Bird Flu in Cats: What Every Cat Parent Needs to Know

Is bird flu something cat parents need to worry about? While your cat likely spends their days batting at feather toys and not sparring with actual birds, recent outbreaks of avian influenza (commonly called bird flu) have raised some serious questions. Namely, can your cat get bird flu? And if so, how can you protect them?

If you’ve been wondering how bird flu might affect your beloved feline friend, this guide is for you. We’ll explore what bird flu is, how it spreads, and (more importantly) how to keep your cat safe.

What is Bird Flu?

Bird flu, formally known as avian influenza, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds. The most concerning strains, H5N1 and H7N9, have been known to cause severe outbreaks in wild and domestic bird populations. Occasionally, these strains can infect mammals—including cats.

How Does Bird Flu Spread to Cats?

While it’s not super common (so take a deep breath), bird flu can be transmitted to our whiskered companions in a few ways:

Contact with infected birds

Cats with a knack for being their wild selves are at risk if they catch and chomp down on an infected bird. Outdoor cats who fancy themselves as expert hunters have been known to tangle with infected wild birds, unknowingly putting themselves at risk. For example, during an H5N1 outbreak in 2006, domestic cats in Germany were reported to have contracted bird flu after feasting on infected swans.

Contaminated surfaces

Cats are curious creatures, and their “Oh, what’s this?” attitude sometimes lands them in trouble. If your cat comes into contact with surfaces or areas where an infected bird has left its droppings or feathers, they could pick up the virus.

Consuming infected food

Recently, there have been reports of cats contracting the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1—commonly known as bird flu—after consuming contaminated raw poultry products. Notably, Wild Coast Raw, a pet food company in Washington, recalled its Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula due to potential contamination following illnesses in cats that consumed the product.

Feeding raw diets has become popular among cat owners seeking a more natural feeding approach. However, with the current bird flu outbreak, experts advise caution. Raw poultry products, such as chicken, duck, or turkey, can pose a risk if contaminated with the virus.

Symptoms of Bird Flu in Cats

If a cat contracts bird flu, the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Here are the most common signs to keep an eye on:

🐾 Fever (your cat suddenly becoming a grumpy, overheated loaf)
🐾 Lethargy (less zoomies, more snoozies)
🐾 Breathing issues (wheezing, coughing, or nasal discharge)
🐾 Inflamed eyes (not just the usual judgmental glare)
🐾 Neurological symptoms like tremors or seizures (serious red flags!)

If your cat is showing any of these signs, it’s time to call the vet.

How is Bird Flu in Cats Diagnosed?

Since bird flu symptoms can look like other illnesses (like a bad respiratory infection), vets need to run tests to confirm. Here’s what might happen at the clinic:

• Swab Tests – The vet may swab your cat’s nose or throat to test for the virus. It’s like the COVID test, but for kitties.
• Bloodwork – Checking for signs of infection or inflammation.
• PCR Testing – A lab test that detects the flu virus itself.

If bird flu is suspected, your vet may also ask about your cat’s diet (especially raw poultry), outdoor habits, or exposure to sick birds. It might feel overwhelming, but catching the illness early can make a huge difference.

Protecting Your Cat from Bird Flu

Good news—keeping your cat safe from bird flu is entirely possible with some proactive steps.

1. Keep Indoor Cats Indoors

If your cat lives indoors, they are far less likely to come into contact with infected birds. Sure, Fluffy might give you the stink eye for closing the window, but it’s a small price to pay for their safety.

2. Monitor Outdoor Cats

If your cat ventures outside, keep an eye on them. Limit their time outdoors and discourage them from hunting wild birds. You might also consider a secure catio for safe outdoor exploration.

3. Use Safe Food Practices

Are you feeding your cat a raw diet? If so, it’s time to be extra cautious. Poultry-based raw food poses the highest risk for bird flu, so consider switching to safer alternatives like raw rabbit, venison, or commercially prepared raw diets that undergo high-pressure pasteurization (HPP) to kill harmful pathogens.

Make sure you’re sourcing from reputable brands that follow strict safety protocols. And if you’re open to it, lightly cooking your cat’s food (as long as there are no bones) can help eliminate potential viruses while still providing the benefits of fresh food.

4. Hygiene Is Key

After handling raw poultry or coming into contact with birds (even bird feeders in your yard), wash your hands thoroughly. No exceptions—this is important for both you and your cat.

How is Bird Flu in Cats Treated?

Since bird flu is a viral infection, antibiotics won’t work. Instead, vets focus on managing symptoms and keeping your cat as comfortable as possible:

• Fluids & Nutrition – If your cat isn’t eating or drinking, they might need IV fluids or syringe feeding to stay hydrated and strong.
• Fever & Pain Management – Medications may be given to reduce fever and ease discomfort.
• Oxygen Therapy – If your cat is struggling to breathe, oxygen support might be needed.
• Antiviral Medications – While not commonly used, some vets may try antivirals like oseltamivir (Tamiflu), but its effectiveness in cats isn’t well-studied.

Can Cats Recover from Bird Flu?

It depends on how sick they get. Some cats may recover with supportive care, while others—especially those with severe respiratory or neurological symptoms—may not make it. That’s why prevention is key! Keeping your cat indoors, avoiding raw poultry, and monitoring their health can help keep your kitty safe.

And of course, if your cat starts acting off, don’t wait—call your vet.

Key Takeaways for Cat Parents

• Bird flu (avian influenza) is primarily a bird virus, but certain strains can infect cats.
• Risks are low, but not insignificant—outdoor cats and those exposed to raw bird products are more at risk.
• Protect your cat by keeping them indoors, feeding them properly cooked food, and maintaining good hygiene.
• If your cat shows signs of illness, seek veterinary care immediately.

Luckily, the overall risk to cats is relatively low. By staying informed and taking simple precautions, you can keep your feline friend safely purring along.

For the latest information on avian influenza, visit resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the American Veterinary Medical Association.