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Across several states, headlines about cats contracting and dying from "avian flu" are very commonplace in recent months. What's the connection between our feline friends and the avian flu?
H5N1 Avian flu is a Type A virus that is naturally occurring in many birds, especially water birds like ducks and geese. There is also a low pathogenic virus, but the particular strain we are dealing with right now is considered HIGHLY PATHOGENIC and mortality rates run from 75-100% in poultry.
As of the end of February 2025, there have been more than 160 million chickens, turkeys, and ducks impacted by this virus. Not only are we seeing this virus in birds, but there have been almost 1000 dairy herds infected in 17 states, more than 12,000 wild birds, about 400 wild mammals, 99 domestic cats, and 70 people.
Some people have concerns for the zoonotic potential of this virus. During 2024 and so far this year, per CDC data, there have been 70 cases of H5N1 bird flu in humans. 65 of the 70 cases were associated with Dairy Herds or Poultry Farms. The majority (59) have occurred in California, Colorado, and Washington State. There has been one human death.
The CDC states that “Human infections with avian influenza viruses have most often occurred after close or lengthy unprotected contact (i.e., not wearing gloves or respiratory protection or eye protection) with infected birds or places that sick birds or their saliva, mucous and feces have touched.”
We do know that cats seem to be susceptible to this virus and most often can contract it from hunting wild birds, ingesting raw milk, or from a raw food diet. Some cats, including both domestic house cats and large cats in a sanctuary, have died from this disease.
Cats who have been exposed to or infected with this virus will often show a loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, difficulty breathing with nasal discharge, and they can show neurologic signs, such as seizures, sudden blindness, or weakness. Pet parents should seek care for their cat, especially if the cat goes outdoors or if he/she has access to raw milk or raw diets made with poultry.
Cat parents can get a lot of good information at the Cornell Feline Health Center website. There is a page dedicated to H5N1 Avian Influenza.
Our canine friends seem to be less susceptible to this virus and have not shown signs of infection at this point in the epidemic. At this time, there is not enough information to confirm cat to human transmission or if human to cat transmission MIGHT have happened. If either you or your cat are sick, consider NOT snuggling together!
Even though the season flu vaccine for people is not effective against H5N1, keeping up with your flu vaccine can lessen the risk of having a multi-strain infection. This in turn will decrease the risk of mixing flu strains and seeing a new, potentially more dangerous strain created.
Minimize the risk to your feline friend by avoiding raw poultry diets for cats. Watch them closely if they go outside and hunt birds and other small creatures.
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