Hen flu has been round for a very long time, however a serious U.S. outbreak of H5N1, ongoing since March 2024, has raised concern for a wider unfold that can have an effect on extra than simply birds. Additionally in danger: indoor cats, who’re extremely prone to the virus and more likely to expertise extreme sickness if contaminated. A number of animal deaths have already been reported throughout Oregon and California.
When you have a pet cat—or have feral or barn cats close by—you have to be conscious of the signs of chicken flu in felines and take preventive measures to guard your animals from an infection.
What are the indicators of chicken flu in cats?
Signs of chicken flu an infection in cats might embrace lethargy, fever, and lack of urge for food in addition to temper and habits change (reminiscent of uncommon hiding or extreme sleeping). Some cats may even develop redness of their eyes and/or discharge from their eyes and nostril, and will expertise respiratory issue (labored respiration, sneezing, and coughing) or neurological signs (seizures or tremors).
In case your cat exhibits any of those indicators, hold them away from different cats and anybody with a compromised immune system and name your vet instantly.
The way to defend your cat from chicken flu
There are a number of preventive measures you possibly can take to reduce the danger of your cat contracting chicken flu:
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Don’t feed them uncooked meat or unpasteurized dairy, together with uncooked milk. (Cooking and pasteurizing kills viruses and germs which are harmful for animals.) Verify the elements in your cat’s meals to make sure it does not include any uncooked meat or dairy. Northwest Naturals has already recalled frozen pet meals with uncooked turkey—the affected batches had been offered in 12 states and in British Columbia, Canada.
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You must also hold your cat away from livestock, poultry, and wild birds, all of which can carry the virus. Hold them indoors, or at the least forestall them from wandering unsupervised round exterior, the place they’re more likely to encounter and hunt birds.
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Lastly, it is best to wash your arms after touching poultry and any animals, together with your cat. Don’t work together with sick or lifeless birds with out adequate safety.
