Feeding domestic cats with raw chicken necks carries a small risk of transmitting bird flu to them

This is a cross post because I think the subject is important. You will see many websites on the Internet recommending that cat caregivers provide their cat with raw chicken necks in order that they can chew on a raw product which is good for their gums and teeth and their health generally. It is believed that the risk of eating raw chicken necks and wings because of the cartilage and bone content is far outweighed by the benefits to their oral health.

Image: MikeB. Testing for bird flu.

So, it is a balanced decision as to whether you feed your domestic cat companion raw chicken 'on the bone' so to speak. But that balance has been upset by the fact that bird flu is present in Europe. In Poland it appears to be at epidemic proportions and in that country around two dozen cats are believed to have died of bird flu, 13 of which were found to have been tested positive for H5N1 which has also proven, as I understand it, that they were fed raw chicken sometimes bought from local supermarkets.

I would advise, as I'm sure others would, that at this particular juncture, cat caregivers should not be feed their cat with raw chicken necks or wings unless they can be totally sure that the product is devoid of any contamination from bird flu. I don't know what checks are made. I suspect that in the UK and many other countries, all the poultry on supermarket shelves has been checked for diseases such as bird flu. But can we guarantee it? I think not.

But, as mentioned, in Poland, a European country and part of the European Union, 13 domestic cats contracted bird flu from raw poultry. This is just putting up a flag of caution in case people habitually feed their cat with raw chicken. It is not uncommon. And normally it is advisable. I don't do it but I think I might because reliable and respected experts on domestic cat caregiving such as Dr. Bruce Fogle DVM, recommend feeding bird wings to domestic cats to improve their gum health.

Poor oral health is very prevalent in domestic cats particularly elderly cats. It is almost impossible to clean their teeth unless they've been trained to accept it when kittens. The claims by dry food manufacturers that their pellets can help to clean teeth is dubious to say the least. They may help slightly. 

However, I think that you will find that most veterinarians would agree that chewing on chicken necks or wings will improve teeth and gum health despite the risks of a shard of bone being broken off. Necks are probably better because they contain cartilage primarily and skin and muscle which makes them safer.

UK government notice 6th July 2023:

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) for poultry and captive birds, introduced to help stop the spread of avian influenza (‘bird flu’), has been lifted.

The enhanced biosecurity measures were brought in across Great Britain in October when there was a medium risk for some poultry premises. The measures have been vital in protecting flocks across the country from the virus which is circulating in wild birds.

This is good news obviously and indicates a reduced risk.

Feline Oral Resorptive Lesion Picture

A very clear picture of a feline oral resorptive lesion and periodontal disease plus gingivitis. In short, multiple feline oral health problems.

A feline oral resorptive lesion (FOTL) is damage to the tooth itself in which at the least serious end of the spectrum involves the enamel being "barely" penetrated to loss of the "entire crown" of the tooth in the more serious cases¹.

Please click on the link below to see the image. I can't show it here because advertisers don't like it as it is little difficult to look at.

Feline oral resorptive lesion, gingivitis, periodontal disease Photo copyright; Cuyahoga Falls Veterinary Clinic

Twenty-eight to sixty-seven percent of adult cats suffer from feline oral resorptive lesions¹. The premolars and molars are normally affected but other teeth can be affected. Loss of the outer layer of enamel probably means pain for the cat. Sometimes cats chatter their jaws due to the pain. Some will lose appetite due to discomfort.

Siamese and Abyssinian cats (purebred cats - these are very popular cat breeds) are, it seems, predisposed to this oral health problem.

Causes? Periodontitis, exposure to viruses, kidney problems, dry cat food, acidic diet.

Treatment? See a good vet such as those at the Cuyahoga Falls Veterinary Clinic, who kindly provided the picture.  This photo has been used with permission for teaching/educational purposes at this website.

Associated: Feline Gingivitis Picture.

Note: 1. Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook. Pages 243-244. ISBN 978-0-470-09530-0