Avian influenza in cats

Cats with avian influenza exhibit symptoms that can result in death. The avian influenza viruses cats may get include H5N1 or H7N2, notable pathogenic subtypes of the virus. In order to get the virus, a cat would need to be in contact with infected waterfowl, poultry, or uncooked poultry. Two of the main organs that the virus affects are the lungs and liver. In May 2024, two indoor-only cats living in Michigan developed avian flu and died. Their owners were dairy farm workers who had symptoms of H5N1 bird flu before their cats, but did not want to be tested.