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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

Pet Spaying and Neutering Services

As part of our commitment to helping the pets of Seattle and surrounding areas stay healthy, we highly recommend having them spayed or neutered before they’re a year old

Appointment

Pet Spaying and Neutering at North Seattle Veterinary Clinic

At the North Seattle Veterinary Clinic, our primary goal is to help pets live long, happy, healthy lives. Encouraging our clients to have their pets spayed/neutered is one way we accomplish this goal.

Just as with every other service we offer, we’ll place your pet’s safety at the forefront during surgeries. Consider the following to learn more about spaying and neutering for dogs and cats:

Benefits of Spaying & Neutering

There are many benefits to having your pet spayed/neutered, including:

  • Spaying eliminates heat cycles and associated undesirable behaviors.
  • Spaying decreases the risk of ovarian cancers and mammary gland tumors.
  • Neutering reduces marking, aggression, and other unwanted behaviors.
  • Neutering decreases the risk of testicular cancer and prostate problems.
  • Spaying/neutering reduces the excess pet population and the number of unwanted pets that are euthanized.
  • Spaying/neutering helps more shelter pets find loving homes.
  • Spaying/neutering reduces pets’ desire to roam.
Pet Weight Gain Following Surgery

Some pets do gain weight after being spayed or neutered due to a decrease in metabolism. If this is the case for your pet, we recommend that you create additional exercise opportunities for them. This can include more frequent walks for your dog, more vertical space for your cat, and more interactive toys for both. Of course, you’ll want to monitor their diet and caloric intake as well.

Our goal is to provide the best possible care and education so that your furry loved ones may enjoy a long happy life with you.

We consider you and your pets family and look forward to meeting you.