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 Surgery

The veterinary team at North Seattle Veterinary Clinic is a skilled group of experts, and there’s little we can’t handle. Soft tissue surgeries are all completed in house.

Pet Surgery at North Seattle Veterinary Clinic

Before every procedure, we perform a full physical exam and pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your companion is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. To maximize their comfort level, we also administer pain medication before the surgery, so your pet awakens with minimal or no discomfort.

Our pain management protocols are specifically designed for your pet, so you can rest assured that their dosage is the perfect amount for them.

Surgeries We Offer

Consult with our veterinarians for additional services

  • Advanced Soft Tissue
  • Spay and neuter
  • Mass removals
  • Cystotomy
  • Laceration repairs
  • Small Mammal Tooth Trims
Pet Owner Tips for Surgical Procedures
  • Make sure your pet does not eat anything after midnight before the day of surgery. Feed them their dinner, but no midnight snacks! However, they may have water up until their appointment.
  • It’s essential that you bring your pet in early on the day of surgery (the exact time will be discussed when the date is set). Even if a surgery is scheduled for the afternoon, we must get all the necessary bloodwork, exams, and preparation finished well ahead of time to stay on schedule.
  • After your pet is released, we’ll discuss at-home care and send you home with instructions and pain medication to help with discomfort.

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.