Each year, “bird flu” — officially known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) — makes headlines because it affects wild waterfowl, poultry farms, or livestock. But many pet owners are surprised to learn that, in rare cases, domestic cats can also contract H5N1.

Here in Bellingham, with our wetlands, waterfront areas, and nearby rural properties, it’s natural for pet owners to wonder whether their own animals might be at risk. The good news is that infections in cats remain very rare, and a few simple precautions can help keep your pets safe.

How Bird Flu Relates to Cats

Bird flu normally spreads among wild birds, especially ducks and geese that move through Whatcom County during migration. Occasionally, the virus can spill over into mammals — including cats — when they eat or closely interact with infected birds or wildlife.

In the United States, H5N1 continues to circulate in wild bird populations and occasionally appears in backyard poultry or livestock. While there have been confirmed cases in pets in recent years, they remain uncommon compared to the number of birds affected.

You may hear more about bird flu in cats than in dogs. That’s because cats are naturally more susceptible to this strain, and when they do get exposed — for example, by hunting wildlife or eating raw animal products — they tend to become sicker. Dogs can be infected, but confirmed cases are much rarer and generally milder. This is why most veterinary guidance focuses on cats.

While the past few years have seen an increase in reported feline cases worldwide, most were linked to unusual exposures such as eating sick wildlife or raw meat. Indoor cats face extremely low risk.

So the takeaway is: bird flu in cats is possible, but preventable — and not a reason to panic.

How Cats Might Be Exposed to Bird Flu

Most infected cats had one of the following exposures:

• Eating a sick or dead wild bird Outdoor cats may pick up or chew on a bird that’s already ill or dying, especially near Bellingham’s ponds, wetlands, and greenbelt areas where waterfowl gather.
• Catching rodents or small mammals that had contact with infected birds Cats that hunt mice, voles, or other small wildlife may be exposed if those animals interacted with infected birds or their droppings.
• Eating raw or unpasteurized animal products, especially raw poultry or raw milk A number of U.S. cases have been linked to raw pet-food diets or contaminated raw animal products, making this an important risk factor.
• Living near infected backyard flocks or areas with active outbreaks Cats that roam near small poultry flocks or farms may come across contaminated feathers, droppings, or carcasses during an outbreak.

For an indoor cat living in Bellingham, the risk is very low. Outdoor cats that hunt are more likely to encounter birds or wildlife carrying the virus — but even then, infections remain uncommon.

What Bird Flu Symptoms Look Like in Cats (And Why Quick Vet Care Helps)

If a cat becomes sick from bird flu, symptoms may appear suddenly and can include:

• Low energy or hiding
• Not eating
• Fever
• Eye or nose discharge
• Breathing trouble
• Unsteady movements or unusual behaviour (in more serious cases)

These symptoms can come from many conditions, so noticing them doesn’t mean your cat has bird flu — but they do mean your cat should be seen promptly.

Prevention: Simple Ways to Protect Your Cat from Bird Flu

There is no vaccine for bird flu in cats, but prevention is straightforward:

• Avoid raw diets, especially raw poultry or unpasteurized milk
• Keep cats away from sick or dead birds
• Supervise outdoor time for cats who like to roam or hunt
• Keep backyard chickens or ducks separated from household pets
• Wash hands after handling poultry, bird feeders, or outdoor equipment

These are the same precautions veterinarians across the U.S. recommend during any wildlife-related illness season.

Should You Be Worried?

In Whatcom County, we live in an area with plenty of migratory bird activity. Hearing about bird flu in the news is normal. But for household pets — especially indoor cats — the risk remains low. Most cases reported nationally involve very specific, avoidable exposures.

Staying aware, practicing a few simple habits, and knowing the signs to watch for is more than enough to keep your feline family member safe.

Have Questions About Your Cat’s Risk?

If your cat goes outdoors, hunts, or has had contact with a wild bird or other wildlife, we’re here to help you sort out whether there’s anything to worry about. And if your indoor cat seems under the weather, we can help guide whether further testing or evaluation makes sense.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Bird Flu & Cats

Can my indoor cat get bird flu?

Indoor cats are at very low risk. Most known cases in the U.S. involve outdoor cats that hunt or cats fed raw animal products.

Are dogs at risk too?

Dogs can be infected, but confirmed cases are much rarer and typically milder. Cats are more naturally susceptible to this strain of influenza, which is why most guidance focuses on them.

Can my cat get bird flu just from being outside?

Simply roaming outdoors isn’t enough. Infection typically requires direct contact — like eating or biting a wild bird or scavenging wildlife.

Should I stop feeding raw diets?

During any period of active avian influenza, avoiding raw poultry, raw milk, or raw meat–based diets is strongly recommended. Cooking eliminates the virus and reduces several other foodborne risks.

Is it dangerous if my cat plays with feathers or bird droppings?

The highest risk comes from eating infected birds, but feathers, droppings, or carcasses left by wild birds can also carry the virus. Keep pets away from any wildlife remains.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Sudden lethargy, not eating, fever, eye or nose discharge, breathing trouble, or unsteady movements. These signs don’t automatically mean bird flu, but they do mean your cat needs prompt veterinary care.

Can bird flu spread from cats to people?

Transmission from pets to humans is considered extremely rare. Basic hygiene — handwashing after handling wildlife or raw food — is recommended.

Is there a vaccine or treatment for cats?

No vaccine is available for cats. Treatment focuses on supportive care and managing symptoms.

Should I keep my cat indoors during bird flu season?

You don’t need to change your cat’s lifestyle, but supervising outdoor time or reducing hunting behavior can meaningfully lower risk.

What should I do if my cat ate a bird?

Call your veterinarian. Even though most exposures don’t lead to illness, prompt guidance helps ensure your pet stays safe.