Many cat owners have been asking about H5N1 bird flu in cats.

H5N1 is a strain of avian influenza that primarily affects birds, but in some cases cats can become infected too. Cats may be exposed through:

• Eating sick birds or bird carcasses
• Consuming raw food contaminated with the virus
• Direct contact with infected animals
• Being in areas with active bird flu outbreaks

Symptoms that may appear in infected cats

• Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite
• Coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing
• Eye inflammation
• Incoordination, seizures, or other neurological signs

Can an infected cat spread the virus to humans? It is possible, but rare, and is not considered a primary route of transmission. The main source of human infection remains direct contact with sick birds, bird carcasses, or secretions from infected animals.

Can humans catch it from cats? Possibly, but it is uncommon. Risk increases if you:

• Touch the nasal discharge, saliva, feces, or secretions of a sick cat directly
• Handle a sick cat without wearing gloves or a mask
• Have very close contact such as hugging, kissing, or wiping a sick cat's nose

Simple prevention tips for cat owners

• Keep cats indoors
• Avoid feeding raw meat or raw poultry
• Do not let cats hunt birds or come into contact with sick or dead birds
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling any animals
• If your cat shows unusual symptoms, visit a veterinarian promptly

Proper care reduces your risk. There is no need to panic.

Information provided by Dr. Nattakarn Khantaprab, Veterinarian at the Cat Clinic, Thonglor Pet Hospital.