Bird Flu Outbreak in Cats Explained

The bird flu virus (H5N1) has made headlines for its impact on animals beyond birds. Dozens of domestic cats and wild cats, including those in sanctuaries and zoos, have tragically succumbed to the virus. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats seem to be susceptible to severe illness from bird flu, often resulting in fatal outcomes.
In this video, we break down everything cat owners need to know to protect their cats during this alarming outbreak. Learn about the virus, how it spreads, symptoms to watch for, and the steps you can take to safeguard your cat.
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[@benoithudson7235]

"If you find a dead bird in the wild don't touch it, definitely don't lick it" -- feral cats are going to have trouble with that memo.

[@wejoin]

😂

[@teri2466]

Only if they're starving. Cats prefer to kill their own prey.

[@roxyiconoclast]

@@benoithudson7235 yes, and we’ve seen a lot of dead birds lying in the street, over the past few years. Scary.

[@Survivin2Thrivin]

They sure did! They even refused to read it!

[@Whattheheck829]

Exactly!! SMH

[@Coogi622]

I have indoor shoes I wont wear outside and outdoor shoes I wont wear inside. Trying my best to protect my senior babies who celebrated their 24th birthday last Nov. I trapped the sisters as feral kittens and they've been indoors-only all their lives. 🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛ Thank you for your helpful info!

[@thedavesofourlives1]

lions?

[@Coogi622]

@thedavesofourlives1 Black cats. 🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛ I call them house-panthers, but they aren't panthers.🐾

[@PoeticBostonian]

As a caregiver for a feral cat colony this was super helpful, thank you! I have 3 cats at home, one feral I adopted last year and 2 senior cats and my main goal is always to protect them the best I can.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@amechealle5918]

This is going to be VERY HARD. We adopted a stray ( or I should say a stray cat adopted our chickens then it adopted us since we came with the chickens) we have only one chicken left and she (the cat) and our last remaining chicken are best buddies. If our chicken is out in her yard our cat is right there with her. They even dust bathe together. Our cat even took out a young hawk when it went after her chicken sister, yes took it out. If they aren’t together they get very agitated. Our chicken turns 14 this year and needs her Kitty.

[@cyn7869]

Keep your chicken away from wild birds as much as possible and you should be fine.

[@buds8423]

Time for a house chicken and kitty! Check out Chicken Run Rescue for mor bio security advice

[@kataratify]

Anyway to bring chicken and kitty inside? That would drastically limit exposure for both of them

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

That sounds like such a special bond between your cat and chicken! If you have any questions on how to keep them both safe, join our Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST.

[@daskapital3532]

Charming

[@thelifeofzoe9201]

H5N1 has been a real horrorstory for many farmers in the Netherlands before. I hope it doesn't repeat.

[@ziggyscatworld]

Two rescue cats are indoor pets for many safe reasons deemed. We have wildlife in our area too. Coyotes, bears, mountain lions. Heart goes out to all outdoor & feral cats not protected.

[@Hypatia52]

Thank you for this. Here in WA state, we have heard from the news that bird flu has killed 50% of the wild cat population in a sanctuary. It's was horrid, because we have a dumped cat who we are trying to convince to come in for more than 2 hours at a time. Sadly, he is an excellent hunter. Has bird flue affected the voles, moles, mice or rats? Birds are an obvious risk, but what of the mammals we share our outdoors with?

[@patriciasibel4917]

Very informative! Thank you.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

You are welcome!

[@peacefeline1107]

“Definitely don’t lick it” 😂🤣

[@SnarkasticSunny]

😅😂🤣

[@Geoduck.]

Thank you for this critical information.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

You are welcome!

[@larry-terricarroll8094]

Thank you for this video. Dr. Wooten, you are so sensitive to animals and their owners. Truly appreciate your efforts!

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thanks for watching!

[@MissCharliechop]

This is great info! Thank you so much. Im less stress now because im now educated on what to look for and what to do. Will share this with my cat parent friends. ❤

[@jeanmorell1947]

It is a threat but keeping your cat indoors and don’t feed raw food cats don’t need milk raw or regular. Keep abreast of recalls .

[@christianeraphael1270]

😻Thank you! I live in Northern Germany in Europe, however, diseases travel fast to everywhere.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thanks for watching!

[@judylynngeier9352]

Thank you for this information. God bless all reading this and their fur babies. 🙏🏻☦️

[@silver_crone]

Thank you so much for this! ❤

[@lisadieter-burns]

I live near a bird flu outbreak in Rancho Cordova (a park of swans died of it nearby). My 5 month old kitten brought a dead baby bird in the house from the catio. I suspect the bird was deceased prior to her finding it. It is Saturday and I am having trouble knowing where to call. I called my vet and they advised me to just monitor my kitten. I have 3 other cats in my household. I disinfected my house as best as I can. I saved the dead bird (in a bag, in a box, in our shed). I noticed your diploma is from CA. If you have any suggestions where to call specifically to get the bird tested, I'd appreciate it. Otherwise, I'll need to resume my calls Monday (agencies seem to all be out on weekends). Thank you so much for this video! I thought a catio was good enough!

