Cats of varying sizes and shapes have been affected by bird flu. The first cases involved barn cats that consumed raw milk. Recently, 20 wild cats at an animal sanctuary in Washington State likely contracted the virus by eating infected birds. There are also reports of indoor cats dying after consuming contaminated raw food. While more cats may have been infected without detection, those that showed symptoms experienced severe neurological issues like tremors, seizures, and blindness. The identified infected cats have had high mortality rates, raising concerns about the potential risks for both cats and humans. Here’s why cats are particularly vulnerable to bird flu.
Unlike many dogs, cats are natural hunters that often prey on birds and mice, which can carry the virus. Dr. Michael Bailey, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), noted that cats are more exposed to bird flu due to their hunting behavior. Domestic cats have been known to carry the virus since 2004, but the current outbreak in the U.S. has shown significantly higher death rates compared to global trends. Kristen Coleman, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, highlighted the increased fatality rates among cats during the current outbreak.
The AVMA advises pet owners to watch for symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, and neurological signs like tremors, seizures, and blindness. Other signs of bird flu in cats include depression, eye or nose discharge, and respiratory issues like rapid breathing, coughing, or sneezing. If you suspect that your cat may have been exposed to bird flu, also known as H5N1, contact a veterinarian immediately. Sick cats can potentially transmit the virus to humans through bodily fluids, so precautions should be taken to limit exposure within the household.
To protect outdoor cats and prevent the spread of bird flu, follow guidance from the AVMA and CDC. Monitor your cat for symptoms, limit contact with other pets and individuals, especially those who are immunocompromised, and practice good hygiene by washing hands after handling your cat or cleaning their living areas. While the risk of cats transmitting H5N1 to humans is low, it is not zero. Stay vigilant for any flu-like symptoms in yourself or family members and seek medical advice if needed.
Outdoor cats face a heightened risk of exposure to various dangers, including dead animals, wild birds, and mice that may carry bird flu. Experts Bailey and Coleman advise limiting outdoor time to reduce these risks. The primary objective is to prevent cats from consuming dead animals and bringing them into the house. For indoor cats, the risk of contracting bird flu is lower but precautions should still be taken.
It is recommended to avoid feeding cats raw foods such as uncooked meat or unpasteurized milk, as these can potentially contain the virus. While the trend of feeding pets raw food has gained popularity, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) discourages the practice for both dogs and cats due to the associated risks. Cooking meat and pasteurizing milk effectively neutralizes the virus.
Despite their role as effective pest control, cats may encounter infected mice, posing health threats. It is advisable for cat owners to wash their hands after interacting with their pets and coming into contact with wild birds, livestock, or other animals. Additionally, changing clothes and washing exposed skin are recommended if there has been contact with sick or dead animals.
Regarding dogs, although some cases of bird flu have been reported in the past, they appear to be less susceptible than cats, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Bird flu has not been detected in dogs in the United States. Similar precautions suggested for cats should be applied to protect dogs as well, as per a recent FDA update.
While over 60 cases of bird flu have been reported in humans in the U.S., primarily resulting in mild symptoms, there has been no transmission between humans so far. Cats are not considered significant carriers of the virus in the U.S., but the situation could change in the future. Coleman emphasized the importance of caring for animals to prevent potential negative consequences for humans.
Apart from bird flu, cats are also susceptible to human flu viruses, making them potential “mixing vessels” for the two types of flu. This can lead to the creation of a version of bird flu that is more transmissible to humans, as highlighted in a recent study. Surveillance of pets like cats in the spread of viruses is not as comprehensive as that for livestock and humans, according to Suresh Kuchipudi, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.
In light of these concerns, experts stress the need for owners to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their pets and themselves from potential health risks associated with bird flu. The potential for cats to play a role in the transmission of viruses underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard both human and animal health.
