CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Cat owners are being warned to take precautions as H5N1 continues to spread.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed that bird flu has infected cats in over 20 states, including in Illinois. Now, the Illinois Extension is providing more information on how cats catch bird flu, what symptoms owners should look out for, and tips to keep pets safe.

Leyi Wang is a virologist and professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Wang said the new H5N1 has mutated and is able to infect species like cats. This can pose a risk because cats have close contact with humans, and could potentially transmit the virus.

Wang added that cats can catch bird flu in a couple of different ways. They could drink raw milk or eat raw food that is infected. Exposure to dead birds or contaminated clothing could also lead to infection. Infected cats could also spread the virus to other cats, and possibly other pets in a household.

Wang also said that Bird flu H5N1 infections in cats can be serious and life-threatening. Cats that have been infected may be lethargic, feverish, have a loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, discharge from the eyes and nose, and neurological issues like tremors, seizures, incoordination or blindness.

If you’re concerned that your pet has contracted bird flu, contact your veterinarian. There is no available vaccine for H5N1 in cats or other pets. So, to reduce the risk to your pet, keep them away from wild animals and birds, do not feed then raw meat or raw milk, and wash your hands and change your clothes after interacting with other animals.

For more details, visit the Illinois Extension’s website.