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Bird flu isn’t just a concern for birds and poultry flocks across the United States. The current strain of bird flu is a highly infectious variation and can be contracted by humans and mammals, too—including cats. Understandably, it’s left pet owners across the country worried about the health and safety of their cats.

Looking to learn more about bird flu and cats? Read on to learn how cats can get bird flu, common signs of the virus in cats, and other important information to keep your cat safe.

What Is Bird Flu?

Bird flu is a strain of the influenza (flu) virus that primarily affects birds. This form of influenza is known as avian influenza Type A. Like the human flu, avian influenza mutates very easily, resulting in numerous strains of the virus. The current strain, H5N1, is particularly concerning because it’s highly infectious.1

Avian influenza H5N1 spreads from bird to bird very quickly. Of even more concern is its ability to spread from birds to mammals. In addition to transmitting to humans, H5N1 can transmit to poultry, swine, horses, dogs, bats and cats.1

Although bird flu has existed for centuries, the current outbreak began in early 2024 when a series of infections broke out among a herd of dairy cows. Since then, 17 different states have identified outbreaks of H5N1 in dairy cows. As of March 2025, there have only been 64 human cases of avian influenza.2

Graphic listing how cats get bird flu, image of woman holding cat.

How Do Cats Get Bird Flu?

Unfortunately, cats have been proven to be uniquely susceptible to the current strain of bird flu. Dozens of cases of bird flu in cats have been identified since March 2024. They can both contract bird flu directly from infected birds or via other animals that have contracted the virus.

Most commonly, cats get bird flu from:3

  • Wild birds: Cats can get bird flu from eating birds who are infected with the virus or who have recently died from it.
  • Contaminated environments: Barn cats are particularly susceptible to bird flu because of their proximity to livestock. Cats can get bird flu when exposed to environments where infected animals spend time, like barns, pens, and other spaces.
  • Raw or undercooked meat: Several cases of bird flu in cats have originated from raw food diets. Cats can get bird flu when they eat raw or undercooked poultry or meat from an infected chicken or animal.
  • Unpasteurized dairy: Because numerous bird flu outbreaks have been identified among dairy cows, unpasteurized dairy has been identified as a significant risk for bird flu. Cats who consume unpasteurized milk, cream, or other dairy products can contract the virus.
  • Infected humans: Cats can also get bird flu from humans who are infected.
Graphic listing symptoms of bird flu in cats.

Symptoms Of Bird Flu In Cats

It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of bird flu in cats to keep your kitty safe. Signs of bird flu in cats include:3

  • Decreased appetite
  • Lethargy and sluggishness
  • Fever
  • Significant nasal discharge
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Neurological issues including ataxia (incoordination), tremors, seizures, and blindness

If you identify any of these symptoms in your cat, notify your vet as soon as possible. Let them know if your cat has consumed raw food, unpasteurized dairy, or been in contact with a potentially infected bird, human, or animal. Keep your cat away from anyone who is immunocompromised.

Can Bird Flu Be Treated In Cats?

There is no direct treatment or medication for bird flu in cats. Instead, veterinarians take a supportive approach to treating the virus. They’ll take measures to support your cat’s health while their immune system fights the virus. They may also treat bird flu’s symptoms, like difficulty breathing or reduced appetite.

How To Protect Your Cat From Bird Flu

The good news is that there are many measures you can take to protect your cat from bird flu. Use these tactics to help keep your cat safe.

Keep Your Cat Indoors

Outdoor cats have the highest risk of contracting bird flu from birds and infected animals. Cats who spend time outdoors may catch a sick bird or other animal who carries the disease. They may also wander into a space where infected animals have spent time. Keep your cat indoors to limit their risk.

If you live in an area where bird flu risk is high, this is even more imperative. See the CDC’s map of affected counties to verify your cat’s level of risk.

Don’t Feed Raw Meat or Dairy

Raw food diets have recently increased in popularity among pet owners, but they pose a significant health risk for your cat. In addition to potentially exposing your cat to diseases like Salmonella and Listeria, raw food can carry avian influenza.

As of March 2025, three different commercial raw food brands have issued recalls after cases of bird flu in cats were traced back to their products. Northwest Naturals, Wild Coast Raw, and Savage Pet have been identified as sources of bird flu across the country.

Cats can also get bird flu from raw or undercooked human food. Avoid feeding your cat table scraps of raw or undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy products that your family may consume.

Graphic showing ways to protect cats from bird flu.

Sanitize Surfaces

Maintaining a clean home is always a good tool for protecting your cat from diseases. Regularly clean surfaces where your pet spends time, like their bedding, food bowls, and more. If you spend time with birds, poultry, or dairy cows, be sure to wash or sanitize your hands before handling your cat.

Watch for Signs of Bird Flu

Monitor your cat for common signs of bird flu. If you suspect that your cat is exhibiting signs of H5N1, call your vet. They can advise whether an appointment may be necessary.

FAQs

Can cats transmit bird flu to humans?

It is possible for cats to transmit bird flu to humans. If your cat catches the virus, keep yourself and your family safe by following these steps:

  • Contact your vet: Schedule a telehealth appointment with your vet or give them a call to inform them of the potential condition.
  • Isolate your cat: Keep your cat away from family members, especially those who are immunocompromised. If you can, designate a room of your home for your cat and keep the door closed.
  • Wear PPE: Gloves and a mask can be great tools to limit the spread of bird flu. Dispose of them after each interaction.
  • Wash your hands after interacting: Wash hands with soap and warm water after every interaction with your cat. Sanitize surfaces they’ve come into contact with, too.

