Each year, bird flu (also called avian influenza or H5N1) makes the news — usually because it affects wild waterfowl and poultry farms across Canada. But many pet owners are surprised to learn that, in rare cases, cats can also be affected.

If you live in Surrey or the Lower Mainland — an area with many migrating birds and backyard poultry — it’s natural to wonder what this means for your own pets. The good news is that infections in cats remain uncommon, and there are simple steps you can take to keep your feline family members safe.

How Bird Flu Relates to Cats

Bird flu mainly spreads among wild birds, especially waterfowl that pass through B.C. during migration. On occasion, the virus can spill over to mammals — including cats — usually when they eat or closely interact with infected birds or small wildlife.

Across Canada (including B.C.), the virus continues to circulate in wild bird populations. There have been cases in pets over recent years, but they remain very rare, especially when compared to the number of birds affected. Nationally, outbreaks tend to be seasonal and most commonly detected in areas with waterfowl, such as along the Fraser Valley flyway.

You may hear more about bird flu in cats than in dogs. That’s because cats are naturally more susceptible to this particular virus, and when they do get exposed — for example by catching wildlife or eating raw meat — it tends to cause more serious illness. Dogs can be infected, but confirmed cases remain uncommon and generally much milder. This is why most veterinary guidance focuses on cats for prevention.

While studies in 2024–2025 did show an increase in global feline cases, these were still concentrated in unusual exposure scenarios, such as cats eating sick wildlife or raw animal products. Ordinary indoor life poses extremely low risk.

So the takeaway is: bird flu in cats is possible, but preventable — and not a reason to panic.

How Cats Might Be Exposed

Most infected cats had one of the following exposures, similar to what BBVSH has seen and described:

• Eating or mouthing a sick or dead wild bird — the most common route, especially for outdoor cats near parks, ponds, or areas with waterfowl.
• Catching rodents or small mammals that may have been exposed to infected birds.
• Eating raw or unpasteurized animal products, including raw poultry, raw egg products, or raw milk.
• Living near backyard poultry or in areas with active outbreaks, where they may encounter feathers, droppings, or carcasses.

For an indoor cat living in Surrey, the risk is very low. Outdoor cats that hunt are more likely to encounter wild birds or rodents — but even then, infections remain uncommon.

What Bird Flu Symptoms Look Like (And Why Quick Vet Care Helps)

If a cat becomes sick from bird flu, symptoms may appear suddenly and can include:

• Low energy or hiding
• Not eating
• Fever
• Eye or nose discharge
• Breathing trouble
• Unsteady movements or unusual behaviour (in more serious cases)

These symptoms can come from many other conditions, so noticing them doesn’t mean your cat has bird flu. But it does mean they need quick veterinary care — and mentioning any possible wildlife exposure helps your vet tailor testing and treatment.

Prevention: Simple Ways to Protect Your Cat

• Avoid raw diets, especially raw poultry or unpasteurized milk.
• Keep cats away from sick or dead birds and prevent scavenging.
• Supervise outdoor time for exploring cats.
• Keep backyard chickens or ducks separated from household pets.
• Wash hands after handling poultry, bird feeders, or outdoor gear.

These are the same precautions veterinarians — including the BBVSH team here in Surrey — recommend during any wildlife-related illness season.

Should You Be Worried?

In Surrey and the Fraser Valley, we live near large numbers of migratory birds, so hearing about bird flu is normal. But for family pets, the risk remains low — especially for indoor cats. Most cases reported across Canada involve very specific circumstances, often involving raw food or wildlife contact.

Staying aware, practicing a few simple habits, and knowing the signs to watch for is more than enough to keep your feline family safe.

Have Questions About Your Cat’s Risk?

If your cat goes outdoors, hunts, or had contact with a wild bird, we’re here to help you assess the situation calmly. And if your indoor cat seems under the weather, we can guide you on whether further testing makes sense.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bird Flu & Cats

Can my indoor cat get bird flu?
Indoor cats are at very low risk. Most known cases involve outdoor cats that hunt or eat wildlife, or cats fed raw animal products. Indoor-only pets almost never encounter the virus.

Are dogs at risk too?
Dogs can be infected, but it’s much less common. Cats are naturally more susceptible to this strain of influenza. The same prevention steps help keep both species safe.

Can my cat catch bird flu just by being outside?
Not usually. Infection typically requires direct contact — such as eating or chewing on a sick bird or wildlife. Casual outdoor exposure is not a high-risk activity.

Should I stop feeding raw diets?
During periods of active avian influenza, veterinarians strongly recommend avoiding raw poultry, raw milk, raw egg products, or raw pet-food diets. Cooking inactivates the virus and reduces multiple infection risks.

Can my cat get sick from playing with feathers or bird droppings?
While the highest risk comes from eating infected birds, contact with droppings, feathers, or carcasses from sick birds could also expose a cat.

What symptoms should I watch for?
Low energy, not eating, fever, eye or nose discharge, breathing trouble, stumbling, or unusual behaviour. These symptoms don’t automatically mean bird flu, but they do mean your cat should be seen promptly.

Can bird flu spread from cats to people?
Transmission from pets to humans is considered extremely rare. Current evidence suggests cats are not significant sources of spread to people.

Is there a vaccine or treatment for cats?
There is no vaccine for cats. Treatment is supportive only. Early intervention and prevention are key.

Should I keep my cat indoors until bird flu season passes?
You don’t need to change your cat’s entire lifestyle. Supervised outings or a catio can reduce hunting behaviour while still allowing safe outdoor time.

What should I do if my cat ate a bird?
Call your veterinarian. Even though the risk is still low, your vet can help assess the situation, monitor for symptoms, and decide if further steps are needed.