[@firefrost9718]

If you can not reach anyone at your local health dept. then try either the local animal control or local DNR dept. (you can look online for contact info or put in a call to a state park main office and see if they have any contact info on file.) Keep the kitten in room away from the others and continue to monitor, keep dishes clean and wash separately (easy way to disinfect the dishes is add a small splash of distilled white vinegar to dish soap and hot water) use exam gloves and a mask every time when in the room with kitten during this time and again keep that trash apart from the rest of the household. Antibacterial wipes are good to keep in the room with kitten too so you can clean hands before you leave, natural cleaning wipes to use around pets to clean surfaces is another must have and can be used daily, and get some disposable biohazard suits (you can find those at Walmart for under $ 8.00) to protect your clothing if you can't change/wash clothes multiple times a day. Lysol disinfectant spray for shoes or whatever footwear you only use in kitten's room and wash kitten's bedding everyday if possible during this time. (also wash separately from other bedding) Hope this helps you and that your kitten is ok.

[@lisadieter-burns]

@@firefrost9718 thank you so much for your detailed instructions. It is very helpful!!

[@firefrost9718]

@@lisadieter-burns You are very welcome and I hope it not only helps you but also eased some of the stress right now. Goodness knows it's helped me over the years dealing with horses,dogs,cats, goats chickens and wildlife lol. Please keep us posted on how your kitten is doing eh?

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Great question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@rascalandshadowsmith1277]

Luckily my three cats are indoors too and don’t eat raw cat food. They eat Fancy Feast chicken and Turkey food and Sheba pate food too. So hopefully they are safe.🤞🏻Thanks Dr. Wooten for posting this video. 🙂 Very Good information! 👍🏻

[@jennifermarlow.]

My cat had tick paralysis. That was in 2014, and it wasn't even a diagnosis then (at least, not in Canada). There's no anti-venom for cats. I would love to see a video about this. It's my feeling that a some cats who do not come home may have been subject to the sudden choking and other neurological symptoms that strike suddenly. Families think they were gotten by a wild thing, or struck by a car. That's the only reason we don't hear about it - at least my vet and I think that's a possibility.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thanks for sharing your experience-tick paralysis in cats is such an important topic! A video raising awareness about its symptoms and risks would definitely be valuable.

[@jennifermarlow.]

@@AllAboutCatsYT I appreciate that consideration. My Blue was 8, and on a raw food diet. Her vet was amazed by her muscle tone and luxurious fur. It was a tragedy for all of us, including Dr. Brown. Looking forward to any future analysis of this issue! xx Oh, PS --- I had found a tick on her neck - just where they can't reach on the top side - and thought she had hooked herself on a thorn or whatever, and it was just a lump of old blood. Threw it out - the symptoms began a day or two later. So we were never able to check the actual tick. The size and feel of what I removed (thinking it was more of a scab, for lack of a better term) was the same as an engogred tick. RIP my Precious Blue, you were a survivor. x

[@saphounetheteajunkie8626]

Thank you so much for the information. Your channel deserves so many more followers!!!!

[@Vondolch]

I've watched several videos recently where people are reporting their pets dying after eating snow where the strange fog engulfed the area.

[@samuelm.5752]

No more feeding my cats raw!

[@Heightsomethinghuman]

Very smart!

[@daskapital3532]

Whats wrong with raw beef, fish, cooked chicken and turkey?

[@Brokedown72]

My cat is indoor always (another city kitty). That risk is low. But what about the freeze dried chicken treats (Whole Life or Purebites) for cats? My cat loves them but now I am afraid to give them to her. Is this right or are they ok?

[@SnarkasticSunny]

Good question

[@catlady6464]

If you are in doubt, I would choose caution and not give them to your cat. It's good that you're cat stays indoors. We have seen dead geese in creeks around here in the Midwest. We keep ours inside.

[@kathleengeiser6956]

Do not feed them any raw foods, even the freeze dried as viruses can survive the freezing. Only cooking can kill the virus in food.

[@kellyngrey4950]

Freeze drying can kill some bacteria. But not all. Likewise with viruses (which flu is). Pure Bites sources their poultry in the US and produces it in the US. Ideally, farm animals testing positive for avian flu are culled and CANNOT use the carcass for ANY sale or production. Now, most likely, food would be safe, and the virus would be killed in the stomach because cats' stomach acid is extremely strong and would likely kill the virus before it has a chance to infect the animal because influenza tends to spread through respiration. Edit to add: not a vet and you do what you think is best.

