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.

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

Parasite Prevention

The Pacific Northwest is home to the following parasites commonly found in our environment:

  • Fleas
  • Ticks
  • Heartworm
  • Intestinal Parasites

We recommend all pets that have access to outdoors or share a home with a pet that goes outdoors, be on a year-round monthly preventative.

Fleas: Please note that even indoor only cats may get fleas through screens, from pets that go outside, and by humans carrying them in on clothing. If your pet has fleas, we recommend treating the house with an indoor area treatment spray (such as Vet-Kem Premise Spray), washing bedding in hot water, and treating all pets in the household with a vet recommended flea treatment for at least three months consistently to kill all flea life stages in the home.

Ticks & Heartworms: Ticks and heartworm-carrying mosquitos are becoming increasingly common in Seattle and outlying areas. Ticks may carry several diseases that can also infect humans (add hyperlink to: https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-02/420566-TicksandTickDiseases-Poster-English.pdf). We recommend yearly heartworm and tick disease testing for all dogs and year-round preventatives. (Surprising fact: the most common ticks in our area are around all year but actually most active between Nov-May!)

Intestinal Parasites: The PNW is also home to many intestinal parasites, some of which can infect humans; especially children, elderly, and immune compromised individuals. We recommend yearly preventatives and annual intestinal parasite testing by bringing in a teaspoon-sized fresh stool sample.

What Products Should I Use?: There are many safe and effective products on the market for cat and dog parasite prevention. We recommend using only veterinary approved products such as the items listed below which have rigorous safety testing, proven effectiveness, and manufacturer guarantees.