California has also reported bird flu infections in cats fed raw milk or pet food. In one Los Angeles household, five cats got sick — and two died — after eating two kinds of raw pet food. Samples from one of the two brands, Monarch Raw Pet Food, tested positive for the virus, officials said.

Cats and birds aren't exactly similar but they're both proving to be susceptible to avian influenza A (H5N1) -- bird flu in other words. Since the bird flu

As dozens of cats have contracted the bird flu virus through infected poultry and cattle, veterinarians weigh in on the safety risks of raw cat and dog food.

The FDA has investigated bird flu outbreaks linked to raw pet food, which have sickened or killed over a dozen cats in several U.S. states. Reports include 13 domestic cats, one exotic cat, and animals at two big cat sanctuaries.