Cats Are Getting Bird Flu. Here’s How To Protect Them

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza type A (H5N1), is not only affecting poultry and driving up the cost of eggs but is also infecting cats. According to Dr. Julie Levy, a professor of shelter medicine education at the University of Florida, the current strain of bird flu is particularly serious for cats, with many exhibiting severe neurological signs and succumbing to the virus within days of exposure.

In the United States, the Midwest and the West regions have seen the highest number of cases of cats contracting H5N1 bird flu. Domestic cats as well as big cats in wildlife centers have tested positive for the virus, leading to fatalities.

To protect pet cats from bird flu, it is crucial to keep them indoors to reduce their exposure to wild birds, especially waterfowl. The virus is shed in various bodily fluids, making it important to prevent outdoor cats from coming into contact with potentially contaminated environments. Feeding cats cooked food, avoiding raw meat and dairy products, and keeping feeding stations away from bodies of water are some of the recommended precautions.

For outdoor, free-roaming cats, such as barn cats and community cats, it is essential to feed and care for them in a way that minimizes interactions with wildlife. This includes not leaving excess food that may attract other animals and moving feeding stations away from areas frequented by wild birds.

Raising backyard chickens for eggs can also pose a risk to cats if proper precautions are not taken. It is advised to confine the birds, cover their coops to prevent wild bird access, and avoid letting them roam freely where they may encounter potential sources of infection.

If a cat is suspected of having bird flu, it is important to contact a veterinarian first before seeking medical attention. Veterinarians will need to take precautions to protect themselves and the cat from potential exposure. While wearing protective equipment is recommended, surrendering cats to shelters out of fear of infection is not necessary as infected cats typically only shed the virus for a short period.

By taking proactive measures to protect cats from bird flu, we can not only prevent serious illness and death in our feline companions but also reduce the risk of the virus mutating into something more dangerous. Public awareness and vigilance are key in safeguarding cats and communities from the threat of bird flu.