The study provides growing evidence of the threat it poses even when cats have no direct exposure to sick dairy cows or poultry.

"Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to severe illness, often resulting in death," the AVMA said in a statement.

The thought of cuddling your pet cat after a long day may offer comfort, but what if that same feline could unknowingly harbour a dangerous virus? Recent research has raised concerns that our beloved domestic cats might serve as carriers of the H5N1 bird flu virus,