Bird Flu in Cats

Written by Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN
Medically Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on February 27, 2025
6 min read

Bird flu, also called H5N1 avian influenza, is a flu virus. It causes severe illness and death in all types of birds, particularly wild birds, ducks, geese, and chickens. Since it was discovered in 1996, the virus has spread to some mammals as well, such as rodents, squirrels, rabbits, and cattle. 

The virus is now also affecting wild and domesticated cats, which are highly susceptible to bird flu. This means they can get it easily. Unfortunately, when cats get bird flu, the illness is very serious and often results in death.

“We don’t know why cats are so susceptible yet,” says Jane Sykes, PhD, a professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of California, Davis and a board-certified specialist in small animal internal medicine with a special interest in infectious diseases of dogs and cats with public health significance.

It may have something to do with the location and density of receptors called sialic acid receptors in their respiratory tract and elsewhere. These receptors make it easier for viruses to attach in the body and make the cat sick.

“Or it may relate to the way the cat’s immune system responds to the virus,” Sykes says.

Cats get bird flu from drinking contaminated unpasteurized or raw milk, or by eating contaminated raw poultry. They can also get it by:

  • Coming in direct contact with infected birds
  • Exposure to surfaces that have the virus on them, including clothing
  • Contact with infected people

“Cats can acquire H5N1 infection through exposure to secretions or excretions from infected birds (such as wild fowl) and other animals (such as dairy cattle),”  Sykes says. “Currently, we don’t know exactly how common infections are.” 

 Infections may be more common in stray cats and those who are fed a raw diet but are “likely rare in indoor cats fed processed foods,” Sykes says. More studies are needed.

Can I get bird flu from my cat?

Viruses can jump from one species to another, and bird flu is a good example of that. It started in birds and then spread to certain mammals. But there are no known cases of  humans getting bird flu from an infected cat yet. 

However, because people often have close contact with their pets, it’s possible that the virus could spread from infected cats to humans, but the infection would generally be mild, maybe not causing any symptoms at all, according to Sykes. “If the virus mutates, this could change,” she says.

Keeping this in mind, if your cat is at risk of getting bird flu or you think they may already be infected, it’s important to reduce your risk of infection. This means keeping your cat from licking your face or being in close contact (snuggling, for example). And monitor your own health for signs of infection, such as:

  • Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye (red eyes, tearing, discharge from the eyes)
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • A hard time breathing
  • Fever, higher than 100 Fahrenheit or 37.8 Celsius
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches, body aches
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat

If your cat has bird flu, you might see some or many of these symptoms: 

  • Fever
  • Little appetite
  • Sluggishness or lethargy
  • Discharge from their nose or eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • A hard time breathing
  • A hard time with coordination
  • Tremors
  • Seizures 
  • Blindness

 

There are many common diseases that can affect cats and cause symptoms similar to those that come from bird flu, such as a runny nose and eyes, neurological symptoms, and diarrhea, Sykes says. “The likelihood that an indoor cat fed commercial processed diets has bird flu is really low, and even stray and outdoor cats are more likely to have a common cat disease.” 

That said, if your cat seems sick, see your veterinarian. Be sure to let them know if your cat eats a raw poultry diet or unpasteurized milk products, or if it’s been exposed to animals that could be infected, like dairy cattle. It would be helpful to tell your vet if you have had that kind of exposure too, in case you brought the virus home. This way, your veterinarian can isolate your cat and use protective gear if needed.

At home, if you think your cat has bird flu, keep it away from other pets and family members, especially if they are immunocompromised, or have a weakened immune system. After handling your cat, food and water bowls, toys, and litter box, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

There aren’t any vaccines that can prevent bird flu in cats, so it’s important to try to keep your cat safe and away from anything that could contaminate it.

“At this time, the best way to prevent infections in cats is to keep cats indoors (or use an enclosed catio [an outdoor, enclosed patio for cats]) and feed them commercial processed (not raw or freeze-dried) food,” Sykes says. Some tips include:

  • Don’t feed your cat unpasteurized dairy products.
  • If you prepare your own cat food, even treats, thoroughly cook it. 
  • Avoid contact with sick birds, dead birds, or other wildlife so you don’t bring the virus to your cat.
  • Thoroughly wash your hands after touching any poultry, livestock, wild birds, or other animals.
  • Disinfect or change your shoes when entering your home if you’ve walked around or near bird feeders or other areas where birds may gather.
  • If you might have been exposed to the virus, change your clothes and shoes, and wash any exposed skin before coming in contact with your cat.

Bird flu, also called H5N1 avian flu, can affect cats. They are quite susceptible to catching the virus, and there is a high death rate – up to 70%. There is no vaccine to prevent bird flu and there’s no treatment, other than keeping your cat hydrated and comfortable. Cats who wander outside have a higher risk of bird flu because they can come in contact with other animals that have it. Indoor cats who eat commercially prepared food or fully cooked foods are unlikely to get the virus.

Can humans pass the bird flu to cats? Currently, there aren’t any confirmed cases of infected humans passing the condition to cats, but it may be possible.

Is there a cure for bird flu in cats? There’s no cure for bird flu in cats yet. Vets will give supportive care, which includes IV fluids and medications to keep the cat comfortable.

What’s the mortality rate for bird flu in cats? Although experts don’t know for sure, it’s estimated that about 70% of cats who get bird flu die from the infection.