Since the outbreak of Avian Influenza (H5N1) – commonly known as “bird flu” – was announced last March, all sorts of questions have been swirling about the illness. Among them, are my pets and animals overall at risk?
According to the American Medical Veterinary Association (AVMA), cats seem to be particularly susceptible to H5N1, with dozens of cases reported since March of 2024. The virus doesn’t appear to discriminate either – infections have been recorded in barn and feral cats, indoor cats, and even bigger species like mountain lions, tigers, leopards, and bobcats.
For our feline friends, exposure to this disease can lead to major health complications and often results in death, making it critical for pet parents to take precautions to keep them safe. Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect your cat, from understanding how it spreads, the symptoms of infection, and what measures you can take to prevent it.
How do cats become infected with H5N1?
Recent investigations have determined there are several potential sources of infection for cats. Understanding what these are and how to minimize risks is critical.
Contact with Infected Wild Birds or Poultry
While we understand some cats thrive in the outdoors, whether it’s to hunt, get some exercise, or just nap in the sun, keeping them indoors is key for preventing exposure to birds and other wildlife. It’s also important to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife yourself. If you feed birds or walk near bird feeders or other places where birds (including poultry) gather, change your shoes or disinfect their soles before entering your house.
Exposure to Infected Livestock and Their Environments
Keep cats away from livestock, poultry, and their environments, especially in areas with known H5N1 outbreak. In addition, be aware of the risk you may bring to your cats at home if you interact with any poultry, livestock, wild birds, or other animals. If you should come in contact with infected animals, take the following precautions:
- Thoroughly wash your hands after handling your cat and after any encounters
- Change your clothes and shoes, and thoroughly wash any exposed skin
- Immediately contact your veterinarian if you think your cat might have been exposed to the virus or is exhibiting signs of H5N1.
Raw Colostrum and Other Unpasteurized Dairy Products
Avoiding this source of infection is straightforward – never feed any unpasteurized or uncooked dairy products, including milk and cream, to your pet.
Poultry-Based Diets
Feeding raw or undercooked poultry-based diets poses a significant risk of transmitting H5N1 to cats. Recent cases have shown that cats can contract H5N1 after consuming contaminated raw pet foods. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to feed cats diets that have been thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), effectively inactivating the influenza virus and other pathogens.
High-pressure pasteurization (HPP) used in some commercial raw diets, reduces but does not eliminate the risk of contamination. There have been documented cases of cats contracting infections like Salmonella despite consuming HPP-treated foods. Additionally, freezing or freeze-drying raw diets does not eliminate viruses; these processes may preserve pathogens like H5N1, potentially leading to infection upon consumption.
Staying informed about pet food recalls is crucial, as official recalls may be delayed until after animals have become ill or died from consuming contaminated products. Regularly checking for updates from reliable sources can help protect your cat from potential health risks associated with contaminated diets.
What are the clinical signs of H5N1 in cats?
If your cat has been exposed to any source of H5N1, there’s several clinical signs and symptoms to watch out for. The illness may start with non-specific signs such as decreased appetite, lethargy, or fever. However, as the disease progresses, cats will exhibit:
- Neurological signs (e.g., ataxia [incoordination], circling, tremors, seizures, or blindness)
- Severe depression
- Heavy discharge from the nose and eyes
- Other respiratory signs, including rapid or difficulty breathing, and possibly sneezing or coughing
If you suspect your cat has been infected with H5N1, take quick action and call your veterinary clinic and describe any clinical signs you have noticed. You will also want to limit the cat’s contact with immunocompromised people and keep yourself and others protected by following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you or someone else becomes infected, it’s important to report any human illness to your local public health official.
H5N1 is a serious concern, and taking the precautions outlined above can significantly reduce your cat’s risk of infection. At Faithful Friends, we are dedicated to feline wellness and believe in the power of shared education to help cats live long, healthy, and happy lives.
It’s also important to note that while dogs can contract H5N1, they are generally less susceptible than cats. However, the same preventive measures—such as feeding a properly cooked diet and minimizing exposure to potential sources of infection—apply to both species. Keeping all pets safe starts with informed, proactive care.
For more information, please visit the AVMA, CDC, or Cat Friendly websites.
Faithful Friends H5N1 in Cats Flyer
Faithful Friends H5N1 Raw Diets Flyer
