206-523-7187

info@northseattlevet.com

Click here for information about the Avian Flu


Avian Influenza, also called H5N1, is a viral disease found in wild and domestic birds. It is transmissible to many mammals, with our biggest concern being pet cats. The most likely ways for cats to become ill is by catching wild birds or from eating a raw-food diet. People can also become sick from avian influenza, though at this time there have been no reported cases of a person becoming infected from a pet cat.

There have been several recent cases of cats contracting avian influenza (and dying) from being fed a commercial frozen raw-food diet. Transmission is also possible from feeding raw (non-pasteurized) milk. Freeze-dried or high-pressure pasteurized diets have a lower risk of causing avian influenza but still have a potential to transmit pathogens. If you are currently feeding a raw diet, we recommend transitioning your pet to a cooked diet. Frozen raw diets can be baked before feeding to kill the virus. 

Cats can also become infected with avian influenza from hunting wild birds. We recommend keeping cats inside at all times, or allowing them outside only while monitored on leash or contained in a catio or cat tent.

Symptoms of avian influenza in cats include respiratory signs such as nasal discharge, coughing and wheezing, and neurologic signs such as wobbliness, difficulty walking and seizures. If you are concerned your cat could be exhibiting signs of avian influenza either call us or your local emergency clinic. Keep in mind that avian influenza is relatively rare, and there are many other diseases that can cause similar signs. If your cat is not allowed outside and is not eating a raw diet then your cat does not likely have avian influenza. If your cat is having trouble breathing or is not able to stand, head to the nearest emergency clinic right away, calling them while en route. 

There is no vaccine to prevent avian influenza in cats. 

Please let us know if you have questions. To read more information about avian influenza and cats visit these links:

https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2025/01/articles/animals/cats/h5n1-influenza-raw-diets-and-petsan-overview/

https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/index.html

https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODA/Posts/Post/morasch-meats-voluntary-recall-feline-raw-pet-food-hpai

http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubhpdetail.cfm?prid=4923

Thank you for your interest in the North Seattle Veterinary Clinic!


DOGS AND CATS:
Due to an increase in demand for existing client appointments and limited staffing, we are booked out at least 30 days for any new client appointments for dogs and cats. We apologize that we are not able to accommodate new client appointment requests any sooner. If your pet has a medical issue, we recommend contacting one of the local emergency vet hospitals or walk-in appointment clinics to be seen in a timelier manner.

SMALL MAMMALS:
If you have a rabbit, guinea pig, or other pocket pet with a health concern, please call us at 206-523-7187 and we will do our best to fit you in as soon as possible. We booked out at least 30 days for general wellness exams to establish care.

We require an $85 deposit due at the time of booking all new client appointments. Please be advised, we are currently doing curbside check-in, so we will ask you to wait in your car while your pet is brought into the clinic for the appointment and all contact with the doctor will be over the phone or video conference.
If you would like to book an appointment for your dog or cat call our main number at 206-523-7187.