In prior bird flu outbreaks, there’ve been several documented cases of feline-to-feline spread, but ingestion seems to be the primary route of exposure for pets in the current outbreak, says Coleman. If an outdoor cat catches an infected bird or rodent, that can make them sick.

Health authorities say the threat of infection for people remained low even amid the spread of H5N1 virus among birds and cattle nationally.

Officials in Pottawatomie County, Kansas, reported on March 6 that two cats had tested positive for bird flu. Owners concerned about the virus can keep their cats indoors and reassess their diets.