Bird flu has been spreading for years in wild birds, chickens, turkeys and many other animals. But house cats are also at risk. Dr. Melissa Salgado, a criticalist at the VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Norwalk, says it’s important to get your cat checked if they exhibit any symptoms. “They can act lethargic, they can have a decrease in appetite, a fever, they can have runny eyes or nose,” she said. “They can also have neurologic signs, so if you have a cat that starts tremoring or seizing or starts acting really abnormal, then they should be checked.” The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Prevention released a fact sheet with everything to know about the virus in the state. In it, it states there are no confirmed detections in people or livestock in Connecticut – however, there have been multiple confirmed detections in backyard flocks in the state.

“If you see a sick bird on the road, do not try to help it on your own. Contact animal control,” said Dr. Salgado. She also recommends ensuring cats are on cooked food diet and not consuming any raw snacks or foods. “[Raw snacks] can carry the avian influenza virus, raw eggs as well,” said Dr. Salgado. Be sure to call the vet office ahead of time if there are suspicions of a pet that may have the virus.