Protect Your Cat from Bird Flu: Veterinarians and Animal Advocates Urge
Veterinarians and animal advocates are urging pet owners to keep their cats indoors and not to feed them raw pet food to protect them from bird flu.
A Growing Concern: Bird Flu in Cats
A handful of cats in the United States have been found dead due to avian influenza, a viral disease that historically only affected domestic poultry and wild birds. However, some variants of the virus, such as the avian influenza A(H5), have shown the potential to infect mammals, including humans.
The Risk Factors
Dr. Michele Paul, a veterinarian at the Allentown Cat Clinic, emphasized that the main cause of bird flu in cats is coming into contact with infected animals, living or dead. As carnivores, house cats need to eat meat, which makes them more likely to come into contact with other animals or their byproducts. Outdoor and feral cats are especially susceptible, as small wild birds and rodents, the preferred quarry of domestic cats, are common carriers of bird flu.
Prevention is Key
Laurie Mason Schroeder, owner of Purr Haus in Emmaus, recommends that concerned pet owners bring their cats indoors and keep them there. "There’s a lot of danger for cats outdoors. There are parasites, there are predators, they can get hit by a car, there are just so many ways a cat can be hurt by going outdoors. We just believe the best thing to do is to keep them indoors and give them enrichment that way."
Raw Pet Food: A No-Go
For indoor cats, the greatest risk comes from consuming raw poultry. Recalls of bird flu-tainted food include one by Oregon pet food company Northwest Naturals, which voluntarily recalled some of its Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food. However, given the widespread presence of H5N1 in the U.S. poultry industry, it would be wise to avoid feeding cats any raw food, especially not raw poultry.
Signs and Treatment
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that signs of bird flu in cats include loss of appetite, lethargy, and fever in the early stages. As the illness progresses, the cat may become severely depressed, experience rapid breathing, shortness of breath, sneezing or coughing, loss of balance, tremors, seizures, blindness, or have discharge around their eyes or nose. However, AVMA recommends that pet owners and vets who notice only neurological symptoms consider the possibility that it may be rabies.
Conclusion
As the threat of bird flu in cats continues to grow, it is essential for pet owners to take immediate action to protect their feline friends. By keeping them indoors, avoiding raw pet food, and being aware of the signs of infection, you can help prevent your cat from falling victim to this deadly disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is bird flu in cats?
A: Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral disease that can infect cats.
Q: How does a cat get bird flu?
A: A cat can get bird flu by coming into contact with infected animals, living or dead, or by consuming raw poultry.
Q: What are the signs of bird flu in cats?
A: The signs of bird flu in cats include loss of appetite, lethargy, and fever in the early stages, and severe depression, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, sneezing or coughing, loss of balance, tremors, seizures, blindness, or discharge around their eyes or nose in the later stages.
Q: How can I protect my cat from bird flu?
A: You can protect your cat from bird flu by keeping them indoors, avoiding raw pet food, and being aware of the signs of infection.
