If you’re a conscientious cat owner, you’ve probably already heard about H5N1 avian influenza and its deadly effects on cats. According to experts who spoke to NBC News, 67% of cats infected with bird flu die. And while most of the 25 or so reported cases of bird flu in cats have been found in cats on dairy farms, some indoor cats have also been infected. A cat in Oregon has died after contracting the virus after eating commercially available raw food. At the wildlife sanctuary, 20 big cats, more than half of the population, died due to H5N1 infection.
Although their numbers are low at the moment, many cat owners are worried, and with good reason. Viruses can spread exponentially if not properly contained. And right now, veterinarians and medical professionals are still learning about this latest strain of avian influenza.
Here’s what we know so far and what you can do to keep your cat safe.
The H5N1 virus has only recently become a concern.
This avian influenza strain was first reported in dairy cats in Texas in March and April 2024. Cases have since spread to several other states, including Colorado, Washington, Oregon and California.
Both wild and domestic birds are at risk of contracting avian influenza and transmitting it to cats.
Cats can get avian influenza if they eat contaminated poultry. You can also become infected by catching and eating wild birds or coming into contact with wild bird droppings. Pet birds are also at risk when exposed to the outdoors.
H5N1 virus was detected in milk.
Cattle may be infected with the H5N1 virus but are asymptomatic. Their milk will contain the virus. Pasteurization kills most of the H5N1, but not all traces. Due to the presence of pathogens in the living environments of both dairy cows and poultry, viruses like H5N1 can easily spread.
H5N1 is especially dangerous to cats.
To date, this strain of avian influenza has not affected dogs much, but it has caused severe illness and death in birds and cats.
To date, there are no reports of cats transmitting H5N1 to humans.
For that to happen, the virus needs to mutate, and researchers and scientists are working to prevent that from happening. Viruses are never static and (as you may remember from the coronavirus pandemic) are difficult to contain, so we don’t know what will happen in the future.
The main thing that most cat owners now know is that they really don’t want their cats to contract this type of bird flu. Here are some things you can do right now to keep your cat safe.
If you give it raw, please stop it.
Most cases of H5N1 virus infection in indoor cats were caused by eating contaminated raw food. So, if you are feeding your cat raw food, be safe and pause for now. Especially poultry foods, but keep in mind that other proteins may be cross-contaminated. If you’re concerned about freeze-dried raw versus HPP-treated raw, that’s still a concern. One of the affected ingredient brands (Northwest Naturals) is HPP treated.
As most of you know, my human is very picky about what he eats and so far I have been feeding him mostly raw food. So she was very cautious about switching me to high-quality canned food. Currently she only allows me rabbit, venison, and lamb cat food, and we mostly buy our food from New Zealand. She feels New Zealand is quite isolated as a country and has very strict pet food regulations. So that’s my safest and healthiest choice. Of course, you should do what’s best within your budget.
Also, don’t feed your cat raw milk. Cats don’t digest milk very well, but they may occasionally crave dairy-based treats. Raw milk can contain dangerous pathogens such as H5N1. The deaths of four cats in the Los Angeles area have been linked to ingestion of raw milk.
Limit your cat’s access to the outdoors.
When your cat goes out, unless someone is there, you won’t know what the cat is doing or catching. H5N1 affects wild birds as well as poultry. Therefore, if your cat catches or encounters infected birds or their droppings, they are at risk. Even if you take your cat outside with just a leash and harness, be very careful. Pathogens can be present outdoors. If H5N1 is detected in birds in your area, keep your cat completely indoors.
If you find a dead or dying bird in your neighborhood, do not touch it. Call animal control right away so they can take action. If you handle or step near a bird, remove your shoes, wash your clothes, and wash your hands thoroughly before approaching the cat.
If you work in cat rescues or manage wildlife colonies, take special precautions.
Cat guardians and volunteers should be careful not to bring anything home to cats. Prepare a special wardrobe and footwear for rescue, evacuation, or feeding missions. Then take off your clothes and put them in the washing machine immediately. After your visit, wash your cat thoroughly before contracting it.
I’m sure many of you are already doing this, but please be especially careful now. And it’s especially important to find a sick cat and take it to the vet right away. You don’t want this virus to spread throughout your colony or rescue.
H5N1 bird flu symptoms
Most people take their cats to the vet as soon as they notice any signs of illness, but be especially aware of the following symptoms: Most of these are typical of many diseases, but may indicate H5N1.
- loss of appetite
- lethargy
- heat
- discharge from the eyes and nose
- difficulty breathing
- Neurological problems such as tremors, seizures, and balance problems
If your cat contracts H5N1 avian influenza, it can quickly become very serious, so take your cat to the vet right away. If the clinic determines it’s avian influenza, they’ll likely wear protective clothing and test your cat. That’s how serious it is.
I know it wasn’t fun to read, but I hope it was helpful. Click here for more information.
About avian influenza according to the American Veterinary Medical Association
From the Centers for Disease Control — Considerations for veterinarians: Evaluation and handling of cats potentially exposed to highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses
If you want to know more simply about the current status of H5N1, This article from PBS may help.
