Blog Post by Dr. Jeffrey Wood, DVM
Did you know that Avian Influenza (H5N1), also known as Bird Flu, can be transmitted to cats? While it’s rare, cats can catch the virus by eating raw meat from infected birds, coming into contact with contaminated respiratory secretions, or through direct exposure to sick birds.
But why are cats more susceptible than other mammals? Scientists aren’t entirely sure, but one theory suggests that feline cell receptors may allow the virus to attach more easily, making infection more likely.
Once infected, cats become very sick, very quickly. Early symptoms include lethargy and loss of appetite, but the illness can rapidly progress to fever, coughing, sneezing, eye and nasal discharge, and even neurological issues. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for H5N1 in cats, and the disease has a high mortality rate.
So, how can you protect your cat? The best prevention is to keep them indoors, avoid feeding raw diets (especially poultry), and ensure they are up to date on all vaccinations. By taking these precautions, you can help keep your feline friend safe from this deadly virus.