Since early 2024, the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), specifically the H5N1 strain, in the United States has expanded beyond wild birds and poultry to include domestic animals, notably Domestic House Cats. Initially detected in barn and feral cat populations associated with dairy farms, the virus has now been found in indoor domestic house cats, highlighting a growing concern for pet owners. Domestic house cats are susceptible to H5N1, and understanding the risks is crucial for their protection.
In fact, the discovery of HPAI in dairy cattle was partly due to observant veterinarians noticing deaths among barn cats at affected dairies. This early detection underscores the vulnerability of felines to this virus, even before its prevalence in cattle. Prior to the dairy cattle outbreak, cases in cats were already linked to exposure to infected poultry or wild birds, demonstrating an existing risk pathway for domestic house cats that venture outdoors or have contact with wild animals.
Recently, a concerning new source of exposure for domestic house cats has emerged: contaminated raw pet food. While previously, risks were primarily associated with consuming contaminated raw pet food and unpasteurized milk, now raw diets containing poultry like duck, turkey, or chicken are implicated. This development signifies a broader risk landscape for domestic house cats, even those kept exclusively indoors.
Contaminated Raw Food and Domestic House Cats
In December, Northwest Naturals issued a recall for a specific batch of its 2-lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after it tested positive for H5N1. This recall by the Portland, Oregon-based company encompassed products with “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. The affected pet food was distributed across numerous states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington, as well as in British Columbia, Canada, indicating a wide reach of potentially contaminated product.
Tragically, a domestic 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) and the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed a direct genetic match between the virus found in the pet food and the virus that infected the domestic house cat.
Dr. Ryan Scholz, Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) State Veterinarian, stated, “We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food. This cat was strictly an indoor cat; it was not exposed to the virus in its environment, and results from the genome sequencing confirmed that the virus recovered from the raw pet food and infected cat were exact matches to each other.” This case highlights the severe risk contaminated raw food poses to even indoor domestic house cats.
While official statements from the USDA and FDA regarding the recall are pending, the ODA collaborated with Northwest Naturals to initiate the voluntary recall. Consumers are strongly advised to immediately discontinue feeding the recalled product to their pets and to dispose of it safely to prevent further risk to domestic house cats. Pet owners are also urged to closely monitor their domestic house cats for any signs of illness and seek veterinary attention if necessary.
Another incident reported by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) on December 31, 2024, involved a domestic house cat with a confirmed H5N1 infection that had consumed raw pet food from Monarch Raw Pet Food. Four other cats in the same household were presumed to have contracted the virus from the same product. Monarch Raw Pet Food’s products were sold at farmers’ markets in various California locations, indicating another potential source of exposure for domestic house cats through raw food purchased from local markets.
The LACDPH is also investigating a separate case involving four cats from one household that became sick and died after consuming raw unpasteurized milk, further emphasizing the dangers of raw food products for domestic house cats.
Protecting Your Domestic House Cat and Your Family
Symptoms of H5N1 infection in domestic house cats can include fever, lethargy, excessive discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, and neurological problems. The disease can progress rapidly and be fatal in affected domestic house cats. It’s important to note that rabies should also be considered as a possible diagnosis for domestic house cats exhibiting neurological signs, requiring careful veterinary evaluation.
Although human infections remain rare, it is crucial to practice good hygiene when handling raw pet food and to take personal protective measures when interacting with sick or deceased animals. This is important for protecting both yourself and your domestic house cat.
Veterinarians should adhere to strict protocols to protect themselves and their staff, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Veterinary practices should implement hospital protocols for isolating and managing patients suspected of having zoonotic diseases like HPAI to prevent further spread and protect domestic house cats in their care.
Any domestic house 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 provide guidance on sample collection and submission for testing.
Both state and federal experts strongly recommend that people and their pets, especially domestic house cats, avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat products and unpasteurized dairy products to minimize the risk of HPAI infection.
Experts offer the following recommendations to further protect domestic house cats:
- Minimize your domestic house cat’s contact with sick or dead animals.
- Keep your domestic house cat indoors to reduce exposure to wild birds and other wildlife that may carry the virus.
- After interacting with sick or dead animals that could harbor H5N1, change clothes and shoes, and thoroughly wash any exposed skin before interacting with your domestic house cat.
- Keep your domestic house cat and poultry away from wild waterfowl, which are known carriers of avian influenza viruses.
By taking these precautions, owners of domestic house cats can significantly reduce the risk of their beloved pets contracting HPAI and contribute to overall public and animal health.