Can I test my cat for bird flu?

There aren’t currently at-home tests for bird flu, for pets or humans. If you suspect your cat has bird flu, your vet can test them. While waiting for the results of your cat’s bird flu test, follow the above steps in case of a positive result.

How do indoor cats get the flu?

While they may not come into contact with infected birds or other infected animals, indoor cats can carry diseases like bird flu and pass them along to you and your family. Your cat may contract bird flu by eating raw or undercooked meat from an animal that’s been infected. They can also get bird flu from unpasteurized dairy. If you come into contact with infected birds or animals, it is also possible that your cat could get bird flu from you.

Cat sitting on owner’s lap while owner looks at laptop.

Final Notes

With our current bird flu outbreak, it’s important to take steps to keep your cat safe. By minimizing contact with potentially infected animals, avoiding raw meat or dairy, and practicing good hygiene, it’s possible to protect your cat from bird flu.

Looking for more pet care tips? Meet Dutch. Dutch members get unlimited access to licensed veterinarians to chat through concerns and get guidance to help their cats live their happiest life. Plus, Dutch members get free shipping on all pharmacy orders. Join Dutch to talk to a licensed vet today.

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Medically reviewed by

Dr. Jessica March

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Virus Transmission." CDC, 2023,
    www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/virus-transmission/index.html.

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Situation Summary." CDC, 2023,
    www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html.

  3. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. "H5N1 Avian Influenza and Your Cat." Cornell Feline Health Center, 2023, www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/h5n1-avian-influenza-and-your-cat. 

Frequently asked questions

Dutch is an online veterinary telehealth service. With a membership, pet parents get unlimited video consults with licensed vets for up to 5 pets, plus prescription medication shipped to your door in most U.S. states. Members can treat 150+ common conditions without leaving home, typically for less than the cost of a single in-person vet visit.

Sign up with your pet's information and book a video consult with a licensed vet at Dutch. The vet reviews your pet's symptoms, medical history, and any photos you share, then recommends a treatment plan. If medication is appropriate, it's prescribed and shipped directly to your door, typically within 1-3 business days. Members get unlimited follow-up consults at no extra cost.

Our vets can provide care and prescriptions for more than 150 issues — and over 90% of cases can be treated virtually. 

The vet can diagnose your pet based on your description of their symptoms, their medical history, seeing them during your video call, and, if needed, through uploaded photos and videos. They may ask you to do a few simple checks during the call. We also offer a number of at-home lab test kits for dogs and cats.

The health and safety of pets is our top priority. In the rare case that a vet determines a pet needs to go to a local clinic, they’ll provide a referral and offer advice on how to care for them until they can be seen. 

Some things that require in-person care include emergencies, wounds that need stitches, and issues that require blood work, imaging (X-rays or ultrasounds), or surgery.

Our vets are always available for second opinions and follow-up care after in-person vet visits — so you don’t have to navigate health issues alone.

You and your pet will have a 10-minute video call with a licensed veterinarian. Here’s what to expect:

Before the call

When booking the call online, you'll be asked a few questions about your pet. Depending on the issue, you may need to fill out a longer questionnaire about their symptoms or share photographs of them so our veterinarians can better understand what’s going on. You’ll then pick an appointment time. Make sure your pet will be with you at that time — the vet will need to see them on the call.

During the video call

One of our vets will talk to you about the symptoms your pet is experiencing, ask you questions, review your pet’s medical history if you’ve provided it, look at your pet on camera, and answer any questions you have. They may ask you to perform some simple checks on your pet, like raising their gums, if needed.

After the call

The vet will send you a message with a custom treatment plan to help your pet feel better, including a link to buy any recommended prescription or over-the-counter medications. Place your order and we’ll ship it free. If you have any questions, you can message your vet anytime or book another appointment with the same vet to follow up.

Vets at Dutch are licensed to provide care in most U.S. states. Coverage expands as new state licenses are added. The current state availability list is on the membership plans page on dutch.com.

Dutch is an annual membership service. At $132/year ($11/month), the annual membership covers unlimited video consults for up to 5 pets and is designed to cost less than a single typical in-person vet visit. Prescription medication costs are separate and shown transparently at checkout before any purchase. Detailed pricing is on the membership plans page.

Yes, in most states. Vets at Dutch can prescribe medication after a video consult that establishes the required vet-client-patient relationship. Prescriptions are shipped directly to your door, typically within 1-3 business days. State licensing and federal telehealth rules apply.

Same-day video consults are available in most states. After signing up, you can book an appointment that fits your schedule, including evenings and weekends. For non-emergency situations that need urgent attention, the intake questionnaire helps the vet prioritize the right care path.

Yes. Every vet at Dutch is a licensed veterinarian credentialed in the state where they provide care. Many have years of clinical practice experience alongside telehealth expertise. Medical oversight is led by Dutch's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kate Elden.

Dutch isn't pet insurance itself. It's a membership for direct telehealth care. Many major pet insurance plans reimburse for telehealth consults and prescription medication. Dutch can provide an itemized invoice to support reimbursement claims with your insure provider

Vets at Dutch offer convenient video consults from home, well-suited for non-emergency conditions, prescription refills, allergy and anxiety management, and follow-up care. In-person vets remain essential for vaccinations, surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, dental procedures, and emergencies. Many pet parents use both: Dutch for routine and chronic-condition care, in-person for hands-on needs.

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