31/08/2026
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) and Cats
There is a very low, but possible risk that cats could become infected with the avian influenza virus if it becomes established in our bird and wildlife populations. Cats get very sick over 1-2 days, and unfortunately many die from bird flu infections. Cats often show neurological or respiratory signs, which include wobbliness, circling, seizures, coughing, sneezing or nasal discharge.
There are some simple steps that you can take to further reduce the risk to your cat:
🔸️Keeping cats indoors, or only having supervised outside time.
🔸️Limiting or ideally preventing contact with wildlife. This includes preventing access to droppings, and also removing food or water sources that may be contaminated by wildlife.
🔸️Eating raw food (especially poultry) has been linked to cases in other countries. To inactivate the virus, all food needs to be well cooked (chicken internal temperature needs to be 75 degrees to inactivate the virus). Freezing of food does not inactivate the virus, and so frozen foods also need to be cooked before consumption. Freeze drying of foods may not inactivate the virus.
Unfortunately there are no vaccinations available for domestic pets. Preventing or minimising the risk is better than hoping for a cure if your cat were to become infected.
