Avian flu in cats
posted: Wed Mar 12 13:59:01 EDT 2025 by: kk Tags: "Clinic Specials" "News"
Avian flu, known as H5N1, is a contagious viral disease primarily affecting birds, both wild and domestic. Over the last couple years there have been reports of cats contacting H5N1. Many are urban or suburban house cats that had not set foot on a farm or even outside. The primary infection pathways for cats presumably are direct contact, respiratory secretions and ingestion through diet. Cats infected with H5N1 can become very sick quickly. First, they may be lethargic and lose their appetite. They may develop a fever. Soon, they might cough and sneeze, with discharge from their nose and eyes. At the peak of the illness, cats may develop neurological signs, such as tremors, walking in circles, losing muscle control and balance, and seizures. Highly pathogenic avian influenza in cats is often fatal. There is no treatment for H5N1, only managing clinical symptoms. Cats with signs of H5N1 are to be quarantined. Professionals have linked raw food as one of the sources for infection. This includes unpasteurized milk, raw diets, freeze dried food and treats. If feeding a raw food diet it is recommended to avoid poultry and monitor their pet food brand for any association with avian flu.