[@bagibleep]

Cats have died from raw poultry foods so any level of raw poultry foods (even freeze-dried) are not recommended.

[@nafisajaghuri51]

Thank you for your great video ❤

[@nancyhaugh7103]

Very helpful. Many thanks.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thanks!

[@PinkFlowers365]

Thanks so much

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thanks for watching!

[@KateKrauss]

Extremely helpful. Many thanks.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thanks for watching!

[@EmmaVB82]

Such a good and informative video, thank you! ❤ My cats are indoor and almost no possible risk factors, and the one they do have is *really* small. They’ve both got an obsession with the pigeons that roost on the roof of our building and on the ledges you can see through the full length window at the end of the corridor on our floor. My girl’s MO is to run at them full pelt while chirping at them in a threateningly cute way 😹 (all while they remain safely on the other side of the window glass!) but my ginger giant Harvey has a new tactic. The top part of the window opens automatically as part of the building’s fire safety measures, and since last summer it’s been seemingly broken and locked to permanently cracked open a couple of inches, with an auto-retractable chain stopping it from either getting more open or closed (and yes, the building management have had it reported to them many times, but apparently we pay them to sit on their butts and not fix things! 🙄). It’s the kind of window that opens outwards the same way you might open a door, with the hinge side on the right. Harvey seems to think he can a) flow like a liquid through very small gaps (that are definitely smaller than the size of his skull - my paranoia has made me check this!), b) fly like a bird once he inevitably gets through and finds himself very far from the ground with pretty much nowhere to go, and c) presumably then do the whole thing in reverse to get back in when he’s done? 😸 Either way, he’s discovered he can jump up there and just about perch on the wooden part of the window - both (massive) right feet on the window side of the gap, and both (also massive!) left feet on the frame side of the gap - and stick his face into the most open part of the window on the left so he can SNIFF THE PIGEONS! 😹 Of course, there are no actual birds just sitting there by the time the ginger lion arrives, but there’s streaks of guano down the walls outside, splashed onto the window itself, and lots on the ledges (and I did mention my building management being useless…) and I guess Harvey is just obsessed with his concept of a plan to somehow reach the actual birds and hunt them down. I don’t *think* he could even reach the guano if he shoved a paw out there (and probably a whole front leg) to swipe at it, and I definitely don’t leave him unattended when he’s out there at all so he wouldn’t have the chance! He first jumped up there while I was with my other cat at the other end of the corridor (because she was trying to pick a fight with someone’s shoelaces who’d left their shoes outside on their doormat 😼), and I now make sure I’m close to wherever he is out there, and when he inevitably gets up on the ledge I’ll position myself with one arm coming around over his back and underneath him from the window side and the other going under his chest from the near side, absolutely ready to grab him if he either loses footing and slips a whole leg or two through the gap, or thinks he’s going to have a go at altering the laws of physics or the properties of matter and just tries to shove his whole self through the gap. I don’t think any of that is *needed* but I really don’t want to take chances! And I’ve learned that just trying to prevent him from doing a thing when he’s got it into his head that he must is only going to result in everyone being frustrated and disappointed, so it’s better if I just let him safely do his thing and make his own mind up for when he’s done, or I’ll never hear the end of it 😂 …but sometimes there’s a feather ingress situation into the corridor proper! I can only imagine the pigeons have been up there on the roof/ledge right above the window and either preening themselves or having some kind of flappy fight over some chick 😏🤭 and the feathers float down and the wind blows them through the window. Both my cats are obsessed with the feathers as well, and I thought they might enjoy swiping at them during play if I collect them up and drop them from a height to catch (and I also discovered in the summer that dropping them in the path of a fan pointing upwards and outwards makes the game MUCH more exciting for them!) 😺 …but Harvey ruins the game by eating them every time 😂 I let him have a little downy white one I found out there earlier, but after watching this it’s a good reminder to make sure they don’t eat any random feathers from random birds while there’s a risk of H5N1, so I’m going to be on feather patrol from now on 🫡 …this was ridiculously long to cover the minuscule potential risk of my cats having any contact with birds, so I hope there’s at least someone who’s enjoyed the stories of my silly and ferociously cute fluff monsters 😏

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thank you for sharing your adorable cat stories! It's always a joy to hear about their antics, especially Harvey's determination to sniff out those pigeons. Keeping an eye on them while they explore is such a great way to ensure their safety!

[@SHANECatLovingGenXHistorian]

i put cat food in a bowl and set it in the snow incase any stray cats wanted something to eat. Next day there were lots of bird tracks as they cant find food easy in the snow and there was blood there with some cat tracks. I assume a cat caught a bird that was trying to get the food from the bowl. When the snow or ice is on, birds go for cat food quickly and they crap up the area most times.

