The recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), specifically avian influenza type A H5N1, in U.S. dairy cattle since March 2024 has brought an unexpected concern to light: dozens of cats have contracted this virus. This includes not only outdoor cats like barn and feral cats but also indoor pets and even big cats in zoos and wild populations. This situation highlights a critical intersection between Food And Cats, particularly concerning the sources of infection and preventative measures.
Initially, the deaths of barn cats at several dairy farms played a crucial role in veterinarians’ discovery of the virus in dairy cattle. However, the susceptibility of cats to the H5N1 virus was already known. Prior to the dairy cattle outbreak, several cases in felines were linked to exposure to infected poultry or wild birds. Now, a concerning new route of exposure has emerged, directly related to food and cats: raw food diets containing poultry like duck, turkey, or chicken that are contaminated with the virus. This poses a direct threat to domestic cats, particularly those fed raw meat diets.
The Danger of Contaminated Raw Food for Cats
The issue of raw food contamination came sharply into focus in early December when Northwest Naturals, a pet food company, initiated a voluntary recall of a specific batch of its 2-lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food. This recall was triggered after the product tested positive for H5N1.
The affected products from this Portland, Oregon-based company bear “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. The distribution of this contaminated food spanned across numerous states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington, as well as into British Columbia, Canada.
Tragically, a house cat in Washington County succumbed to H5N1 after consuming this recalled raw frozen pet food. Genetic testing conducted by the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL) at Oregon State University and the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed a genetic match between the virus found in the food and the virus that infected the cat.
Dr. Ryan Scholz, the State Veterinarian for the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), stated with certainty, “We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food.” He emphasized the cat’s indoor lifestyle and lack of environmental exposure, further reinforced by genome sequencing that confirmed an exact match between the virus in the pet food and the infected cat.
While official statements from the USDA and FDA regarding the recall are pending, the ODA collaborated with Northwest Naturals to implement this voluntary recall. Consumers are strongly advised to immediately discontinue feeding the recalled product to their pets and to ensure its safe disposal. Furthermore, pet owners are urged to closely monitor their cats for any unusual signs of illness and to seek veterinary attention if necessary.
Adding to the concern, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) issued a warning on December 31, 2024, regarding a confirmed H5N1 infection in a house cat that had consumed raw pet food from Monarch Raw Pet Food. In this instance, four additional cats from the same household were presumed to have contracted the virus after eating the same product. Monarch Raw Pet Food products were sold at farmers’ markets in several California locations.
The LACDPH is also investigating a separate incident involving four cats from another household that fell ill and died after consuming raw unpasteurized milk, highlighting another potential food-related transmission route for cats.
Protecting Your Cat: Food Safety and Avian Flu Prevention
Recognizing the signs of H5N1 in cats is crucial for early intervention. Symptoms can include fever, lethargy, significant discharge from the eyes and nose, respiratory distress, and neurological issues. The disease can progress rapidly in affected cats, often leading to death. It’s important to note that rabies should also be considered in the differential diagnosis for cats exhibiting neurological signs.
Although human infections remain rare, practicing proper hygiene when handling raw pet food and taking personal protective measures when interacting with sick or deceased animals is vital for everyone’s safety.
Veterinarians are advised to adhere to strict protocols to protect themselves and their teams, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This includes using established hospital protocols for isolating and managing patients suspected of having zoonotic diseases.
Any cat suspected of having H5N1 should be reported to state animal health officials, state public health veterinarians, or state veterinary diagnostic laboratories. These authorities can guide veterinarians on collecting and submitting samples for testing.
Both state and federal experts strongly recommend that people and their pets avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat products, as well as unpasteurized dairy products. This is a fundamental aspect of food safety for cats and humans alike.
To further protect your cats and yourself from avian flu, experts recommend the following preventative measures:
- Limit contact with sick or dead animals: Avoid areas where sick or dead birds or other wildlife are present.
- Keep cats indoors: This minimizes their exposure to potentially infected birds and other wildlife that could carry the virus.
- Practice hygiene after potential exposure: After any interaction with sick or dead animals that might harbor the H5N1 virus, change clothes and shoes, and thoroughly wash any exposed skin before interacting with your cat.
- Keep pets away from wild waterfowl: Prevent pets and poultry from having contact with wild waterfowl, which are known carriers of avian flu.
By understanding the risks associated with food and cats in the context of avian flu and taking these preventative steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of infection for your feline companions. Prioritizing food safety for cats is now more important than ever in safeguarding their health and well-being.
