If you come down with the swine flu, it's best you not snuggle up with your feline friend. Why? Because now it appears that the virus is jumping species. Health officials in Iowa say that a 13-year-old cat tested positive for swine flu, and is now the first feline to come down with the virus.

Officials say that two of the three people living with the cat had the flu before the cat got sick, and are now cautioning people to protect family pets as they would protect anyone else.

Iowa vet David Schmitt says:

"Indoor pets that live in close proximity to someone who has been sick are at risk. It is wise to monitor their health to ensure they aren't showing signs of illness."

If your cat shows signs of flu-like illness - including runny nose, sluggishness, and troubled breathing - vets advise you to call your pet's doctor.

While it sounds bizarre that cats can catch swine flu from humans, vets say it's not unexpected. They say that other strains of the flu have been found in cats before.

Both the cat and its owners have recovered and are doing fine.