[@Amy-gu5st]

Feed them bread too

[@SHANECatLovingGenXHistorian]

or it could have been a cat that was bleeding for some reason. But either way, it attracts birds and cats to the same spot. I guess the way to avoid that would be to only put out the food in the dark and make sure its gone by sun rise

[@laurenmorley1137]

Birds including ducks and geese should never be fed bread. It causes a deformity called angel wing which destroys their ability to fly.

[@roxyiconoclast]

@@SHANECatLovingGenXHistorian actually leaving food out overnight tends to attract raccoons and rodents, and in my area at least it puts outdoor cats at higher risk from coyote and mountain lion attacks. Seems like a better idea may be to offer some bird-specific foods on a platform or other safer feeder. The Cornell site AllAboutBirds says “transmission to songbirds and other typical feeder visitors has been low (about 3% of all cases reported in wild birds), although this may change with increased testing or changes to the virus. That means there is currently a low risk of an outbreak among wild songbirds, and no official recommendation to take down feeders unless you also keep domestic poultry, according to the National Wildlife Disease Program.”

[@roxyiconoclast]

For more info, see the AllAboutBirds article “Avian Influenza Outbreak: Should You Take Down Your Bird Feeders?”

[@GardenCatDiaries]

"Find out before you flip out."😄 Thank you for the tips to protect ourselves and our pets.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thanks for watching!

[@FutoXar]

We have protect our cats😢I am going to adopt cats now

[@OutsidetheLines2]

Is this for outdoor cats ? My cat never leaves my apartment..she's a city kitty! Poor kitties 😢

[@jezabell]

She just said cats can get it through food. Maybe watch the video.

[@K-a-i.]

@@jezabell but she said only raw food. So if her cat never leaves and eats "normal" cat food, it should be safe from this bird flu.

[@jezabell]

@@K-a-i. she also said undercooked poultry. Also if it somehow gets on your clothes and you bring it home. It is just best to know what symptoms to look out for if yr cat is sick, not to just assume yr cat is safe.

[@marieJennell]

Like raw milk n poultry thats not cooked. So I'm also assuming raw beef? Since it is in cows too?

[@kataratify]

@@marieJennellI’d be wary of any raw food tbh

[@wejoin]

Thank you doc! Yes, this topic has been my concern because although my fur babies live inside, they have very up-close, almost contact (just a screen between) contact with wild birds. So glad I found your video with bird flu H5N1 info and PAHO website!

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thank you!

[@joannewilson6577]

Great video,thank you from Canada.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thanks for watching!

[@alexisl4158]

Thank you for this valuable information!

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thanks for watching!

[@jacquelyns9709]

I am so glad that I don't currently have a cat to worry about. Especially not one like my Bambi. Her mother taught her to hunt in Hawaii. When I was transferred to Ft Meade, MD, I took her with me. She was an outdoor/indoor kitty. She routinely brought us mice she had caught. She sometimes brought us a bird and once a rabbit. She was a great lap cat as well. She lived a long, happy life. Recently, one of the neighborhood feral cats followed me into my apartment without me noticing. I was moving my rollator walker through the door and parking it, which is why I didn"t see the cat come in. It took several minutes, but I finally caught the cat and put it outside. The cat was well fed and may well be someone's pet. But it did have a notched ear. I do hope it doesn't get this flu.

[@sinisterkitty8411]

Great info. Thanks so much for doing this!

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thank you!

[@ChessInstructorSF]

Do your part People! When all of us work together we can do amazing stuff! Best for all, purring and dancing all the way to health!

[@LisaJ-mj1wp]

Thank you-great info, esp regarding colonies!

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thanks for watching!

[@SnarkasticSunny]

Please don't suddenly STOP feeding wild birds cuz' of this! While we need to be diligent in order to protect our kitties, puppies & us too, the wild birds in the area DEPEND on the birdseed kind people put out for them & to suddenly have nothing to eat could be just as deadly to those birds counting on you for survival!! Birdseed is well, birdseed - takes ALOT of eating it to provide birds with enuff fuel to survive, stay warm, etc. They count ON US in cities & suburbia, where many housing tracts & roads, etc., have been built over their natural areas for nesting & finding food,! I have some elevated boards that I put the birdseed on, due to my cats ~ they can watch, but not "get" the birds. ("Mom's no fun!" "Wahhhh!!" - Yeah, I know.) 🫠 Also, if you can take a minute to wipe off the "crud" from eaten seed ((NO HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS! ~~ POISONOUS TO BIRDS!))... that's helpful too. Our actions have consequences on other lives.... good, or bad. Let's make it "good"!!😁

[@brassbuckles]

If you do feed the birds, look into the safe types of feeders. Some feeders facilitate the spread of disease. I think it's mostly platform feeders, so avoid those. Not sure, but feeding them on a plank might actually help spread disease too as the seed is not contained/kept from exposure to sick birds. I could be wrong. Do your research, you don't want to end up harming the birds when you are trying to help them.

