Bird Flu in Cats: What It Is and How To Protect Your Cat

Though birds and poultry are most affected by bird flu, the virus can sometimes jump to other species as well—including our pets.

At least 52 domesticated cats have been diagnosed with bird flu, or avian influenza A (H5N1), since March 2024, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA). Though extremely rare, bird flu can also infect humans who are in close contact with a sick animal.

In recent weeks, reports of bird flu in cats have been in the news. Confirmed cases are linked to the cats’ diet—specifically, contaminated raw food and raw milk.

Despite these reports, the risk of bird flu in cats remains very low, especially when pet parents take proper precautions. Here’s what you need to know about avian flu in cats.

What Is Bird Flu in Cats?

Bird flu is a viral infection that’s widespread in various bird species. Sometimes the virus infects other mammals, including cows and other farm animals, as well as wild animals like mountain lions, coyotes, and foxes.

Bird flu can also infect cats, with a mortality rate as high as 67%, according to the University of Maryland’s School of Public Health.

Bird flu in cats is a medical emergency. If your cat shows any symptoms, take them to the vet immediately.

Causes of Bird Flu in Cats

Cats contract bird flu through exposure to infected birds and food products. This includes:

• Wild birds your cat may interact with outside

• Chickens, ducks, turkeys, and other farm animals your cat may be in close proximity to

• Drinking contaminated raw milk

• Eating raw cat food made with parts of an infected bird

Symptoms of Bird Flu in Cats

Symptoms of avian flu in cats include:

• Lethargy

• Fever

• Appetite loss

• Difficulty breathing

• Red eyes

• Eye discharge

• Runny nose

• Seizures

• Death

How Vets Diagnose Bird Flu in Cats

Bird flu in cats can be difficult to diagnose. Your vet will likely start with a thorough history to determine if your pet has been in contact with any potentially infected birds or raw milk/poultry. 

Your vet will also perform a detailed physical exam to look for clinical signs that may be consistent with bird flu in your cat.

If bird flu is suspected, your veterinarian will likely collect samples to send out to a laboratory to rule out other potential causes or to confirm H5N1. This may include nasal or throat swabs and/or blood work to detect antibodies or the virus itself.

Unfortunately, bird flu is usually diagnosed post-mortem (after a cat has passed away) due to the virus.

Treating Bird Flu in Cats

There is currently no cure for bird flu in cats, or any animal. Treatment focuses on supportive care to manage the symptoms and prevent complications.

Cats who are suspected of having bird flu will likely be placed in isolation to minimize the spread. They may also be treated with IV fluids, oxygen therapy, and antibiotics, depending on severity. Nutritional support is sometimes needed if they’re having trouble eating.

How To Protect Your Cat From Bird Flu

The chances of your cat coming into contact with bird flu are very low. If you’re concerned, there are ways to reduce your cat’s chances of exposure.

1. Keep Your Cat Inside

Letting your cat roam outdoors unsupervised poses many risks to their health, including bird flu. Outdoor cats kill about 2.4 billion birds every year, according to the American Bird Conservancy. If your cat catches and/or eats a bird with bird flu, they can become infected, too.

2. Don’t Give Your Cat Raw Milk

Cats should never drink dairy milk for many reasons—milk causes stomach upset and has a high fat count, and many cats are lactose intolerant. But it’s especially important to never let your cat drink raw milk.

“Raw milk” refers to milk that hasn’t been pasteurized. This means harmful bacteria and viruses, like bird flu, can remain present and pose a serious health risk to not only your cat, but to you, too.

3. Avoid Raw Food Diets

Raw food is unprocessed food made from raw ingredients (uncooked meat and organs). Studies show that raw pet food is more likely than other forms of cat food to be contaminated with pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, and bird flu.