CPS Note: Center for Pet Safety reached out to Ingrid King to get her expert insight on Bird Flu and it’s impact on cats. We 
thank her for writing this important piece. CPS will continue to monitor transmission findings and update this article as needed.
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is caused by an influenza virus that has adapted to birds. There are several strains of avian influenza, with the currently circulating strain, H5N1, being one of the most notorious due to its high mortality rate in birds and its potential to infect humans and other animals. The virus is highly contagious among birds and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces.
H5N1 is fatal for cats
The current version of H5N1 is deadly to domestic cats. In addition to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge, the virus causes neurological symptoms such as tremors, seizures and paralysis. The fatality rate following infection in domestic cats is as high as 90%.
Transmission routes
Direct contact with infected birds: This includes hunting and consuming wild birds that carry the virus.
Contaminated surfaces: The virus is spread through contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus through bird droppings, such as bird feeders, water bowls, or even the environment in which infected birds have been present.
Raw milk and raw poultry diets: Several cats have died from drinking raw milk from cows infected with the virus.
Raw meat poultry diets pose a serious risk. Feline deaths have been confirmed in California and Oregon from cats that have been eating a raw poultry diet. While there are some questions about testing protocols, these cats were somehow infected by H5N1 even though they didn’t have access to wild birds.
H5N1 symptoms in cats
The symptoms of bird flu in cats can vary and include respiratory distress, such as coughing and difficulty breathing, lethargy, lack of appetite, and fever. In severe cases, cats may develop pneumonia, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. The rapid onset and progression of symptoms make it crucial to seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect your cat may have been exposed to bird flu.
Cats do not have natural immunity to bird flu, making them especially susceptible to infection. The lack of pre-existing antibodies in their immune system means that once infected, their bodies are less equipped to fight off the virus.
Potential for Mutation
A significant concern with avian influenza viruses is their potential for mutation. If a cat contracts bird flu, there is a risk that the virus could mutate and potentially become more transmissible between cats or even other animals, including humans. This adds another layer of danger, as it could contribute to broader outbreaks.
Preventing bird flu in cats
Preventing bird flu in cats involves several strategies aimed at minimizing exposure to the virus. Essential preventive measures include the following:
Keep your cats indoors. Even if your cats usually have access to the outdoors, keeping them inside for the time being is the prudent choice.
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that may come into contact with birds or their droppings is crucial. This includes bird feeders, outdoor water bowls, and any areas where birds are present.
Consider taking your shoes off before entering your home. Even minute amounts of bird droppings on the bottom of your shoe may carry the virus inside your home.
Report any dead or ill birds to your local animal control authority.
Don’t feed raw poultry diets
Andrea Tasi, VMD, a feline veterinarian and owner of Just Cats, Naturally and a long-time proponent of feline raw diets cautions her clients against feeding raw diets for the time being. “I am just not comfortable feeding raw poultry at this time,” she says. “And definitely don’t feed raw unpasteurized milk.”
Some raw food suppliers recommend heating raw meat diets to 165 degrees F, which will inactivate the virus. The preferred method is sous vide, cooking vacuum sealed food in a temperature-controlled water bath. Food can also be gently sauteed. This should be done slowly on low heat, and all liquid rendered from the cooking process should be served with the food. Microwaving is not recommended.
Bird flu poses a serious threat to cats due to its high mortality rate, lack of natural immunity, and the potential for viral mutation. Understand the risk and take preventive measures and stay informed and vigilant to ensure the health and safety of your feline family members.
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Ingrid King is the publisher of Purrs of Wisdom and an award-winning author of five cat books, including Buckley’s Story: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher. She is a former veterinary hospital manager and certified veterinary journalist. She shares her Northern Virginia home with her 15-year-old tortoiseshell cat Allegra. For more information, visit www.IngridKing.com