Cat owners across several states are being alerted to health risks associated with Savage Pet’s cat food products due to potential contamination with H5N1, more commonly known as bird flu. The FDA announced on March 17, 2025, the recall involves 66 large chicken boxes (84 oz.) and 74 small chicken boxes (21 oz.) with the lot code and best-by date of 11.15.2026.
The products were distributed to retailers across California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington back in November 2024. What triggered this recall? Reports of cats becoming ill after consuming the affected food have raised alarm among health officials.
According to the FDA, “People who fed their cats the recalled products should watch for symptoms of bird flu, including fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs like tremors, stiff body movements, seizures, lack of coordination, or blindness.” If any of these symptoms are present, owners are advised to consult their veterinarians immediately.
So, how did this panic about bird flu begin? Back in February 2025, Savage Pet was notified about one cat in Colorado contracting the disease. The initial test results from Colorado State University were “non-negative” for H5N1, meaning the possibility existed but it was not confirmed. Fortunately, this cat recovered. Further tests were directed to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, and on March 6, those results confirmed the virus was negative.
Then the situation escalated. On March 13, authorities linked the product to yet another case—a kitten from New York, which tested positive after having consumed the batch connected to the lot number 11152026. Further tests for this latest case are still pending.
The New York City Health Department added to the concerns with its statement on March 15, which confirmed the presence of the bird flu virus detected in two cats, along with another suspected case. Both cats had been associated with the same lot number, 11152026.
One of the sick cats—referred to as cat A—became gravely ill and died after consuming the Savage Cat Food. The other, cat B, was diagnosed posthumously with H5N1 after being exposed to the infected cat, cat C, which also had the food but managed to survive.
The FDA also warned about the risk of human infection linked to potential interactions with these raw pet food products. “While no human infections have been identified among people handling raw pet food products, humans can become infected if live virus gets onto mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth,” the FDA report stated.
The symptoms for humans, should they have come across the contaminated products, include eye redness, cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, fever, and more severe issues like seizures or rashes. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after handling the recalled products should contact their healthcare providers and local health departments.
Given the heightened risks, pet owners and retailers must take the recall seriously. The FDA is urging anyone who has purchased the product to return it to the place of purchase for proper destruction and for a full refund. Savage Pet emphasizes on their website, “Do not feed the recalled product to pets or animals. Do not sell or donate the recalled products.”
Although the possibility of bird flu transmission between cats is concerning, rigorous studies and preventative measures should be taken to keep cats and their owners safe. The CDC states the mortality rate for cats infected with bird flu is alarmingly high, estimated at 67%. Therefore, swift action is very important.
Bird flu has not only been limited to pet food; it has affected poultry and wild bird populations across the globe, resulting in soaring food prices, particularly for eggs. The issue highlights the interconnectedness of animal health, human health, and food supplies.
With over 46 million American households owning at least one cat, awareness and vigilance are key as this situation evolves. The FDA's timely recall and warnings should serve to bolster thanks for animal care professionals monitoring the health of pets and for providing timely information to concerned owners. To safeguard against bird flu infections, keeping surfaces sanitized and practicing regular handwashing after handling pet food are strongly advised.
This alarming situation demands all pet owners, especially cat owners using Savage Pet products, to remain on alert and actively monitor for any signs of illness. Experts continue to stress the importance of acting swiftly to protect both health and wellbeing.
