The Surprising Link Between Raw Pet Food and Bird Flu in Cats
Raw pet food has been growing in popularity, with many cat owners believing it’s a more natural and healthier choice. But recent reports suggest it might carry a serious hidden danger—bird flu.
Several cases of cats becoming infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, have been linked to raw food diets.
While bird flu was once considered a problem for birds and farm animals, it’s now showing up in household pets, particularly in cats that consume raw food.
Some cats have become severely ill, and a few have even died after eating contaminated raw pet food. If you feed your cat a raw diet or are considering it, this is something you need to know. Let’s break it down.
What is Bird Flu (HPAI) in Cats?
Bird flu (HPAI) in cats is a serious viral infection caused by the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. It can lead to severe respiratory and neurological symptoms, and in some cases, death.
While bird flu mostly affects birds, it has been spreading to other animals, including domestic cats. The virus can be picked up through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated environments, or, as recent cases show, through contaminated raw pet food.
Cats that catch bird flu can experience symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, and sudden weakness. In some cases, they may also show neurological signs such as seizures or loss of coordination. Since the virus spreads quickly and has no specific cure, it can be life-threatening for infected cats.
Veterinarians and animal health officials are monitoring these cases closely, urging cat owners to be cautious, especially when it comes to raw pet food.
How Does it Spread?
Bird flu doesn’t appear out of nowhere—it needs a way to infect a cat. Once inside, it can cause serious illness. Here’s how cats can catch it:
- Eating contaminated raw pet food– Some infections have been linked to raw pet food made from infected poultry.
- Hunting or eating sick birds– Outdoor cats that catch infected wildlife are at risk.
- Exposure to infected animals– Cats living near infected birds or farm animals can become exposed.
- Touching contaminated surfaces– Food bowls, bedding, or even paws can carry the virus.
Because bird flu spreads easily among birds, outbreaks in poultry farms can end up contaminating pet food if safety measures aren’t followed.
Recent Cases Linking Raw Pet Food to Bird Flu
Several cases of bird flu in cats have been reported across different states, many tied to contaminated raw pet food. Here’s a look at what’s happened so far.
Washington State Cases
In February 2025, two indoor cats in King and Snohomish Counties tested positive for bird flu after eating Wild Coast Raw pet food. One cat became severely ill and was euthanized, while the other is receiving treatment.
These are not isolated cases—at least five cats in Oregon have also died from bird flu, with at least two linked to the same brand of raw pet food. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is urging pet owners to report any illnesses connected to raw diets.
San Diego County Case
San Diego reported its first suspected case of bird flu in a cat in early 2025. The indoor cat, which had been fed raw pet food, died from what officials believe was H5N1.
While bird flu has been reported in other parts of California, this marks the first case in San Diego County. Local veterinarians are warning pet owners about the risks of untested raw pet food.
Oregon Cases
Oregon has recorded multiple cat deaths from bird flu, with at least five confirmed cases. Two were linked to Wild Coast Raw pet food, the same brand tied to cases in Washington.
In late 2024, another case involved an indoor cat that ate Northwest Naturals frozen turkey pet food and later died from HPAI. The company issued a voluntary recall, but after an FDA audit found no traces of the virus in their facility, the recall was lifted.
Los Angeles County Cases
Los Angeles County confirmed seven cases of bird flu in cats, with officials suspecting more unreported infections.
Some cats had been fed raw diets, while others may have been exposed to infected birds or farm animals. Authorities have issued warnings to pet owners, especially those buying raw pet food from small, unregulated brands.
How Raw Pet Food Becomes Contaminated
Raw pet food can become contaminated with bird flu in a few ways. Once infected meat makes its way into the supply chain, the virus can spread rapidly. Here’s how that happens:
– Sourcing from infected poultry farms– If a farm has an outbreak of bird flu, some of those infected birds may end up in pet food products.
– Lack of proper testing– Some raw pet food brands do not test for bird flu before selling their products.
– Cross-contamination during processing– Even if a pet food brand isn’t directly sourcing infected meat, improper handling can spread the virus during packaging.
– Frozen but not treated – Freezing does not kill the bird flu virus. If raw pet food is frozen but not pasteurized or treated, the virus can still be active when fed to pets.
This is why veterinary experts strongly recommend against feeding raw pet food unless it has been properly processed and tested for harmful pathogens.
Symptoms of Bird Flu in Cats
Cats infected with bird flu can show a mix of mild to severe symptoms, and in some cases, the illness can be deadly. If your cat has been exposed to raw pet food or infected birds, watch for these signs:
- Lethargy and weakness– A sudden drop in energy, reluctance to move, or extreme tiredness.
- Loss of appetite– Refusing to eat or drink, which can quickly lead to dehydration.
- Difficulty breathing– Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath.
- Fever– A warm or hot body, often accompanied by shivering.
- Discharge from the nose or eyes– Mucus buildup, sneezing, or watery eyes.
- Neurological symptoms– Seizures, unsteady movement, or disorientation.
- Sudden death– In severe cases, some cats have died suddenly with little warning.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian right away. Bird flu spreads quickly and can be dangerous if left untreated.
Should You Stop Feeding Raw Food to Your Cat?
Veterinarians recommend avoiding raw diets unless they come from a trusted, thoroughly tested source, as recent cases of bird flu have been linked to contaminated raw pet food.
Many cat owners choose raw food because it mimics a natural diet, but the risks—from bacteria like Salmonella to viruses like bird flu—can outweigh the benefits. Unlike wild cats, house cats aren’t exposed to these pathogens regularly, making them more vulnerable.
If you still prefer raw feeding, choose reputable brands that test for harmful pathogens. Some use pasteurization to reduce contamination, but no raw food is completely risk-free.
For a safer alternative, consider high-quality canned or freeze-dried raw food, which offers similar benefits without the same contamination concerns. Talk to your vet about the best options for your cat’s health.
How to Protect Your Cat from Bird Flu
The best way to keep your cat safe is to reduce their chances of exposure. Here are some simple steps to lower the risk:
- Avoid raw pet food from unregulated brands– Stick to pet food that has been properly tested and processed.
- Keep your cat indoors– This limits their contact with infected birds or contaminated areas.
- Practice good hygiene– Wash your hands after handling pet food, bowls, or litter boxes.
- Disinfect food and water bowls– Use hot water and soap to clean your cat’s dishes daily.
- Watch for pet food recalls– Stay updated on recalls for raw pet food products linked to contamination.
- Monitor your cat’s health– If you notice any unusual symptoms, visit a vet as soon as possible.
Taking small precautions now can prevent big problems later. Bird flu may not be common in cats, but the cases we’ve seen are serious enough to warrant extra care.
Conclusion
Bird flu in cats is a growing concern, especially for pet owners who feed raw food. Recent cases in Washington, California, and Oregon have linked raw pet food to HPAI infections in domestic cats, leading to severe illness and, in some cases, death.
While feeding raw might seem like a natural choice, the risks of contamination are real, and pet owners should be aware of safer alternatives.
Keeping your cat healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. By making informed choices about their diet and monitoring their health, you can reduce the risk of bird flu and other foodborne illnesses.
