Bird Flu’s Hidden Threat: How Humans May Be Transmitting the Virus to Their Cats

In May 2024, two Michigan households experienced an alarming and tragic link between humans and their pets—one that underscores the potential dangers of avian influenza beyond its traditional hosts. According to a recent study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bird flu, or H5N1, can spread from humans to domestic cats, with often fatal consequences.