Jan. 14, 2025
I know there's growing concern about the recent H5N1 bird flu outbreaks and how they might affect our cats. As a dedicated cat parent and advocate for holistic pet care, I want to share some insights to help you navigate this situation calmly and confidently.
The Current Situation
As of January 7, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 10,948 wild birds and 130 million poultry across the United States have been affected by the H5N1 bird flu virus. While the virus primarily impacts avian species, there have been instances of transmission to other animals, including cats.
Understanding the Risk to Cats
It's true that cats can contract H5N1, typically through direct contact with infected birds or other animals or by consuming contaminated raw poultry products and that in 50% of the cases, it will be fatal. Recent cases have shown that both barn cats and domestic cats have fallen ill after ingesting raw milk or raw poultry. However, these instances have been relatively rare, and the overall risk remains low at this time. I continue to feed my pets a raw diet, sourced meticulously to ensure safety and quality.
Symptoms to Watch For
While the likelihood of your cat contracting bird flu is minimal, it's essential to stay vigilant. Here are some symptoms to be aware of:
-
Fever
-
Lethargy
-
Loss of appetite
-
Respiratory issues (e.g., coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing)
-
Neurological signs (e.g., tremors, seizures, incoordination)
If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, especially after potential exposure to wild birds or raw poultry products, consult your veterinarian promptly.
Preventative Measures
To minimize any risk:
-
Source Food Reputably: Ensure that any raw food or dairy products come from reputable suppliers who adhere to stringent safety standards. Check out my top fresh food recommendations here.
-
Monitor Eating Habits: If your cat shows hesitation or unusual behavior towards their food, such as sniffing excessively or walking away, consider it a red flag. When in doubt, discard the food.
-
Maintain Indoor Living: Keeping cats indoors reduces their risk of coming into contact with infected wildlife. This is especially important if you live in or near an agricultural community.
What to Do If You Suspect Contamination
If you believe your pet's food may be contaminated:
-
Seek Veterinary Care: Share your concerns with your veterinarian immediately. If the unthinkable happens and your pet dies, it’s important to ask for a necropsy if you believe their death is connected to their food. This will help protect other pets as a warning about the food can be issued.
-
Preserve Evidence: Save the remaining pet food and its packaging by double-bagging for potential testing. Do not relinquish all samples to authorities.
How to Report the Issue:
Supporting Your Cat's Immune System
Making sure your pet’s immune system is robust and able to fight infection is a key step in protecting them against this virus. RenewedPet’s immune boost combo is designed to help your pet fight off bacterial and viral infections by strengthening the immune system to allow their body to naturally defend against any infections.
Final Thoughts
While the current bird flu situation is concerning, it's manageable with informed precautions. By sourcing food responsibly, monitoring your cat's health, and staying updated on the latest information, we can continue to provide the best care for our pets without unnecessary worry. I will continue to monitor the situation and as always provide you with the most up-to-date information as it unfolds.
Keep giving your pets the best of natural life!
~PetCoachApril
April Arguin A.S., C.P.N., M.P.H
