Can my cat get the bird flu?

Question

My cat brings me sometimes a mouse or a bird as a trophy. Full of proud she show me her chasing results.

Now I am afraid, that she can get the bird flu

Answer 1

Relax, most cats that have been infected carry the virus, but do not fall ill from the disease. They have some kind of natural immunity. This is old news in Asia, and most cats here have been fine through the various crises. Even the ferral communities that live off birds and rodents. They cannot transmit the virus to people, that has to come from raw bird meat, blood, and fecal matter. It does not matter if a cat eats catfood made from an infected bird, because cooking kills the virus. The people who got the disease got it from handling live birds, slaughtering the birds or eating raw or undercooked meat or by eating a delicacy that involve raw chicken blood.

Answer 2

This also worries me as I have 11 cats. I think you have raised a sensible question.
Don't be too worried for now; If there were any cases, the authorities would warn you and give advice. I am wondering whether a vaccine will be made available.
A cat could get bird flu if she was living in an area where bird flu is present, mainly by coming into contact with infected wild birds or their toilet but there have not been any recorded cases in Western Europe where this has happened.
What I would do if there was an outbreak would be to keep your cat inside until it is safe to let her out again.
I live in France and last spring we had to keep all chickens, geese etc inside for while. As I have geese I had to have a run built and kept them in it until the restrictions were lifted.
So do keep listening to the News and have a plan for your cat if you do have to keep it in. It won't be forever but for the time when there is presence of virus in your area. Lets hope that it does not come to that!
Best wishes

Answer 3

No, your cat cannot get bird flu. Like humans, it can't cross into the species. I wouldn't worry. However, you can buy collars that give out a beep sound when a cat pounces so let birds have a chance to escape....we did for one of our cats who is a prolific bird killer!

Answer 4

First, you can't positively keep your cat safe from Bird Flu, but you can take steps to reduce their exposure to the H5N1 virus. With Avian Flu rapidly spreading around the world, steps to help keep your cat safe depends on where you live. those in countries and regions where Bird Flu has been detected in wild birds and/or poultry face more difficult situations and need to take the most drastic steps. Areas not yet infected are still in the preparation stages and can take more modest steps to reduce their exposure should Bird Flu arrive in their region and to be more prepared for the more serious steps to take if it does arrive in their region.
Next, exactly where you live and where your cat ranges greatly influences the risk of infection. Bird Flu is most frequently passed to cats from chewing on carcasses of dead wild birds or catching live wild birds. It can also be transmitted from cat to cat, so if infectations increase, that path may become more prevalent. Currently, most cats are thought to become infected from eating wild bird carcasses. Those living near domestic poultry face risks of poultry becoming infected and passing it on to your cats. Suggestions below will not positively protect your cat, but reading them will make your a more knowledgeable cat owner and better prepared to make the best decisions for your cat's safety.
These regions are the ones of greatest risk to cats. The real task is to avoid contact between your cat and wild birds or poultry, their feces (poop) or other body secretions.
Several of these regions experiencing bird flu are issuing policies at this time concerning cats and dogs. We strongly suggest you follow any policies issued for your area and any advice from your veterinarian.
I sure hope this bit of information will help you, good luck!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

There were instances in continental Europe some time ago because of the virus identified then and only in very small areas of land. Some of the forests/agriculture's government bodies issued a warning telling people in a few restricted areas that their pets must be kept in doors because the virus is transferable, for fear they might become in contact with it; then the alert was resolved. A lot of fuss I think, but health and safety first :-)

Answer 6

Yes it has happened already in china, but unless your cat eats an infected wild bird or somes in contact with infected poultry then i would say shes safe.

What worries me is cat food, being made from poultry in poorer conditions than the poultry we recieve and eat i wonder if our animals would get it first from eating infected cat food

Answer 7

Birds get bird flu, cats get cat flu?

Just buy some Cat lemsips, they'll be fine

Answer 8

Domestic pets can catch the H5N1 strain. In fact it has happened already. It is unlikely unless the pet lives near domesticated birds such as turkeys and chickens etc. I would say don't worry too much but it can happen.

xxR

Answer 9

i don't think sooooooooooooooooo.
take care of your cat because cats don't get bird flu.....

Answer 10

Only if you cat comes in contact with infected animals!

If you are that worried get your cat one of those sealed up protection suits.....and its own air supply.....he will be fine then!!!