It turns out it isn't just humans that need to take H1N1 precautions.
On Monday, test results confirmed that H1N1 had infected a cat in Iowa through human family members. Two members of the family had flu-like symptoms before their cat also showed similar symptoms.
Dr. Carlson of Chubbuck's Alpine Animal Hospital said that family pets, especially ferrets are susceptible to H1N1 and one pet ferret in Nebraska has died from the virus. Carlson said that those who are experiencing flu-like symptoms need to take  precautions with pets to minimize transmission. This includes washing hands before and after handling a pet or preparing their food, and also avoiding close contact, including sharing a bed with an animal. A pet could also spread the virus to a human.
"If anybody has flu-like signs--they're worried about it, it's probably best that maybe they put the dog or the cat in the kennel for a few nights to try to help decrease the transmission."
Dr. Carlson said that if a pet owner suspects or notices flu-like symptoms in an animal, including respiratory problems, to bring him into their veterinarian.