Bird Flu and Its Impact on Cats, Wildlife, and the Future of Animal Welfare
At Motley Zoo, we tackle a lot of important topics, from rescue operations to animal care. But today, we're discussing something particularly urgent: bird flu (H5N1) and its emerging impact on domestic and wild animals—especially cats.
Unlike our usual evergreen content, this topic is time-sensitive, as it’s currently January 2025. The facts and statistics we discuss here will evolve, and unfortunately, things could get worse before they get better.
Bird Flu and the Recent Outbreak at a Big Cat Sanctuary
A heartbreaking event unfolded in Shelton, Washington, where a big cat sanctuary lost 20 of its 40 residents—including cougars, tigers, lynxes, bobcats, a caracal, and a serval—to bird flu. Initially, the first two sick cats were misdiagnosed with cancer, but when more fell ill, testing confirmed H5N1. The likely source? Tainted food.
This is deeply concerning not just for captive wildlife, but also for feral and stray domestic cats who hunt birds or come into contact with contaminated environments. If big cats in a controlled setting can be affected, what does this mean for free-roaming community cats?
The Pet Food Recall and What It Means for Domestic Cats
Adding to the concern, a domestic house cat died after consuming contaminated food, leading to a recall of Northwest Naturals Feline Turkey in 2-pound bags. The affected product had a “best by” date ranging from May 21, 2026, to June 23, 2026.
If tainted pet food made its way into homes, it raises the alarm about how H5N1 is infiltrating the domestic animal population. For those who practice Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), feed feral colonies, or have outdoor-access cats, this poses a serious risk. Contaminated food sources—whether through prey animals, water, or direct contact—could make outdoor cats a vector for transmission. While there have been no confirmed cases in dogs, the spread to cattle (and humans) suggests it’s something to watch.
The Growing Threat: Bird Flu in Cattle and the First U.S. Human Fatality
The situation in livestock is also alarming. 645 dairy farms in California have reported cases of bird flu in cattle. Since dairy farms process both milk and meat, this raises concerns about food safety. While milk can be pasteurized, the infected animals still enter the meat supply—potentially affecting pet food and even human consumption.
On January 6, 2025, the first human death from H5N1 in the U.S. occurred in Maryland. While there has been no confirmed human-to-human transmission, the continued spread among mammals, including dairy cattle, suggests we should be vigilant.
The Risk to Feral and Outdoor Cats: What Happens Next?
Feral and outdoor-access cats already face significant dangers—cars, predators, disease, and poisoning—but bird flu introduces another risk. The concern is twofold:
Direct Transmission – Cats hunt birds and drink from contaminated water sources, increasing their risk of infection.
Human Response – Fear and misinformation could lead to increased hostility toward stray and feral cats. People already opposed to TNR may see this as justification for eradication efforts.
For those working in animal rescue, this is an added layer of complexity. Organizations like Motley Zoo quarantine all incoming animals for at least two weeks to prevent the spread of disease. Now, we may need even more stringent protocols for outdoor-source cats.
Comparisons to COVID-19: Lessons from the Past
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was concern that the virus could spread from pets to humans. While some animals did contract COVID-19, they weren’t proven to transmit it back to people. Bird flu is different—it has already jumped to multiple mammalian species, making the risk more real.
We are not fear-mongering, but we are urging caution. If a stray cat shows up on your property, should you panic? No. But you should be aware, especially if they appear sick or if you interact with feral colonies.
The Overlapping Crises in Animal Welfare
This comes at a time when animal rescues and shelters are already overwhelmed. In Washington, the Tacoma Humane Society has more animals than they’ve had in seven years due to hoarding cases, dog-fighting busts, and an influx of animals from wildfire-affected areas. Organizations like Motley Zoo are stretched thin, with more animals needing help than ever before.
Additionally, there is no government funding for animal welfare, meaning charities like ours rely entirely on donations. The fact that major philanthropists (like Mackenzie Scott) focus on human causes, while completely ignoring animals, is frustrating. Caring for animals is a human issue—whether through supporting emotional support animals, preventing zoonotic disease outbreaks, or helping families stay together during crises.
What Can You Do?
Keep your cats indoors. It’s safer for them, and it helps protect the bird population, which is already struggling due to predation by domestic cats.
Be mindful of pet food recalls. If you feed raw diets, ensure you are sourcing from reputable providers and stay up to date on recalls.
Support local farms over factory farming. Industrial farming practices contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases, including H5N1, swine flu, and mad cow disease.
Advocate for responsible TNR programs. Feral cats should not be vilified, but responsible management is crucial to preventing unnecessary suffering.
Donate to animal rescues. With organizations at capacity, financial support helps us continue to quarantine, vet, and adopt out animals safely.
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Vigilant
Bird flu is an evolving situation that we need to monitor closely. While it’s not a cause for panic, it is something that affects our pets, our wildlife, and even our own health. If history has taught us anything, it’s that zoonotic diseases can quickly become a much larger problem if ignored.
At Motley Zoo, we’ll continue to adapt our rescue protocols to keep animals and people safe. In the meantime, stay informed, stay cautious, and, as always:
Rock on. Rescue on.
Check out our Rescue Sh*t podcast episode for more in depth information.
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