Any influenza infection can be more serious in these people.įinding a non-human (novel) influenza virus in an unexpected host (like a domestic cat) is always concerning and any human infection with a novel influenza virus is concerning as well. These precautions are even more important for people who are at high risk of serious flu complications, such as those who are being treated for cancer, or who have other chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, liver disease or kidney disease or women who are pregnant. Influenza infection in cats has generally resulted in mild illness in cats.ĬDC believes that the risk of human infection with an influenza virus from an infected cats is low, but risk is probably dependent on the characteristics of the virus in question and the duration and intensity of exposure.ĬDC has long-standing guidance for cat owners, including that people wash their hands with soap and running water after contact with cats, cat saliva or stool, and after cleaning a litter box. Less is known about the risk of an infected cat spreading flu to people. Some scientific studies suggest that it is not uncommon for people to infect cats with seasonal influenza viruses. Influenza in cats is thought to spread the same way that human flu spreads: through direct contact (playing or sleeping together, licking, nuzzling) through the air (droplets made from coughing or sneezing, including nasal discharge) and via contaminated surfaces (such as shared food and water bowls, cage surfaces). In case your cat isn’t responding, there are completely completely completely different. If time-outs nonetheless aren’t working after you’ve carried out them a great deal of circumstances persistently, it is perhaps time to consider that your cat isn’t responding precisely to this method. Cats can be infected with influenza viruses, including avian influenza viruses, and can spread influenza viruses to each other (cat-to-cat). Don’t get discouraged until you’ve tried time-outs a minimal of thrice with every cat.