The Bird Flu in Raw Cat Food: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

Hello, pet parents! If you’re concerned about the safety of feeding your cat raw food, you’re not alone. Recently, a troubling story came out about a cat in Oregon who tragically died after eating raw pet food contaminated with bird flu. This cat, who ate Northwest Naturals Turkey Recipe Raw Diet for Cats, contracted the Avian Influenza virus (commonly known as bird flu), which led to its death. The virus came from a sick turkey that was included in the raw food without being properly cooked, allowing the virus to remain active.

This has left many pet owners wondering: Is it safe to feed raw pet food to my cats and dogs? Should we avoid it altogether? Let’s dive into what you need to know about bird flu in raw cat food and how to keep your pets safe.

Understanding the Bird Flu in Cats

In 2024, more than 25 cats were reported to have contracted bird flu, with many of them sadly passing away. The virus was most commonly transmitted from drinking unpasteurized milk, particularly from dairy farms, or from consuming contaminated pet food. Cats exposed to the virus typically exhibit mild respiratory symptoms, like runny eyes, sneezing, and slight coughing. However, in more serious cases, the disease can progress rapidly, leading to neurological signs such as trembling, wobbling, and seizures. Reports suggest that up to 75% of cats that contract the virus die from it.

So, how does bird flu end up in cat food? It all starts when a sick bird—like a turkey infected with the virus—becomes part of raw pet food. Since raw food is not cooked, the virus remains active, and when a cat consumes it, the infection can spread.

Is Raw Pet Food Safe for Cats?

The case in Oregon has raised questions about the safety of raw food for pets, especially cats. The risk of contracting bird flu from raw pet food is very real, but does that mean we should stop feeding raw food to our cats altogether?

Should You Feed Raw Pet Food to Your Cat?

While raw food does carry risks, it also has many benefits. In my experience as a veterinarian, animals on raw diets tend to be healthier overall. They are often at a healthier weight, have better dental health, and experience fewer chronic diseases like diabetes and arthritis. Cats fed raw food also typically have better muscle mass and less obesity.

However, it’s important to recognize the risks associated with raw food. Bacterial contamination, especially if there’s improper handling or cross-contamination during food preparation, is a concern. You can minimize this risk by following proper food safety measures, such as:

• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw food.
• Freeze the raw food overnight before feeding it to your cat. This reduces the risk of bacteria multiplying.
• Avoid bones or finely chop them before feeding, as whole bones can cause choking or digestive issues.

What Should You Feed Your Cat Instead?

Now, given the recent news about the bird flu, should we switch to safer alternatives? Should we avoid raw food for the time being?

While experts are advising caution, particularly when it comes to raw pet food, I don’t think we need to panic. In the case of Northwest Naturals, the virus likely came from a sick animal that wasn’t properly handled before being included in the raw pet food. This situation, while tragic, is relatively rare.

Given this information and knowing what I now know about the situation, I’m going to be cautious and suggest avoiding raw food that isn’t cooked—especially when we don’t know the source of the poultry. For now, I recommend feeding your cat cooked poultry-based foods, which offer similar benefits to raw food but eliminate the risk of contamination.

Why I Recommend Cooked Chicken or Turkey for Cats

At home, I’ve transitioned my new cat, Cassie, to a high-protein, minimally processed chicken formula. It’s cage-free, cooked, and a safe alternative to raw food. Unlike dry kibble, which can contribute to obesity and urinary tract diseases, cooked food ensures your cat is getting the protein they need without unnecessary carbohydrates.

For those of you who are unable to switch to canned or fresh food, I recommend avoiding any raw foods or freeze-dried options for now. Stick to cooked protein, such as chicken or turkey. You can always reassess your choices in a few months once health authorities, like the FDA, have a clearer understanding of the bird flu situation and its link to pet food.

What About Freeze-Dried Raw Food?

Some pet owners may wonder if freeze-dried raw food is a safer option. Unfortunately, experts say no, as freezing doesn’t eliminate the virus—it only preserves it. So, while freeze-dried raw food might seem like a safer alternative, it still carries the risk of containing an active virus if it was contaminated at the source.

What Should You Feed Your Cat Right Now?

In light of the recent news, it’s important to be cautious when feeding your cat raw food, especially raw poultry. While the risk of bird flu from raw pet food is relatively low, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Right now, I’m sticking with cooked poultry formulas like cage-free chicken or turkey for my cats, including Cassie.

If you currently feed raw food to your pets, consider transitioning to cooked options for the time being. Avoid freeze-dried raw food as well, as it doesn’t eliminate the potential risk of contamination. We’ll continue to monitor this situation closely and adjust our recommendations as more information becomes available.

Cassie’s Taste Test:

As for Cassie, he seems to be enjoying the canned food much more than the dry kibble! And while I’m mindful of his weight and health, it’s comforting to know I’m giving him a nutritious meal without the risks associated with raw food. So, for now, canned food is the way to go.

If you’re looking for more tips on natural pet health and wellness, make sure to subscribe to my channel and check out my free resources. Stay safe and take care of your furry friends!