[@CremeBrulee543]

We should all be wearing masks to protect ourselves and cats

[@rarespiritwendy]

I think I should move my bird feeders away from the house. Indoor cat but..Thank you for the info!

[@loretta_3843]

Well, I looked online, and apparently, Australia is the only continent this hasn't spread to. Thankfully, I'm in luck there. I just hope it's able to be kept out, but with the way it spreads to various animals, it's very sneaky!

[@nightingailinflorida5458]

There are only two cases of raw food found with contamination of avian flu, both cases involved testing of already opened bags of food which is totally against protocol. Samples to be tested are supposed to be done on unopened bags. So they don’t know if the bags are contaminated by an outside source, like a cat already sick? Also, if you are feeding your cats raw, check with the pet food company and ask what their protocols are on checking for avian flu. I did with the company we buy our food from and they already have protocols in place. Regular mainstream cat food has NO protocols in place and there are many recalls due to various contaminations of various sorts like salmonella, molds etc that are not publicly announced so do your research on what you’re feeding your cats.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thank you for sharing this information! We actually have a recall tool on our website that can help you stay updated on pet food recalls and ensure you're making informed choices for your cats. cats.com/recall-tool

[@sinisterkitty8411]

I'm sorry, but as a consumer (who loves my cats), I would prefer information that errs on the side of safety, not deference to the pet food companies or raw industry. If there were more recalls we woukdn't have multiple pet food brands causing animals to throw up repeatedly. They'd be more careful.

[@nightingailinflorida5458]

@@sinisterkitty8411 I agree with you, about the recalls. After learning what they actually put in regular dog food and cat food, I was horrified. It explained why so many of our pets have so many health issues. The pet food industry needs a major clean up.

[@stingrayphotoco]

I’ve been wondering about the likelihood to carry it in our homes on our shoes. I know some flu viruses can live for sometime on certain surfaces, so I’m afraid watching out for things like bird poop isn’t enough. Would love expert guidance on the shoe concern. Thank you so much!

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thank you for your question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@katesmiles4208]

My understanding is that in the USA cats were infected by being given infected raw unpasteurised milk not by eating birds.

[@-_oOtianaOo_-]

We had a frozen raw turkey cat food that was recalled for having it.

[@joannab1692]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thanks for watching!

[@AttackHak]

Nothing but concerns right now

[@alexp2915]

Can cats get it from just being outside (supervised) if they don’t come into direct contact with a bird or other animal? Like could they still pick up the germs from the grass or balcony where a bird or other animal might’ve been (maybe via urine or poo particles or just generally left germs behind)?

[@DonnaLena1]

Great question

[@veronicafullford1697]

I think they can but it is a low risk. This is why I stopped feeding wild birds about a year or so ago 💕💕💕

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Great question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@honeybadger1847]

Our feral colony shows no interest in the pigeons that share their space. But the pigeons also share their food-and they poop all over the place. Any suggestions? So far, no bird flu cases reported in Washoe County, NV.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Hi! Great question. To help reduce pigeon interference, consider placing the cat food in pigeon-proof feeders or feeding the cats at specific times and removing the food afterward. Regular cleaning of the area can also help minimize the mess and potential health risks. It's great to hear there have been no bird flu cases reported in your area-staying vigilant is key!

[@stevevicki5671]

Very good. Thanks

[@shelbyeagle6274]

I have seen people disenfecting their shoes. I don't wear shoes in my house and neither does my boyfriend but we do leave them by the door. Should I be disenfecting them? Our cats are strictly indoor and not fed raw. Neither me or my boyfriend work with birds/cows.

[@shelbyeagle6274]

they do. I’m just not one of them 😂

[@silver_crone]

I’ve been putting my shoes away instead kept out at the front door, but not disinfecting. My kitties are inside, I live in a city, so low risk here too. Could always take off shoes before stepping into the home, and carrying them to a closet. Easier than disinfecting, if your risk of exposure is low. 😊

[@houndgirl7365]

My fiance looked at shoe covers as an alternative that are washable. In bird stores they have a step in shoe bath with a solution to keep viruses/bacteria out. I talked to my partner about that, bit she said it might not be as feasible so we are doing the shoe covers potentially paired with outdoor only shoes. A person died from H5N1 in Louisiana (apparently their governor is making it illegal to promote vaccines which is so f-ing stupid I can't even). As an immunocompromised individual as well as a person with 3 cats we are taking NO chances. Oh and just as a reminder on top of all this Covid didn't just disappear it still exists.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Excellent question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@catherinecastle8576]

​@@samuelm.5752I have to laugh. I feel your... concerns. I'm 69. I have my concerns too. Thankfully, Shelbyeagle isn't easily offended 😂

[@samuelm.5752]

Most vets I take my cats to don’t even sanitize the tables where the cats stand or lay.

