Protecting Your Cat from Bird Flu: What You Need to Know

Bird flu, a virus that's been affecting wild birds, chickens, and other animals for years, has now been linked to the death of a house cat in Oregon. This case has raised questions about how to keep pets safe during the ongoing outbreak. The virus was found in frozen cat food made from raw turkey, leading to a recall of the product. Cats seem to be more susceptible to the bird flu virus, known as Type A H5N1. Even before the virus was found in cattle, there were cases of cats getting sick from wild birds or poultry. Since March, many more cats, including barn cats, indoor cats, and even big cats in zoos, have caught the virus.To protect your cat, avoid feeding them raw meat or unpasteurized dairy products. Keep them away from wild birds and livestock, as cats are natural hunters and may catch the virus from their prey. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling poultry or animals. If your cat shows symptoms like loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, or eye and nose discharge, contact your vet immediately. Keep the cat away from people with weakened immune systems. The recalled pet food, a 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe from Northwest Naturals, was sold in several U. S. states and Canada. The affected batches have "best if used by" dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. Consumers should discard the product and contact the place of purchase for a refund.