With the ongoing spread of H5N1 bird flu, cat owners are increasingly concerned about how to keep their pets safe, the Washington Post reports.
While the virus poses a higher risk to felines than some other animals, experts suggest several practical steps to minimize exposure and prevent infection.
One of the primary ways cats can contract bird flu is through contaminated food. Experts strongly advise against feeding cats raw milk or pet food containing raw meat, as unpasteurized products can carry high concentrations of the virus. A Texas farm outbreak saw over half of its cats die after consuming contaminated milk, highlighting the severity of the risk.
Kristen K. Coleman, a public health professor at the University of Maryland, recommends feeding cats dry food only. Kibble is heated at high temperatures during production, which helps eliminate harmful pathogens, whereas some canned foods may contain unpasteurized ingredients.
Bird flu symptoms in cats can develop quickly and progress to severe illness. Early signs include:
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
- Nasal or eye discharge
- Respiratory distress
- Unsteady movements
- Seizures
If a cat exhibits these symptoms, it should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible. While there is no evidence of cat-to-human transmission in the current outbreak, it has occurred in the past, so owners should take precautions and monitor their own health if their pet falls ill.
Cats that roam outdoors may be at greater risk of encountering infected birds or contaminated environments. While keeping cats indoors is the safest option, experts acknowledge that this is not always practical.
Veterinarian and Johns Hopkins professor Meghan F. Davis advises owners in high-risk areas—such as regions with large migratory bird populations—to keep cats inside or use enclosed outdoor spaces, like “catios,” to reduce exposure. However, some experts believe the risk from outdoor activity is lower than the risk from contaminated food, so the decision ultimately rests with each owner.
While H5N1 has been detected in dogs, they appear to be less susceptible than cats. Still, owners should avoid feeding dogs raw milk or meat and steer clear of areas with heavy bird activity, such as shorelines covered in bird droppings. Dogs should also be kept away from dead or sick birds, and authorities should be contacted instead of handling potentially infected wildlife.
Visiting nature reserves or zoos is not considered a high-risk activity, as there have been no documented cases of human infections in these settings. Similarly, maintaining backyard bird feeders remains safe, according to experts, and removing them is unnecessary unless new guidance emerges.