[@shelbyeagle6274]

@@samuelm.5752 then you should probably get a new vet.

[@samuelm.5752]

@@shelbyeagle6274I guess they figure if your cat gets sick for not sanitizing their tables is more business for them.

[@shelbyeagle6274]

@ I doubt that. Veterinarians and professionals go through extensive training and heart break taking care of and saving animals lives. I don’t think you’d go through all of that just to sabotage them.

[@samuelm.5752]

@@shelbyeagle6274I’ve had several bad experiences with vets aside from them overcharging their customers. If you bring a sick cat in, they’ll see it as a worse case scenario to charge more instead of process of elimination.

[@annjohnson8437]

My vet's office used to sanitize, but the last few visits, it looks like they haven't. I want to say something, but I felt unsure.

[@psychicpajamas]

So what do we do if we catch it and bring it home to our cats? What do you recommend then?

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thank you for your question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@sinisterkitty8411]

There are antiviral meds if you get to the vet quick enough. (And ask for it.) At home, Lysine is safe for cats. Not sure of cat doseage for zinc. Also an old vet of mine used Noni juice (pure, no additives). But get to the vet soon because this seems to hit cats hard!

[@psychicpajamas]

@sinisterkitty8411 I'm concerned because one of my cats blows boogers all the time anyway because of how he was bred. He came to me as a rescue. Once a week I have to go around the house and clean up all the boogers I have missed. I love him so much.

[@sinisterkitty8411]

@@psychicpajamas It sounds like an upper respiratory infection. The vet will usually give amoxicillin liquid. I have found from experience that nothing natural really takes care of this. The antibiotics knock it right out though. It is a fairly easy fix and you will be surprised at how he perks up when it's gone.

[@CyberRiskAnalysis]

So do we need to worry about all animals or all mammals as potential vectors? I know that pigs can get it. What about dogs? Mice? Squirrels? I'm confused about this inter-species transfer

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thank you for your question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@brodela1]

How does this affect waterfowl hunters with cats?

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Great question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@DonnaLena1]

This bird flu threat might cause many deaths, not only in humans 😢

[@Brokedown72]

FYI: Received news from my vet's office that freeze dried cat treats are perfectly fine to feed a cat. No worries.

[@Heightsomethinghuman]

This vet says NO

[@Brokedown72]

@@Heightsomethinghuman Dr Wooten says no?

[@Heightsomethinghuman]

@@Brokedown72 Correct, if you want proof, go back and replay the video. Freeze dried food is only frozen raw.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@Heightsomethinghuman]

@@AllAboutCatsYT You are welcome. You did a great presentation, but next time you might have some bulletin points in print so that people wont miss your important facts. Thanks again.

[@maggiedaniels9562]

Thank you for the paho link; it's very helpful.l

[@rascalandshadowsmith1277]

Thanks for posting this! 🙂Luckily my cats don’t go outside Or eat Raw Food. So I hope they are safe. I feed them commercially canned cooked wet food. It may not be the best, but at least it’s Safe! Very good video! Wish you were My vet. 😉 Your videos are always helpful. 👍🏻 Thanks Again. 🙂

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnb6723]

Is this just North America or is this problem worldwide?

[@That.Lady.withtheYarn]

World wide. A lot of countries are calling factory farm birds because when one gets it, they all essentially have it. The farms are gross and birds have a weakened immune system

[@Heightsomethinghuman]

She said world wide

[@DonnaLena1]

In this day and age, viruses spread incredibly fast. No where is immune.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Great question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@joannewilson6577]

Worldwide!

[@buds8423]

Is freeze dried food /treats pasteurized?

[@Heightsomethinghuman]

No

[@Heightsomethinghuman]

Pasteurization is done by heating to a certain temp for a certain length of time, freeze drying is done by freezing raw meat

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Good question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@roxyiconoclast]

Thanks for this video. I give my cat a lactoferrin supplement, which is derived from bovine colostrum. But it’s powder that comes in capsules, so I assume that isn’t raw, right?

[@Heightsomethinghuman]

May be freeze dried, in which case ,not safe

[@roxyiconoclast]

@ thanks, I will check with the manufacturer.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Excellent question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@roxyiconoclast]

@@AllAboutCatsYT thank you!

