Health officials warn of rising feline infections linked to contaminated birds, raw milk, and pet food.
May 25, 2025 — A highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) outbreak, first detected in January 2022, has now infected over 166 million poultry and wild birds across all 50 U.S. states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus has also jumped to dairy cows, with viral fragments found in milk samples—and now, veterinarians are raising alarms about its threat to cats, particularly strays.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns that cats can contract the virus by consuming infected birds, drinking raw milk, eating contaminated pet food, or exposure to infected environments. Stray cats face higher risks due to their outdoor activity and hunting behavior.
Symptoms and Severity in Cats
Infected cats may exhibit:
- Fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite
- Reddened or inflamed eyes with discharge
- Respiratory distress
- Neurological signs, including tremors, seizures, or blindness
“Cats appear particularly susceptible to severe illness, often with fatal outcomes,” the AVMA stated. While cat-to-cat transmission remains unconfirmed, the association cautioned that the possibility “cannot be dismissed.”
Low but Present Risk to Humans
The AVMA emphasized that the likelihood of cat-to-human transmission is “extremely low” but could rise with prolonged, unprotected contact. Only two cases of human fatalities linked to this strain have been confirmed globally—one in Mexico (April 2024) and another in Louisiana (January 2025).
Dr. Diego Diel, a virologist at Cornell University, noted the need for vigilance: “Given the number of cats in the U.S. and their close contact with people, understanding the potential risk is critical.”
No Evidence of Human-to-Human Spread
Health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), stress that there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission. “A very small percentage of people are even at risk of infection,” said Dr. Joseph Khabbaza, a pulmonologist at the Cleveland Clinic.
Despite the WHO labeling the outbreak a “significant public health concern,” it has not declared it a global health emergency.
Precautions for Pet Owners
Keep cats indoors to reduce exposure.
Avoid raw milk or uncooked poultry in pet diets.
Monitor for symptoms and seek veterinary care if needed.
Related topics:
