Note to Owners to Heed Cat Food Recalls

It is always prudent for pet owners to be aware of and heed warnings regarding pet food recalls. One recent cat food recall came in response to reports of renal failure in pets. It was publicly noted in March 2007, when increased numbers of cats and other pets were observed dying due to kidney failure.

The reason was traced to wet type pet foods made with wheat gluten produced by a single Chinese company. There have been several cases reported following that, but in spite of extensive government and private testing and forensic research, no definitive cause has been identified as the significant factor in the deaths.

Sources of Cat Food

Pet food is a billion dollar industry in America. As a result of the cat food recall, investigators have determined that the cat food in question was manufactured by a large company that was producing nearly 100 brands of cat food under various labels. In the United States there has been significant media coverage of the cat food recall.

There has been public outrage in many places and people have demanded government regulation and set standards for pet food. Pet foods are self-regulated by pet food manufacturers and the government encouraged to set specific standards.

There are about 40 products manufactured by the company that produces pet foods using a variety of labels under the one primary company umbrella. One of the products they produce labelled "cuts and gravy" has since been removed from the market place due to the cat food recall.

The ingredient that appears to be the source of the problem is a protein product that is used to thicken the pet food gravy. These products sold in cans and pouches are available in most popular supermarkets nation wide. Consumers are advised to stop buying these products immediately.

Anyone who believes that they have purchased and made this product available to their pet, has been advised to seek the aid of a veterinarian in assessing any potential illness or condition.

Symptoms Causing Alarm

There has been a 30 per cent increase in kidney failure in cats. This abnormality is the primary cause for the alarm and discovery of the dangerous product. It is definitely the main reason the company issued the cat food recall.

Pet owners have been asked to take their cats to a veterinary doctor as soon as they show any symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, depression, vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms have been associated with the recent health issues. If the cat is excessively thirsty or urinates more than usual, these are typical symptoms of kidney failure. That kidney failure could be a direct result of exposure to the cat food in question.

New Cat Food

In part, due to that significant cat food recall, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has recommended that the cats be fed products which contains only U.S. sourced protein supplements until the issues are fully examined and understood. The ASPCA is keeping a close watch on any new developments regarding these investigations. Pet owners can call them or email them regarding with questions and concerns.

More specific data identifying products and companies is available at their website which provides advice and answers all questions regarding the cat food recall. The information will be kept up-to-date and is fully supported by a team of doctors who have been examining cats displaying the typical symptoms of consuming the Potentially lethal cat food.