[@marionmarcetic7287]

All 3 Of My Precious Little Kitties 😻😻😻 Are Kept Indoors‼️ And Their Names Are Blizzard Rosie And Coco Kitty!!! All Three Of My Kitties Are Very Affectionate And Playful With Me!!! I Love My Precious Little Kitties To Bit's BIG-TIME!!!✝️✝️🛐🛐😇🌟🤗🙏🙏🙏🇨🇦🇬🇧🇮🇱♾️🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🗽🦅❤️❤️❤️‼️

[@jmallen5929]

We're considering putting in a small catio for our cats. Would that still be safe? Like, they wouldn't be able to eat a bird, but maybe one could perch near them or leave droppings.. can they get it that way??

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

A catio is a great idea! As long as your cats can’t directly contact birds, the risk is low, but cleaning up any droppings regularly will help keep it safe.

[@debscamera2572]

Is there a vaccine?

[@Lynnstorey-m7d]

Good question

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Great question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@jessm2350]

Is there no vaccine against it

[@leighlong5447]

I have a cat who loves to go outside. She is indoor and outdoor. It is really hard to keep her inside all of the time. Any suggestions? I am very concerned about bird flu. Thank you.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Thank you for your question! To help keep her inside, try enriching her environment with toys, climbing trees, and window perches. Supervised outdoor time with a harness or a secure catio can also be great alternatives to keep her safe and stimulated while reducing bird flu risks.

[@NatashaCreatesThings]

Are freeze dried raw chicken bites (like from purebites) safe? Would freeze drying kill the virus? Thanks!

[@brassbuckles]

I actually asked my vet about this, and she wasn't sure either. However, she generally recommended no raw food at all due to the risks. There are people who swear by it, but with bird flu and other hazards, I'm inclined to take her advice for my cat's sake.

[@Heightsomethinghuman]

This vet said no raw food or milk products

[@NatashaCreatesThings]

@@brassbucklesthanks!!

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Good question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@ketokatt5555]

"...until you get to the neurological piece" I'm out

[@nafisajaghuri51]

Are dogs safe if indoors?

[@itsaaronlolz]

Everyone at work got really sick. I take a lot of vitamin d so I healed quickly. My cat doesn’t even get dirty teeth because we have clean microbiome.

[@d-meth]

What about catios that wild birds sometimes visit? You mentioned chicken and beef (and milk), what about rabbits? Is rabbit meat considered safe?

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Hi! Catios that wild birds sometimes visit could pose a small risk if the birds are infected with H5N1, as the virus can spread through droppings or secretions. To minimize this risk, try to discourage wild birds from visiting the catio by removing any food sources or placing deterrents nearby. Regular cleaning of the catio with safe disinfectants can also help. As for rabbit meat, it’s generally considered safe, as rabbits are not known to be significant carriers of H5N1. However, like all raw meats, it’s best to ensure that rabbit meat is thoroughly cooked before feeding it to your pets to eliminate any potential pathogens.

[@d-meth]

@AllAboutCatsYT I have a pair of doves that sometimes come and just sit for a while. They don't poop nor have anything to eat. I don't feel like deterring them as it seems like they've been coming since well before we moved in.

[@Whiteowls4532]

Bird droppings was not mentioned?

[@LG-nx3fe]

Hi, are indoor cats in the risk of getting the virus?

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Hi! Indoor cats are at very low risk of contracting the virus since they typically don’t have exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments.

[@LG-nx3fe]

@AllAboutCatsYT massive thank you 🙏 I was quite worried. I personally appreciate you educating us about our pets. Keep the brilliant job 👍💕

[@Dr.Pepper001]

The bird flu has arrived in my state of Kentucky. My wife fills 4 bird feeders every day in this very cold weather we are having. Can her handling the feeders cause her to bring the flu inside and infect our two cats?

[@firefrost9718]

If you can, get 4 more bird feeders to alternate with so everyday you have clean feeders to set up, if you have a garage or mudroom keep outdoor gear and boots in there only, Lysol spray for the boots and coats, disposable gloves over cold weather gloves works well and wash hands or use hand wipes and change clothes (wash immediately) before entering the house also helps. Wash your outdoor gear as often as possible, keep the areas under the feeders as tidy as you can (we use shallow washable dishes for ground feeders that we switch out everyday) and keep a look out for any sickly or dead birds in that area. (mask up and glove up if you do find any and bag it or call your local DNR dept.)

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Hi! The risk of your wife bringing bird flu into the house via bird feeders is very low, but it’s not zero. H5N1 can spread through contact with infected bird droppings or secretions, which could be on the feeders.

[@iamnotpaulavery]

I had several ferile cats that I would feed sometimes because I was concerned over their health. But sometimes the would catch wild birds like pidgeons etc. Then they all came down with some disease that gave them runny nose, eyes sneezing etc. Then they started to disappear. The last one is struggling but will more than likely die. Whatever they got, it was extrenely contageos!

