Since the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in U.S. cattle began in March 2024, dozens of cats have tested positive for the virus. Infected cats include feral, barn, indoor pets, and even big cats in zoos and the wild.
Veterinarians first identified the virus in cattle after barn cats on multiple dairies began dying. Before this, H5N1 cases in cats were usually linked to contact with infected birds or poultry. But now, experts are seeing a new risk: raw pet food made with contaminated poultry.
In December, pet food company Northwest Naturals voluntarily recalled a batch of its 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after it tested positive for H5N1. The recalled product, marked with “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026, was distributed across 13 U.S. states and parts of Canada.
One house cat in Washington County, Oregon, died after eating this product. Tests by Oregon State University and the USDA showed the virus in the food and in the cat were a genetic match.
“This cat was strictly indoors and had no outside exposure,” said Dr. Ryan Scholz, State Veterinarian at the Oregon Department of Agriculture. “We are confident the infection came from the contaminated pet food.”
Although the FDA and USDA have not yet issued public statements, the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the company acted quickly to recall the affected product. Pet owners are urged to stop feeding the recalled food immediately and dispose of it safely. Signs of H5N1 in cats include fever, lethargy, eye and nose discharge, breathing problems, and neurological symptoms. The disease can lead to death within days.
In a separate case in California, a house cat with confirmed H5N1 died after consuming food from Monarch Raw Pet Food. Four other cats from the same home also became sick. These products were sold at farmers’ markets in several cities, including Laguna Niguel and San Jacinto.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is also investigating the deaths of four cats believed to have contracted H5N1 from raw, unpasteurized milk.
Experts stress that while human infections are still rare, people should use proper hygiene when handling raw pet food and avoid contact with sick or dead animals. Veterinarians are advised to follow CDC guidance when treating suspected zoonotic cases and to report suspected H5N1 infections in cats to state authorities.
State and federal officials strongly advise against feeding pets raw or undercooked meat and unpasteurized dairy products.
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