Is bird flu actually a threat to your cat? Bird flu can spread to cats and other domestic pets through a variety of ways, including contact with contaminated animals or environments. Symptoms have a sudden onset and are incredibly severe for pets, often deadly. As a result, owners should take every possible precaution to keep their cats indoors and protect against this highly-communicable disease.
Recap: About the Bird Flu
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a transmittable viral infection. This disease originated in wild birds, such as ducks, geese, turkeys, and other migratory species. Unfortunately, infected birds may be asymptomatic, and this disease easily adapts to new host environments.
Feces, saliva, and respiratory secretions can all spread the disease, either through direct contact or contact with contaminated environments (both water and land). Even bedding and small dust particles from a contaminated habitat can spread the infection.
Diseases like the bird flu are just one of the many reasons domestic cats should be kept indoors. As of April 2025, the bird flu has spread across more than 23 states and there have been more than 130 confirmed cases of avian influenza (specifically the H5N1 variant) in domestic cats.
How the Bird Flu Spreads to Cats
Bird flu is the greatest threat to domesticated cats that are allowed outdoors unsupervised. There are two primary ways pet cats can contract the bird flu:
- Direct contact with a contaminated bird
- Contact with a contaminated environment
Cats that are allowed to roam outdoors often eat, maim, or hunt birds (among other wildlife), which is one of the primary issues outdoor cats cause. Besides having negative environmental impacts, this also increases your cat’s chance of contracting the disease through an infected bird. Even just walking through a contaminated environment can spread the infection. The eyes, nose, and mouth are the most vulnerable to the infection and your cat uses all of these senses to navigate the world. In turn, your cats can then spread this disease to other household pets (or you).
Bird flu can impact poultry and other animals, as previously covered in this article. If infected animals are used in pet food, this can also spread the disease. The greatest risk of bird flu comes from feeding your pets a raw meat diet that includes chicken, duck, goose, or other poultry. Giving your pets unpasteurized dairy or products made with unpasteurized dairy is also risky, since bird flu can also spread to dairy cows.
Preventive Measures Against Bird Flu
The easiest way to protect your cats and other pets from bird flu is to keep them indoors away from potentially infected wildlife. Do not allow your cat outside unsupervised; only let them outdoors if they are in an enclosed space, like a catio, or on a leash. These are just two ideas for keeping indoor cats enriched.
You should also closely monitor your yard if your home is close to woods, a pond, or anywhere else infected wild animals are present. If you notice any sick or dead animals, report it to your city or state’s appropriate wildlife or health authorities. If the potentially infected animal is in your yard, keep your pets away until the animal is collected. Since avian flu can be spread via contaminated surfaces, even grass, clean the area before allowing any pets to be near it again.
If you work in an industry that involves close contact with birds and wildlife, such as those who work at wildlife centers or meat processing plants, you can take personal protective measures to avoid spreading disease to your pets. Wear gloves, masks, and eye protection while at work, if possible. Wash your hands frequently or make liberal use of hand sanitizer. Getting a seasonal flu shot can also reduce the risk of serious symptoms.
Wash your hands and face thoroughly after coming home from work, in addition to any other exposed parts of your body. Remove your shoes and, if feasible, change into different clothes before entering your home and touching any pets.
Bird Flu Symptoms and Treatment
The primary symptoms of bird flu in cats include respiratory distress, lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, eye and nasal discharge, blindness, and even neurological problems. The most common neurological symptoms are tremors, seizures, and a general lack of coordination. Symptoms typically have sudden onsets and are severe, often life-threatening. These symptoms often overlap with other common warning signs of cat illness, but it’s better to be cautious when it comes to bird flu.
If you believe your cat or other household pets have been exposed to bird flu, contact your veterinarian and ask for testing. Make sure to explicitly state that your pet may have contracted bird flu. The vet may ask you to avoid the waiting room or stay in your car until the appointment to avoid exposing other animals at the clinic. Unfortunately, only supportive care is available for pets at this time; the current vaccines available for cats do not protect against bird flu.
