Cat owners urged to remain cautious of bird flu, K-State veterinarian says
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A veterinarian at Kansas State University is urging cat owners to remain vigilant as cases of bird flu have been found in domestic cats.
Dr. Susan Nelson, a K-State clinical professor, says there is no need to panic. Cases in domestic cats remain low. However, cat owners should take steps to prevent infections.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, H5N1, has been a growing concern in the poultry industry for nearly four years. It has also been found in wild birds and, more recently, in U.S. dairy cattle.
In addition to affecting birds and cattle, there have been reports that domestic and wild cats are becoming infected, with many cases ending in death.
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The American Veterinary Medical Association says one of the primary ways cats get bird flu is through food, specifically raw poultry and unpasteurized dairy products.
'There have been several reports of cats becoming infected from consuming raw poultry or unpasteurized milk,' Nelson said in a news release. 'Other possible exposure routes include contact with infected birds, livestock or contaminated surfaces, as well as interaction with humans who have worked on affected farms.'
Cats infected with bird flu often exhibit severe respiratory symptoms, loss of appetite, fever, large amounts of eye and nasal discharge, coughing, and labored breathing. Some cat owners have also witnessed neurological signs, such as tremors, seizures and blindness.
'Symptoms of H5N1 can sometimes mimic rabies, making prompt veterinary assessment critical,' Nelson said.
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Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has been exposed to bird flu. When handling the cat, wear a mask and gloves. Also, try to keep the cat away from other pets and from people who are immunocompromised.
'It is important to call ahead before bringing your cat in,' Nelson said. 'While no cat-to-human transmission has been reported, precautionary measures need to be taken to protect staff and other patients.'
Veterinary professionals offer this advice to reduce the risk of H5N1 infection:
Do not feed cats raw meat, especially poultry or unpasteurized dairy products.
Keep cats indoors to prevent contact with infected birds and wildlife.
Do not handle dead birds; report them to local health authorities instead. If you must handle one, wear protective gear, including a mask and disposable gloves.
Keep cats away from livestock, poultry and their environments, especially in areas with known H5N1 outbreaks. Change your clothes and wash your hands thoroughly after handling these species before interacting with your cat.
Ensure rabies vaccinations are current, as H5N1 symptoms can resemble rabies.
'Vigilance is key in preventing further infections,' Nelson said. 'We must report any signs of disease in our cats, local wildlife, or birds and take the proper precautions to reduce the risk of spread.'
To learn more about H5N1 in pets, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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