You may already know that domestic cats allowed to roam outside are the largest threat to small wildlife in the U.S. In fact, outdoor cats kill between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds and between 6.9 billion and 20.7 billion small mammals, insects, and amphibians annually. While unowned cats account for the majority of these kills (as it is a food source for them), domestic outdoor cats still do enough damage to justify leaving them indoors.
Poisoning of domestic cats that eat mice or rodents that have themselves eaten poison, is one of the main causes of death in outdoor cats. Now, however, bird flu is making a growing impact on their health and safety. Domestic cats are particularly susceptible to catching the virus, which can be fatal, while the rising trend of keeping backyard chickens—partly in response to the egg shortage—risks driving up cases further.
Bird flu was first described in 1878. It was described as a “fowl plague.”
But in 1981, we started calling it the bird flu.
Bird Flu in Pets
Both dogs and cats can catch bird flu through direct exposure to infected birds, alive or dead, from droppings and contaminated environments. They can also contract the virus by eating raw or undercooked poultry or unpasteurized milk that has been infected. Dogs have been shown to carry the virus but usually don't get sick. They can, however, pass that virus on to other pets.
Cats, however, are at greater risk of catching the virus. Researchers believe it is because feline receptors allow the virus to attach more easily to cells in the lungs, nasal passages, and throat. Once infected, cats tend to become sick very quickly - often too late to save them.
The reported number of U.S. pets impacted by bird flu is relatively low, but cases in domestic cats are rising across the country. So far this year, as of March 2025, there have been 115 cases recorded in pet cats across 20 states, according to the US Department of Agriculture. In Virginia, while no domestic cats have been recorded as dying from the virus, researchers know the risk is increasing. In January of this year, the Richmond Zoo reported that two of its cranes passed away due to the H5N1 virus. Their exposure to wild flocks in a protected environment shows how easily the virus can spread.
Many cases in pets, however, are probably being missed. Cases are being undercounted, as not all sick pets that have been exposed are reported to Veterinary Public Health. The cost of testing is one reason many pets are not even diagnosed. Each test averages between $200 and $300, and pet owners cannot afford it. If the pet isn't shedding the virus at the time of the test, this can result in underreporting as well.
How to Protect Your Pets
Sandra Faeh, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), says the best way to protect your cats is to keep them inside. Dogs should be closely monitored and not allowed to eat anything on the ground, whether in a fenced area or on a leashed walk.
Feah says leashed walks are also a good option for cats who enjoy spending time outside. Cat owners can construct secure catios or enclosed and covered outdoor areas to allow the animals to get fresh air and the sensory stimulation of being outside without the risk of contact with wildlife and their droppings.
If you suspect your pet may have contracted the H5N1 virus, when making a veterinary appointment, be sure to notify them when scheduling that you are concerned about bird flu. Symptoms of bird flu include loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, runny nose, runny eyes, seizures, and tremors.
If you have a backyard coop, you should protect your chickens by keeping them in a covered coop or run to prevent exposure to wildlife. You should also limit the chickens’ exposure to guests (mainly other birds), who could unintentionally introduce the disease to the flock. Using a finer mesh over the enclosure will help keep other smaller birds out.
Symptoms of H5N1 in backyard chickens are more difficult to spot than in cats and dogs, as the birds usually die quickly from the disease. If you notice any illness in your flock, contact your veterinarian immediately. Likewise, if a chicken passes and you suspect bird flu, contact your veterinarian and local public health department.
How to Protect Yourself
The CDC says the current risk to humans from H5N1 is low. Seventy people in the US have been infected since the beginning of the outbreak, and one person has died. Most human cases have been reported in farm laborers working with infected livestock, but not all.
If any of your pets show signs of the flu, you should quarantine them immediately and call your vet. You should also limit your pet's contact with immunocompromised individuals. If you’ve got a flock of backyard chickens or routinely hunt, make sure you wear protective equipment and do not let your skin come into direct contact with the birds, whether feeding, watering, or dressing them.
Be sure to wash any clothing that has come into contact with them immediately, and wash any exposed skin that may have been exposed to airborne contaminants.
If you purchase your milk from a grocery store, it is likely pasteurized and will not have the live virus. As long as you heat your food to above 165 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re safe. Bird flu can’t survive at that temperature. Neither can salmonella nor E. coli, the more common infections we get from improperly prepared food. If you prefer runny eggs, now is not the time to indulge.
The good news is that human-to-human virus transfer has not occurred yet. By carefully considering the risks to your pets and actively working to protect them, you can help prevent the virus' spread.
Sources: Wired, UVA Health, CDC, American Veterinary Medical Association, Forbes
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