Bird Flu: Is Your Cat at Risk?

As avian flu outbreaks continue to spread across the globe, cats in areas of Europe have already suffered and died from the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus. It’s only a matter of time before this plague reaches U.S. shores, putting the cats we share our homes with at risk. Luckily, it’s easy to protect our beloved feline companions from the avian flu and countless other dangers: Keep them inside.

Studies suggest that cats who are allowed to wander outdoors can contract avian flu by eating a bird infected with the virus. Keeping cats indoors ensures that they won’t have the chance to do that. And it protects them from contracting fatal diseases like feline AIDS and rabies and from being hit by cars, attacked by other animals, poisoned, stolen, or abused by cruel people—among other horrors faced by cats who are allowed to roam outside.

Even well-meaning people who let their cats outdoors unsupervised put their companions in grave danger, as PETA’s president, Ingrid E. Newkirk, learned all too well in her work as a humane officer. A cat whose head was full of metal staples and a cat who had been ritually tortured, mutilated, and eventually killed by juveniles were among the victims of “freedom” whom Ingrid picked up from the streets.

Explore the ‘Great Indoors’

With so many dangers lurking just outside our doors, keeping your kitties inside is one of the most loving choices that you can make for them. But “home sweet home” doesn’t have to mean kitty cabin fever! Our cool cat toys are sure to get even the stodgiest felines on their toes. And our tips on defeating dander and saving kitty’s claws will ensure that both you and your feline companions are purrfectly content in the great indoors.