{"id":636413,"date":"2024-08-13T23:19:04","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T03:19:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=636413"},"modified":"2024-08-13T23:19:27","modified_gmt":"2024-08-14T03:19:27","slug":"can-cats-get-bird-flu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/ask-the-vet\/can-cats-get-bird-flu\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Cats Get Bird Flu? Our Vet Explains Signs & Prevention Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/span>\n \nBird Flu in Cats Overview<\/a>
\nSigns To Be Aware Of<\/a>
\nPrevention Tips<\/a>
\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/a>
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Your cat\u2019s habit of preying on birds may concern you when you worry about their exposure to bird flu and if they could become sick with the virus. Unfortunately, bird flu has caused sickness in various mammals, including domestic cats.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Bird flu has been a hot topic in the United States since the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported an outbreak in February 2022. For over 2 years, the influenza virus has been circulating among wild birds, poultry, and bovine herds and infected some humans. Recent reports suggest it may be on the rise, so we want to discuss the risks and how to keep your feline friend safe.<\/p>\n

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Cats Can Get Bird Flu?<\/h2>\n

Bird flu is the common name for the highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1). \u201cHighly pathogenic\u201d means the disease can be severe in infected animals. The virus has a strong affinity for domestic poultry, with over 100,000,000 of these birds being affected compared to 169 dairy herds, and sporadic infections in other mammals1<\/sup><\/a>. Wild birds spread the virus but only sometimes show signs of illness.<\/p>\n

There are currently 34 reported\u00a0 US cases of bird flu in domestic cats, with cases in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, South Dakota, Montana, Oklahoma, and Ohio2<\/sup><\/a>. Cases have also occurred in other countries like Poland, South Korea, and France.<\/p>\n

Now, this number is not high compared to the farm animal statistics, so bird flu is still considered uncommon in cats. However, more cats than people have contracted bird flu. Eating infected birds or living on a poultry or dairy farm are risk factors for your cat getting bird flu. You should pay particular attention to outbreaks in your area, as these are high-risk times for your cat.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: ZlataMarka, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Are the Signs of Bird Flu in Cats?<\/h2>\n

Bird flu can present with respiratory, gastrointestinal, or neurological signs in cats. Some cases have been severe and fatal, and others mild. Immunocompromised, young, and geriatric cats may be more susceptible to severe signs of bird flu. Signs to watch out for if your cat has been exposed to bird flu include:<\/p>\n

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