Aunt's 13 week old kitten has cat flu... & I've agreed to look after it this weekend

[tk1999]

But only after I tried to check it with my Obs (who is out of office for the weekend) so then I checked with a few doctor friends and a few nursing friends that I have... and then to make extra sure I thought I would post on BB to get some advice. Oh and my aunt checked with her vet.

My aunty is going away this weekend and has a 13 week old male kitten who can no longer go to a cattery because he has cat flu. As I said DP and I have agreed to look after him but have done so only after first checking that I wasn't at risk because of the cat flu.

The vet said that humans are not at risk of cat flu and my Obs is out of the office for the weekend so I have checked with other doctors and nurses that I know. They all said that I shouldn't be at risk and to just make sure that I wash my hands thoroughly after touching, feeding etc the kitten. They also reminded me of the risks associated with feline faeces and to double glove or better yet get DP to dispose of it.

So... my question is (yes I do have one after all that babbling) is what other advice do my fellow BBers have for my kitten-sitting experience this weekend???

Thanks in advance

[misty]

It should be fine. Relax and enjoy your time with the kitty. Cat flu is not a problem for humans at all. With cats, many just get weeping eyes, are lethargic and get the sneezes (although it can sometimes have more serious consequences for cats - hence the cattery wouldn't be willing to risk infecting their other clients). But it sounds like this kitty has already been checked out by the vet, I really don't think you have anything to worry about. 'most' cat illnesses and diseases are perfectly safe for humans as we cannot contract them.

[tk1999]

Thank you Misty. It will be an experience if nothing else... I haven't looked after a cat since I was in year 1 (was probably aged around 7) but thankfully DP is like Dr DoLittle!

[angelaartsstudent]

Make sure he is warm and eats well. It can get very nasty in little kittens and leaves his immune system open to other yucky things.

There is no risk to humans or dogs whatsoever, but it passes very quickly from cat to cat.

My Siamese has AIDS (as a result of the breeder being very, very wrong) so we are used to caring for a slightly "special needs" kitty! :-)

[tk1999]

Thanks Amanda, my aunt is bringing over the basket and lots of toys etc. DP and my aunt will set it all up tonight and my aunt has said she will show me how to give it the antibiotics.

Your siamese cat sounds like it found a very wonderful owner in you.

[christy]

Yep I've handled and worked with many cats with cat flu being in the veterinary industry. You will be fine.

[tk1999]

Thanks Christy, it is good to hear another who has lived through it.

I thought the kitten would actually appear sick but lol he is so full of beans! It has been a good weekend so far - DP has cleaned the litter tray and I am doing the feeding & medicating - and we are both putting in lots of time with playing