Tragic Case of Bird Flu in Cats

In a disturbing incident out of California, a beloved cat was tragically euthanized after contracting bird flu from contaminated raw cat food. This shocking revelation comes from a statement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Source of Infection

The ill-fated feline consumed the RAWR Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats sliders, which were later confirmed to harbor a strain of the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Health officials in San Francisco made the grim discovery after conducting thorough genetic sequencing tests on specific batches—identified as CCS 25 077 and CCS 25 093—of the suspected cat food.

Ongoing Investigation

Despite the cat’s heartbreaking demise, the FDA has not reported whether other pets have also fallen ill due to the same product. Fortunately, the agency has indicated that there have been no recorded cases of humans contracting bird flu from exposure to this cat food.

Product Details and Safety Measures

The RAWR Raw Cat Food is packaged in distinctive yellow and white resealable bags, weighing 2.5 pounds and containing 40 sliders of one ounce each. All packaging displays the relevant lot codes. Although no recall has been issued yet, RAWR has proactively removed the affected lots from stores.

Understanding Bird Flu in Pets

Bird flu poses serious risks not just to birds, but also to domestic cats, which can suffer severe health effects or even death from the virus. While dogs can similarly contract the illness, they show less severe symptoms than cats. Vulnerable animals—especially those that are very young, elderly, or immune-compromised—are at a higher risk.

What Pet Owners Should Know

Pet owners are urged to monitor their cats and dogs for any concerning symptoms such as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, inflamed eyes, respiratory issues, or neurological signs like tremors or seizures. If any of these symptoms appear, immediate veterinary care is essential.

Stay Safe with Raw Pet Food

Lastly, the FDA emphasizes the importance of proper hygiene when handling raw pet food. Always wash your hands thoroughly and sanitize any surfaces that come into contact with the food to mitigate risks.