If you have concerns about your own health, risk for bird flu, or possible bird flu infection contact your healthcare provider.

What is bird flu?

“Bird flu” is a name commonly used to refer to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The current version of HPAI in the United States is H5N1 bird flu. Although H5N1 bird flu mainly affects wild migratory water birds and domestic poultry, bird flu viruses have been shown to spread less frequently to mammals, including humans and cats.

Can cats get bird flu?

Yes. Cats, including both domestic and wild cats, such as tigers, mountain lions, lynx, etc., are particularly sensitive to H5N1 bird flu and care should be taken to not expose these animals to the virus. How do cats catch bird flu?

  • Drinking raw or unpasteurized milk
  • Eating raw eggs
  • Eating raw, undercooked, or uncooked freeze-dried meat or animal products
  • Hunting and eating wild birds
  • Direct contact with infected dairy cows

What are the symptoms of bird flu in cats?

Cats may have any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Low appetite
  • Reddened or inflamed eyes
  • Discharge from the eyes and nose
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Neurologic signs, like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness
  • Death

Can cats die from bird flu?

Some cats with severe disease have died from H5N1 bird flu. If your cat appears sick or you believe they may have bird flu, contact your veterinarian right away.

How can I keep my cat from getting bird flu?

  • Do not feed your cat raw or unpasteurized milk
  • Do not feed your cat raw meat, undercooked meat, or uncooked freeze-dried meat or animal products
  • Keep your cat away from livestock, especially dairy cows and poultry
  • Do not allow cats to hunt, kill, or eat wild birds
  • Avoid contact with wildlife, especially sick or dead wildlife
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after touching or interacting with animals outside your household
  • Consider changing clothing and shoes after interacting with animals or birds with unknown health status, and before interacting with your own pets
  • Contact your veterinarian if your pet appears sick. Tell your veterinarian if your cat has been exposed to any of the above

What do I do if I suspect my cat has bird flu?

Contact your veterinarian right away. Tell your veterinarian about any contact your cat has had with livestock, poultry, or wildlife. Tell your veterinarian if your cat has had any raw or unpasteurized milk or raw or undercooked meat.

Can dogs get bird flu?

Dogs can also contract H5N1 bird flu, though they currently appear to be less susceptible to the virus than cats. Dog exposure to bird flu should be avoided following the same recommendations as for cats (see above).

Can people get bird flu?

Yes. People can get H5N1 bird flu, but the risk to the general public is considered low. If you have concerns about your own health, risk for bird flu, or possible bird flu infection contact your healthcare provider.

Can people get bird flu from cats?

It's unlikely that people would become infected with bird flu viruses through contact with an infected cat, but it is possible. Sick animals may be able to transmit H5N1 bird flu virus to people in their saliva, feces, or other body fluids. Human infections can occur when the virus is inhaled or gets into a person's eyes, nose, or mouth. This can happen when virus is in the air (in droplets or dust) and a person breathes it in, or when a person touches something that has virus on it and then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose.

If you think your cat may have H5N1 bird flu, contact your veterinarian. Tell your veterinarian about any contact your cat has had with livestock, poultry, or wildlife. Tell your veterinarian if your cat has had any raw or unpasteurized milk or raw or undercooked meat.

If you have concerns about your own health, risk for bird flu, or possible bird flu infection contact your healthcare provider.

What is the treatment for bird flu in cats?

There is no specific treatment for H5N1 bird flu in cats. Veterinarians may provide treatment to relieve the symptoms of bird flu. Some cats may not need treatment at all, while other cats may become very sick and require hospitalization and intensive care.

Is there a bird flu vaccine for cats?

No, there is not currently a vaccine for H5N1 bird flu in cats.

Additional Questions?

This is a rapidly developing situation and our understanding of H5N1 HPAI is constantly evolving. For the most up to date information, see the CDC and USDA websites.