Bird Flu in Cats: H5N1 Avian Influenza Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention

H5N1 avian influenza—bird flu—is spreading fast, and your cat’s dinner may be putting them at risk. Bird flu in cats is deadly, so how can you protect your feline family members from the virus?

A third brand of cat food was recently recalled after it was linked to bird flu infections in three cats, two of which were fatal. Cats are highly susceptible to H5N1 avian influenza, which can blind them and has a 67% fatality rate. At least 115 felines have been infected since 2022, and many of them have died. Countless other cases have likely gone undiagnosed and/or unreported.

Two simple actions will help keep cats safe: Don’t feed them raw animal flesh or secretions, and never let them roam outdoors unattended.

Raw Animal Flesh and Secretions: A Major Risk for Bird Flu in Cats

While the factory farming industry has fooled many people into feeding raw animal flesh and secretions to their companions, these diets are unhealthy and even dangerous for cats and dogs.

The American Veterinary Medical Association advises cat guardians to “avoid feeding raw meat-based treats or diets” because of their potential to sicken and kill cats. Raw cow’s milk can also transmit bird flu, as many cows who are exploited for their milk have also been sickened with this terrible virus.

Feeding cats raw animal flesh and secretions is risky for their health, and it supports the cruel meat and dairy industries. Many compassionate people choose to feed their animal companions healthful vegan meals. Cats have specific nutritional needs and must consume the correct types and amounts of nutrients, but with proper planning and care, cats can thrive on vegan foods. In fact, a study recently published in PloS One found that, after controlling for age, sex, location, and other factors, cats fed vegan foods tended to be healthier than cats fed animal flesh, with the authors noting, “This trend was clear and consistent. These results largely concur with previous, similar studies.”

Cats Can Get Bird Flu From Going Outside

It’s never safe to let cats roam outdoors unattended. Every day, traffic, weather extremes, predators, and cruel people seriously harm and kill cats—and now, you can add bird flu to that list. Even if they are fed by humans, cats instinctively attack and kill birds and other small animals. This is not only terribly cruel to wildlife who are struggling to survive human encroachment and environmental destruction, but it also exposes the cat to bird flu if they come into contact with an infected bird.

Infectious disease researchers have warned of a “drastic uptick” in avian flu cases among domestic cats across the U.S. And that’s a risk not only for felines, but for all of us. A study published in Emerging Microbes & Infections found that cats “could serve as a bridge for cross-species transmission of H5N1,” including to humans. Cats may provide opportunities for the virus to evolve into “strains with increased transmissibility, posing an emerging zoonotic threat with profound public health implications.” 

Keeping cats indoors protects them from deadly diseases like bird flu and from countless other dangers. It also keeps birds and other wildlife safe from cats. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to keep cats happy in the “great indoors,” from “cat TV” to catios. PETA President Ingrid Newkirk’s book, 250 Vital Things Your Cat Wants You to Know, is a great resource filled with ideas.  

What to Do if You Suspect Your Cat Has Bird Flu

Avoiding raw animal flesh and secretions and keeping cats indoors will go a long way toward keeping your feline family member safe from bird flu. If you think your cat may have been exposed to H5N1 before you started taking these necessary precautions, don’t wait to get them to a veterinary hospital. Bird flu infection in cats is a medical emergency.

If you believe your cat may be infected, call your veterinarian immediately. Describe your cat’s symptoms and inform the clinic that you suspect bird flu so it can take proper precautions to protect other patients and staff.

Symptoms of Bird Flu in Cats Can Include:

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Lack of coordination
• Circling, tremors, seizures
• Blindness
• Severe depression
• Discharge from nose and eyes
• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
• Sneezing or coughing

Symptoms often progress rapidly, so don’t delay seeking veterinary care. If your veterinarian’s office is closed or can’t see your cat right away, call the nearest emergency animal hospitals and keep calling until you find one that will see your cat. Prompt treatment can save your cat’s life.

Bird flu is scary, but by taking these precautions now, we can rest assured that our feline family members are protected.

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