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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

North Seattle Veterinary Clinic Reviews

We know you have many choices when selecting a Seattle veterinarian, and we’re thankful that you’ve chosen us and left us with your kind words.

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We love our clients and patients!

We’re happy that you’ve decided to join the North Seattle Veterinary Clinic family. Your kind words and feedback help us continue to provide over-the-top veterinary service to you and your pet. If you enjoyed your visit, please use the buttons below to leave us a five-star review!

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I love NSVC! I’m a neurotic pet parent who reaches out to them frequently. Everyone is super professional and patient with me and is very responsive to my questions and concerns. They do a fantastic job caring for my dog and he loves them.
Kathy W.

We absolutely love every one of the vets at North Seattle Veterinary Clinic (and we’ve seen most of them over our tenure there). They’re all wonderfully attentive, good at listening to concerns, and wonderful with our dog. We’ve referred (and will continue to refer) many friends to North Seattle Vet!
Beth B.

NSVC has been so professional and organized. I also feel like I’m taken seriously as a rabbit parent. My past veterinarian at another establishment could be quite flippant and I just got tired of it. If I had known that NSVC saw rabbits, hamsters, etc., I would have switched years ago!
Anna P.

Dr. Nathanson and other staff are always so kind to our kitty and at ease with her that it makes the whole visit easy despite Mango’s nervousness at the vet. Dr. Nathanson also got our blood-work results to us immediately which we appreciated. We always feel we are in good hands with NSVC, and that people genuinely care about our cat(s) – their love of animals is so apparent.
Sharon B.

Been going here for 20 or more years with my rescues, and pets and have gotten the best care for my pets. I have seen each of the vets in this practice and all of them take tremendous time and effort with my pets. They go above and beyond, and during Covid they have been there for us, and for their other patients. These people are hard working, kind, and so helpful. Would highly recommend them. They have been there for us, and they will for you and your pets too.
Annika B.

NSVC has been taking care of my family’s pets for nearly 3 decades and it has consistently been a positive experience. I am so grateful.
Dirk M.

I can’t say enough good things about this clinic. They are the BEST. Everyone I encountered was wonderful. Knowledgeable, kind and really care about your pet.
Julie A.

I trust the vets at North Seattle to give the best care integrating practices based on their experience & research in vet medicine. Plus they always are welcoming, friendly and field all my questions.
Patti T.

As always, you are all great people who treat Toby with great affection, and I trust you completely.
Jane E.

I feel rather anxious when Butters has any issues so I am so grateful for the great care she has received at your clinic; I trust the diagnosis & that all possible angles have been considered.
Kricket K.

Great team, super helpful. They take great care of the animals they treat.

Phil J.

I am always impressed by the staff and doctors at North Seattle Veterinary Clinic. My dogs get excited when we pull up to visit (no joke!)!! Thank you for making our family feel cared for and loved!
Suzanne S.