What Cat Owners Need to Know About Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1)
What You Need to Know
As of February 2025, the United States is experiencing a significant outbreak of the
highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) virus. This strain has spread to an increasing number of species, with confirmed cases in 48 species across more than 26 countries.
The virus has affected over 130 million wild and farmed birds across all 50 states and has now spread to nearly 1,000 dairy herds in 16 states. Additionally, over 60 domestic cats in the U.S. are infected. While human cases remain rare and the risk is low in people, 67 human infections have been reported, including the first U.S. fatality in Louisiana, which resulted from exposure to infected poultry (
CDC).
How H5N1 Affects Cats
Cats can contract H5N1 from various sources, such as:
- Eating contaminated raw milk or undercooked meat
- Contacting infected wild birds
- Exposure to farm environments or farm workers who may carry the virus on their shoes or clothing or after handling sick or dead animals
Recent recalls of raw pet food brands, including
Monarch Raw Pet Food and
Northwest Naturals, highlight the dangers of feeding raw diets to pets. Once infected, the virus primarily affects a cat’s nervous system, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal tract, leading to severe health complications.
Symptoms of H5N1 in Cats
If a cat contracts H5N1, symptoms may develop rapidly and be severe. Watch for:
- Eye and nasal discharge
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Severe depression
- Sneezing or coughing
- Respiratory distress (rapid or labored breathing)
- Loss of coordination (wobbling, circling)
- Neurological symptoms such as ataxia (lack of coordination), circling, tremors, seizures, and blindness
What To Do If You Suspect Your Cat is Infected
If your cat has been exposed to a potential source of H5N1 or is showing symptoms:
- Keep your cat from other pets to prevent the potential spread.
- Seek veterinary care immediately. At GCVS, our team will use personal protective equipment (PPE) to assess and treat your pet safely.
- Do not handle your cat with unwashed hands if you have been around birds, farms, or raw animal products.
Ways to Safeguard Your Cat from H5N1
Take these preventative steps to minimize the risk of infection:
- To limit exposure to wild birds, keep your cat indoors.
- Don’t feed your cat raw or unpasteurized milk; ensure you thoroughly cook food. Consider consulting your primary care veterinarian to ensure it is a safe diet.
- Change clothes and shoes after handling sick or dead animals before interacting with your pets.
- Clean your hands thoroughly before interacting with your cat.
- If multiple pets are in the home, separate those exposed.
Contact your primary veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s health.
