When Jamila Acfalle picked her first cat, she had one condition: it had to be brave.
Jamila is a dog trainer living near Portland, Oregon. She works with dogs that have behavior issues, which often put them at risk of being rehomed or euthanized. So, she needed a cat that could handle the big, energetic pups she brings home.
In 2021, she met a litter of Maine Coons and immediately felt drawn to a particular smoke gray kitten. This little furball strutted up to her and sat at her feet.
“I knew at that moment that she was my cat,” Jamila shared.
She named her new feline friend Villain, as her dog is named Hero. Villain turned out to be friendly and playful but could also hold her own among the dogs. Jamila even trained Villain to walk on a leash, so they could enjoy walks together.
Concerned about Villain’s diet, Jamila leaned toward raw food, believing it was healthier and more natural than processed kibble. Many pet owners in the U.S. are moving towards raw diets as they question the quality of highly processed foods.
However, experts warn that raw diets can neglect essential safety methods, like cooking meats and pasteurizing milk. The concern grows, especially amid a surge in bird flu cases, which can be transmitted through raw foods.
Recently, the FDA announced it is investigating multiple cases of H5N1 bird flu in cats, some linked to contaminated pet food. While dogs can contract the virus, they typically show milder symptoms than cats, who are at greater risk.
Pet food manufacturers are now advised to assess the risks of bird flu in their products. This includes ensuring that raw ingredients, like meat, dairy, or eggs, are safe and have been cooked properly.
“Pet owners should carefully consider the risks before feeding their pets uncooked meat or raw pet food,” the FDA recommended.
Jamila did her research when selecting the food for Villain. She found a brand that caught her attention. “They come in frozen little nuggets. You defrost them, mush them up, and it’s just raw meat, organs, and bones. Villain thrived on it,” she said.
But then, Villain fell ill after Thanksgiving. She stopped eating and went to the bathroom less often. Soon, she struggled to maintain her balance.
In a desperate attempt to improve Villain’s appetite, Jamila presented her with various foods. However, instead of eating, Villain seemed restless and frightened.
The following morning, Villain couldn’t open her eyes. Jamila rushed her to an emergency vet, but it was too late. Villain had suffered brain swelling and passed away in Jamila’s arms.
Stunned by her beloved cat’s death, Jamila chose to send Villain’s body to Oregon State University for a necropsy to uncover the cause.
The results were shocking: Villain had contracted H5N1 bird flu from a batch of contaminated Northwest Naturals pet food, the same brand she fed to her other pets and recommended to her clients.
“I wished for a different cause—something I couldn’t control. But I felt responsible for choosing that food for her,” Jamila expressed.
After being informed, she had to take the antiviral drug Tamiflu to ensure she hadn’t contracted the virus from Villain.
Although infections in pets are rare, they are becoming more common. Cats are especially vulnerable; the virus can cause serious neurological issues.
Since the start of 2022, at least 74 pet cats in the U.S. have tested positive for bird flu. This number is likely an undercount since many sick animals don’t receive veterinary care or testing.
Joseph Journell’s experience reflects this trend. His three indoor cats became seriously ill after drinking raw milk from a batch contaminated with H5N1. Unfortunately, two of his cats passed away, while one survived after a long recovery.
Symptoms in pets can escalate quickly, and oftentimes owners like Journell may not intervene until it’s too late, hoping for improvement without realizing the severity.
Following the bird flu scare, both Jamila and Joseph seek compensation from the food companies. Jamila accrued around $20,000 in emergency care for Villain and is awaiting a response from Northwest Naturals.
The recent rise of raw diets for pets highlights the need for caution. Pet food aisles are increasingly filled with raw options, and industry experts predict this market could nearly double by 2028.
However, veterinarians and health experts note that the risks of raw feeding often outweigh potential benefits. Raw food can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, which could pose health risks for pets and their owners.
“Just because animals are descended from wild ones doesn’t mean they thrive on raw aliment,” said Dr. J. Scott Weese, a veterinary expert.
There’s a growing concern about cross-contamination in kitchens where pet food is prepared. Be cautious when handling raw products as they can spread harmful pathogens in food preparation areas.
As researchers learn more about bird flu, they warn that increased contact between humans and the virus can lead to adaptations that could eventually spread to people.
“Cats can serve as early indicators of potential human health risks,” noted Bill Marler, an attorney who deals with foodborne illnesses.
Jamila continues to feed her dogs raw food but feels a sense of trepidation. “It feels like Russian roulette—risking their lives because of a brand’s lack of safety measures,” she admitted.
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