Another Pandemic Brewing? Bird Flu in Cats Raises Alarming New Fears

A new study has warned that the deadly bird flu virus (H5N1) could soon become a human pandemic. Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Public Health say the virus, which has been spreading rapidly among cats, could jump to humans if not closely monitored.

The study, published in the journal Infectious Diseases on May 7, 2025, reviewed bird flu cases in cats across 18 countries from 2004 to 2024. It found 607 cases of infection among 12 types of cats, including domestic cats and even tigers. Alarmingly, 302 of the infected cats died.

Researchers say the virus has already spread from birds to cats, and even from infected cows to cats. “This shows the virus is evolving, and the risk to humans is increasing,” the report warns.

Infected cats usually show serious symptoms like brain swelling, which is often mistaken for rabies. The study also reveals that more than 90 percent of infected pet cats die, making this a highly deadly disease for them.

Cats can get infected by eating raw meat from infected birds or cows, and possibly through milk from sick animals. However, there is little regular testing in cats, and most cases are only discovered after the animal has died.

While bird flu has been less deadly in humans so far, nearly half of the 950 people infected worldwide have died. Experts say if the virus continues to mutate, it could eventually spread through the air, raising the risk of a major outbreak.

Researchers are especially worried about the virus entering animal shelters, which could lead to larger outbreaks involving humans. They have called for immediate monitoring and more studies on how widely the virus is spreading among cats.

This research is seen as a warning to protect both humans and their pets from a virus that could grow even more dangerous in the near future.