Bird flu seems to be everywhere these days: in cows and chickens, raw milk, and even…pet food? 

A growing number of cats have become seriously ill after eating raw pet food, and at least five have died. Should pet owners worry about where their kitty’s next meal is coming from? Here’s what you need to know to keep your feline friend safe.

tabby cat sitting by a pile of food pellets
Photo by Rasul Yarichev 🇦🇪 on Pexels.com

What Is Bird Flu and How Does It Spread?

Avian influenza (H5N1) is a virus primarily affecting birds, but in rare cases, it can infect mammals, including cats. The virus mainly spreads through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces. But it also can spread when a cat or other mammal eats an infected bird. This is a risk for outdoor pets, who might hunt, sniff, or eat infected animals. 

Since 2022, over 80 cats have caught bird flu. Most of these were outdoor cats who probably had contact with or ate infected birds. But what about indoor pets who eat only canned food?

Is Bird Flu in Pet Food?

The bird flu virus can get into food. Infected cows can pass it into their milk, and in rare cases, chickens into their eggs. Their meat might also be contaminated. 

This usually isn’t a problem for people because we cook our food, which kills the virus. Even milk at the grocery store is almost always pasteurized. This means it has been heated to a temperature high enough to kill the virus. 

But what about pet food?

Pet food manufacturers follow strict safety guidelines to prevent contamination. Commercially cooked pet food undergoes heat processing that destroys viruses, including H5N1.

But raw food is a different story. Because the food isn’t cooked, it could be contaminated with bird flu and other germs. Over the last few months, several cats have gotten sick from raw pet food, and some have died. Companies Wild Coast Raw and Northwest Naturals have recalled contaminated batches of pet food.

One researcher estimated the death rate among infected cats to be up to 90 percent. However, that is probably an overestimate because most cats aren’t tested for bird flu. Other experts haven’t reviewed their evidence yet.

Is Raw Pet Food Safe?

Many people believe raw food has health benefits for pets, but that isn’t necessarily the case. It also carries a lot of risk. A study by the Food and Drug Administration tested over 1,000 samples of pet food. It found that raw food was significantly more likely to be contaminated with disease-causing germs like Salmonella and Listeria.

cat with food
Photo by Eduardo López on Pexels.com

Can Pets Make Their Owners Sick?

So far, 70 people have gotten bird flu in this outbreak. As far as we know, none of them got the virus from their pets. (One adolescent who lived with a sick cat did show signs of illness, but tested negative for bird flu. This suggests that the child’s symptoms were caused by a different illness.) 

But we do know that in 2016, a veterinarian got bird flu after handling an infected cat. So while it’s not likely, it is possible.

Signs of Bird Flu in Cats and Dogs

Keep an eye out for:

  • Fever
  • Tiredness
  • Lack of hunger
  • Red or inflamed eyes
  • Fluid coming from the eyes and nose
  • Trouble breathing
  • Tremors, seizures, lack of coordination, or blindness

If you notice any of these signs, bring your pet to the vet right away. They can figure out if the sickness is bird flu or a different kind of respiratory infection. They also can treat your furry friend.

How to Keep Your Pet Safe

  • Keep Pets Indoors. – Outdoor cats that hunt birds may be at a higher risk of exposure to bird flu. If you bring pets on a walk, don’t let them sniff any sick or dead birds.
  • Avoid raw pet food. – A raw food diet may not be a good idea for pets because of its high risk of contamination with bird flu and other germs. If you do choose to give your pet raw food, follow good hygiene habits. Disinfect utensils, bowls, and other surfaces that the food comes into contact with. Wash your hands after feeding your pet. Don’t kiss your pet on the mouth in case they’ve been infected.
  • Watch for Symptoms. – If you notice your pet isn’t feeling well, bring them to a vet.

The Bottom Line

While bird flu is a serious concern for poultry and wild birds, the risk to household cats—especially those fed commercial diets—remains very low. Sticking to cooked pet food will go a long way in keeping your pet healthy. If you have concerns, talk to your veterinarian for the latest guidance.

For more information, visit the CDC’s Avian Influenza page or check updates from the FDA on pet food safety. You also can check out my earlier article on bird flu FAQs.