[@StitchFae]

Does this affect dogs?

[@MeMyrrh]

Not yet that I’ve heard but precautions are a good idea

[@StitchFae]

@ thank you, there are a lot of wild birds near my home and it’s worrisome, they leave their waste everywhere and I try my best to avoid but it’s difficult at times 😔

[@NikoOkamoto]

Is a vaccine in the works?

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Great question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@jcristi321]

What about dogs? If my cat gets sick, can she give it to my dog?

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Excellent question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@LisaJ-mj1wp]

So if you're feeding your cat homemade raw made with human-grade meat & suppliments, is this still and issue? I would assume not since the meat for human-grade is USDA approved whereas pet food can be made with "downer" animals?

[@firefrost9718]

It can still be a problem so check with the official USDA website since it has affected turkeys and chickens and some beef (and dairy) from infected farms from different states and they are recommending to cook any meat for pets on a "raw" diet last time I checked to minimize exposure to pets. Their website goes through full details different meat processing plants that either fall under state authority, USDA or both.

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Great question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@TramiNguyen-oi3kp]

My cat, Neymar is feeling better now!

[@SareBear2000]

Dang pandemic really tranna drop its come back so bad

[@stiprus_garsas]

My reply was removed

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

We will host a Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday on January 15th, at 2 PM MST. You can join us and ask your questions there!

[@katiedean378]

What about goat milk? I stopped giving it to my cats since the break out

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Great question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@roxannesmaldone3465]

My Cat doesnt go out !

[@user-wn5ow9fp6i]

I do give my indoor cats raw beef that i get from my pet store. I do not feed any raww chicken or turkey to my cats or dogs. Is that ok? I also have 5 feral rescues in an enclosed catio. I feed canned to them. Janice

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Great question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@Farsad-m2k]

Cold water 71

[@stephaniephouotrides2435]

Covid take 2

[@stiprus_garsas]

They spread lies again if people fall again for that we are doomed

[@skitariisoldier7367]

Do NOT comply.

[@roxyiconoclast]

Yes, but H5N1 is much worse for multi-species contagion. Felines of many species have already died around the world.

[@JNoMooreNumbers]

​@@roxyiconoclastSo they say. It's other regular diseases like upper respiratory.

[@JP-lu9ed]

@@skitariisoldier7367That’s just dumb.

[@laurag2325]

hi all, could my cat get the flu from surfaces? like say an infected bird touched something in my backyard and my cat sniffs or touches? i take my cat out out a harness and leash. thanks for all the information!

[@laurag2325]

i found the answer in the live QA, short answer yes

[@janinewright4187]

Bird flu has never transfered to another kind of animal only birds, but sense this is man-made in a lab, some people stay it can transfer to humans.

[@susandenny4010]

Can you or cats get this flu from bird droppings?

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

It's very rare for cats or humans to contract it, but it is possible in certain situations. Cats can become infected if they eat infected birds or come into direct contact with contaminated bird droppings. For humans, the risk is also low but can occur through close contact with infected birds or their droppings. To stay safe, keep your cat indoors to prevent hunting birds, and avoid handling wild birds or their droppings without proper protection.

[@Pawsomepranks1]

I find it concerning how the video downplays the human risk of contracting H5N1 from cats. Any flu strain that can infect both animals and people is a bigger threat than we realize. Shouldn't we be more cautious?

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Excellent question. We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@vafliaz1809]

Crazy elk 73

[@AllAboutCatsYT]

Excellent question! We've noted it down, and it will be answered during the Live Q&A with Dr. Sarah Wooten on Wednesday, January 15th, at 2 PM MST. Stay tuned!

[@MirzaevaMalika]

Wondering boy 80

[@Katherineortiz-m3x]

Easy beast 55

[@zuzuspetals9281]

My cat prefers fresh killed birds that she’s played with herself, so sounds like she’s good. The one she caught earlier this week we were able to get out of her mouth and it flew off, and it wasn’t coughing or sneezing so I don’t think it had the flu. We washed our hands and didn’t fetch any flu.

[@rickyhammer6832]

Keep Kiity safe ? Easy , turn off your TV.

[@Warrior2theEnd]

✌🏼”Health Authorities “✌🏼 😏

[@DonnaLena1]

Would you recommend listening to people on Facebook instead 😂

[@Warrior2theEnd]

@ nope! Facebook is toxic as well. Self taught natural health care for self and pets

[@sinisterkitty8411]

Pub med is a cool resource. Check it out.

[@wayneisanamerican]

You lost a lot of cred when you cited the W.H.O. Wouldn't believe ANYTHING they say.

[@edennis8578]

Amen!