Recent cases of avian influenza (bird flu) in cats linked to contaminated raw pet food have prompted Cat Food Recalls and warnings from public health officials. The affected brands include Northwest Naturals and Monarch Raw Pet Food. These incidents highlight the potential risks of feeding raw diets to pets.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) confirmed a case of bird flu in a house cat that died after eating contaminated Northwest Naturals raw cat food. Testing revealed the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in both the deceased cat and the food sample. This led to a voluntary recall of the affected batch of Northwest Naturals Feline Turkey Recipe.
The recalled product was sold in 2-pound plastic bags with “Best if used by” dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1. Distribution spanned twelve states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington) and British Columbia, Canada.
In a separate incident, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advised against feeding Monarch Raw Pet Food after a cat tested positive for bird flu. Four other cats living in the same household were also suspected of having the virus. While Monarch Raw Pet Food has not issued a formal recall, the health department recommends avoiding the product until further notice.
The current bird flu outbreak has affected poultry in all 50 U.S. states and has been confirmed in humans in several states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the situation. The risk of bird flu transmission to humans remains low, but these cases highlight the potential for spread through contaminated pet food.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that dozens of cats have contracted bird flu since the outbreak began. Cats appear to be more susceptible to severe illness and death from the virus compared to other animals.
Transmission of bird flu to cats typically occurs through consumption of contaminated raw meat or poultry, exposure to infected birds, or contact with contaminated clothing or surfaces. Common symptoms of bird flu in cats include respiratory issues (sneezing, coughing), neurological problems (blindness, seizures, tremors), excessive discharge from eyes or nose, and changes in mood or behavior.
Pet owners who suspect their cat may have bird flu should immediately contact their veterinarian and limit the cat’s exposure to other animals and people, especially those with weakened immune systems.
Both the ODA and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health strongly advise against feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy products to pets due to the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses, including salmonella, listeria, E. coli, and bird flu. Cooking meat thoroughly and choosing pasteurized dairy products are safer alternatives.
Northwest Naturals urges customers who purchased the recalled cat food to discard the product and contact the retailer for a full refund. For further information, customers can contact Northwest Naturals directly at [email protected] or 866-637-1872. Monarch Raw Pet Food is primarily sold at farmer’s markets in California; locations can be found on their website.
These recent cat food recalls underscore the importance of pet owner vigilance regarding pet food safety. Staying informed about recalls, choosing reputable brands, and understanding the risks associated with raw diets are crucial steps in protecting pets from potential health hazards.
