands. Keep yourself clean between petting your pet and coughing and sneezing. Just good sanitation will prevent a lot of problems," Dr. Putnam said.

There have not been any known cases of dogs contracting swine flu but they have their own strain of flu that owners need to watch out for.

"There is canine influenza which is H3N8. It is a different virus but still causes influenza and it's still an HN virus," Dr. Putnam said.

Some over-the-counter antihistamines can be used to treat dogs and cats but its best to visit your vet if your pet seems sick.

"Its good to pay attention to it so we can get treatment, symptomatic therapy for cough, antibiotics if you're getting high temperatures and fluids push fluids," Dr. Putnam said.

People can spread flu germs from one animal to another so Dr. Putnam is encouraging pet owners to be cautious of spreading germs around all pets.

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