Can cats catch the flu? Yes, but “cat flu” isn’t the same illness as the flu people get. Here’s what cat flu really is, whether cats and people can pass flu to each other, and what you need to know about bird flu.
What Is “Cat Flu”?
“Cat flu” is the common name for highly contagious infections of a cat’s upper airways: the nose, throat and eyes. Despite the name, it isn’t caused by the influenza virus. It’s caused mainly by:
- feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), which causes feline viral rhinotracheitis;
- feline calicivirus (FCV);
- sometimes bacteria, such as Chlamydia felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica.
The signs are similar to a bad cold: sneezing, a runny nose, watery or sticky eyes, loss of appetite and sometimes fever or mouth ulcers. Read our full guide to cat flu and runny noses in cats for the signs, home care and when to see the vet.
How Does Cat Flu Spread?
Cat flu spreads easily between cats through sneezes, discharge from the nose and eyes, saliva, and shared bowls, bedding and toys. People can carry it between cats on their hands and clothes. Some viruses can survive in the environment for days. Some cats that look healthy are carriers and can spread the infection to others, especially when they’re stressed.
Which Cats Are Most at Risk?
- kittens and senior cats;
- unvaccinated cats;
- cats in shelters, catteries and multi-cat homes;
- flat-faced breeds, such as Persians;
- cats with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses.
How to Protect Your Cat
- Vaccinate. The core vaccines for cats protect against feline herpesvirus and calicivirus. They don’t always prevent infection, but they make the illness much milder.
- Keep boosters up to date, especially before a stay in a cattery.
- Isolate new cats for a week or two before introducing them to other cats.
- Wash your hands after handling other people’s cats, and don’t share bowls and bedding between sick and healthy cats.
Can People and Cats Give Each Other the Flu?
Cat flu can’t spread to people. The feline herpesvirus and calicivirus that cause cat flu only infect cats. However, some of the bacteria involved, such as Bordetella, can very rarely affect people with weakened immune systems.
Human seasonal flu rarely affects cats. There have been a few reported cases of cats catching influenza from sick owners, but it’s very uncommon. If you have the flu, it’s sensible to wash your hands before handling your cat and to avoid close face-to-face contact.
What About Bird Flu?
Bird flu (avian influenza, especially the H5N1 strain) is different. It’s a serious concern for cats, because cats are highly susceptible to it, and infection is often severe or fatal.
Since the H5N1 outbreak in US dairy cattle began in 2024, cases in domestic cats have been linked to eating raw pet food, raw meat (especially poultry) and raw (unpasteurized) milk, as well as to hunting or eating infected wild birds. Several raw cat food products in the US have been recalled after testing positive for the virus, and US authorities now require pet food makers to consider H5N1 in their food safety plans.
To protect your cat:
- don’t feed raw meat-based diets, raw treats or raw milk and dairy products;
- keep your cat indoors, or prevent it from hunting and eating wild birds;
- keep your cat away from sick or dead birds, and from poultry and farm animals in affected areas;
- follow any local advice from health authorities in your area.
Early signs of bird flu in cats can include fever, loss of appetite and lethargy, and can quickly progress to breathing problems and neurological signs such as stumbling, tremors, seizures or blindness. If your cat shows these signs, especially after eating raw food or contact with birds, call your vet before going to the clinic, so they can prepare.
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