Bird Flu and Your Cat’s Food: What You Need to Know

The news has been swirling with talk about the avian flu, or H5N1. Considering that raw food or freeze dried raw treats are one of the healthiest sources of protein for your tiny carnivorous house panther, we wanted to take a closer look; because the last thing you want to do is to put your cat in any kind of danger.

Why Certain Poultry Has a Lower Risk of Bird Flu

Not all chickens live the same kind of life. Poultry raised specifically for meat has a much shorter lifespan than egg-laying hens. While an egg-laying hen may live years, these chickens are typically raised for only six to eight weeks before processing. This short lifespan dramatically reduces their window of exposure to avian flu compared to birds that remain in production for long periods.

Since H5N1 is often introduced through prolonged exposure to wild birds or infected flocks, the limited lifespan of poultry raised for food naturally lowers the risk of contamination. When combined with responsible sourcing and rigorous safety protocols, this makes high-quality poultry a safer option for raw feeding.

The Key to Safe Raw Feeding: Sourcing & Science

Selecting the highest quality of ingredients is also a key part of limiting the bird flu risk or any other chicken-borne illnesses; that means sourcing from healthy flocks—not those affected by H5N1. Responsible manufacturers carefully select suppliers to ensure they’re using only safe, high-quality poultry.

But ingredient sourcing is just the first step! Since raw pet food isn’t cooked, companies use advanced safety measures like cold pasteurization, which effectively inactivates harmful pathogens (including avian influenza) without affecting the food’s nutritional value. It’s a science-backed way to keep raw feeding safe while maintaining all the benefits cats love.

Testing, Testing… and More Testing

Testing along every step of the way is another safeguard against preventing any illness from spreading into our pet’s food. This includes checking raw materials upon arrival, verifying safety through supply chain controls (through sourcing mentioned above), and implementing strict food safety plans. These steps help ensure that raw pet food and treats meet the highest standards before they ever reach a cat’s bowl.

What This Means for You and Your Cat

While H5N1 is making headlines, responsible pet food manufacturers are already taking the right steps to source safely, test thoroughly, and use proven safety measures to keep cat food and treats free from contamination.

For cat parents who love raw feeding, staying informed is key. As the industry continues to prioritize safety, high-quality raw options remain a great choice for your feline carnivore. If you're considering raw feeding, be sure to choose a supplier that follows these best practices and consult your veterinarian with any concerns.

Got questions? We’re always happy to chat about cat nutrition, food safety, and all things feline. (Seriously. Talking about cats is kind of our favorite thing.) Give your kitty some extra scritches from us! 🐾

Source:

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/cat-and-dog-food-manufacturers-required-consider-h5n1-food-safety-plans