In December 2024, the news carried several stories about avian influenza (bird flu) and cats, including the recall of some raw pet food products. Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to severe illness after they have contracted bird flu – often resulting in death.
While the H5N1 bird flu mainly affects wild migratory water birds and domestic poultry, bird flu viruses can spread (less frequently) to mammals, including humans and cats. Even before the outbreak of bird flu in dairy cattle in March 2024, there were several confirmed cases of cats who had been exposed to poultry or wild birds contracting the virus.
The good news is that infection can be prevented with a few simple practices.
How do cats get bird flu?
Recent investigations implicate food as a source of infection for cats, most often unpasteurized milk and raw or undercooked meat (e.g., poultry). Cats can contract bird flu by:
- Drinking raw or unpasteurized milk.
- Eating raw eggs.
- Eating raw, undercooked, or uncooked freeze-dried meat or animal products (including retail pet diets that contain raw meat).
- Hunting and eating wild birds.
- Direct contact with infected dairy cows.
What are the signs and symptoms of bird flu in cats?
Illness may start with loss of appetite, lethargy, and fever, then quickly progress, with cats exhibiting:
- Reddened or inflamed eyes.
- Discharge from the eyes and nose.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Neurologic signs, like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness.
What should I do if I suspect my cat has bird flu?
- Call your veterinary or emergency veterinary clinic—before taking cats in to be seen—and describe any clinical signs you have noticed so that the veterinary team can be ready when the patient arrives.
- Tell the veterinarian about any contact your cat has had with livestock, poultry, or wildlife. Tell the veterinarian if your cat has had any raw or unpasteurized milk or raw or undercooked meat.
- Limit your cat’s contact with immunocompromised individuals if any exposure to the virus is possible.
As a VECCS Level 1 certified hospital, Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is capable of handling even the most critical, life-threatening emergencies and trauma. With board-certified specialists on-staff and on-call, we are ready to handle any medical or surgical issue your pet may be experiencing, including H5N1 bird flu.
If you suspect your cat has been exposed to or is showing signs of bird flu, you can bring them directly to our hospital, no appointment required. If you have time, and to help us prepare, please give us a call before you come.
For more information, visit our Emergencies page or call us at (604) 514-8383.
What is the treatment for bird flu in cats?
There is no specific treatment for H5N1 bird flu in cats. Veterinarians may provide treatment to relieve the symptoms of bird flu. Some cats may not need treatment at all, while other cats may become very sick and require hospitalization and intensive care.
How can I keep my cat from getting bird flu?
- Refrain from feeding cats any dairy products or colostrum that have not first been pasteurized or thoroughly cooked to kill the virus.
- Thoroughly cook meat before feeding and avoid feeding raw meat-based treats or diets.
- Keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to birds and other wildlife. Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife yourself.
- Keep cats away from livestock, poultry, and their environments, especially in areas with known H5N1 outbreaks.
- Take steps to prevent contact between captive big cats and wild birds (e.g., covering enclosures with netting and removing bird attractants nearby) in areas where H5N1 is circulating.
- Thoroughly wash your hands after handling your cat and after any encounters with poultry, livestock, or wild birds and other animals.
- Change your clothes and shoes, and thoroughly wash any exposed skin, after interacting with sick or dead animals that may harbor the H5N1 virus, and before interacting with your cat.
- Immediately contact your veterinarian if you notice signs of H5N1 or think your cat might have been exposed to the virus.
Can dogs get bird flu?
Dogs can also contract H5N1 bird flu, though they currently appear to be less susceptible to the virus than cats. Dog exposure to bird flu should be avoided following the same recommendations as for cats.
Can people get bird flu?
Yes, but the risk of infection is low for the general public.
Basic precautions are always recommended to prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases (diseases that transmit from animals to people), including avian influenza. Protect yourself and others from avian influenza by learning more and following recommendations on the Government of Canada website.
Monitor your family and other animals that might have been exposed for signs of illness and report any human illness to your local public health official.