The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of Savage Pet’s cat food due to potential contamination with H5N1, commonly known as bird flu. The recall was initiated on March 15, 2025, following reports of cases involving cats who had consumed the affected products.
Savage Pet, based in El Cajon, California, is recalling 66 large chicken boxes (84 oz.) and 74 small chicken boxes (21 oz.) of its Savage Cat Food. The impacted products have the lot code and best-by date of 11152026, indicating they were distributed to retailers across California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. These recalled items were originally shipped last November 2024, and the lot code can be found stamped on the bottom of each box as well as on the individual plastic packets inside.
According to the FDA and Savage Pet, the recall was prompted by reports of birds infected with bird flu, along with observations of sick cats who had consumed the food. Notably, one cat from Colorado tested positive for H5N1 after eating the affected product. The cat did recover but raised alarm bells about the potential risks associated with the cat food, which led to additional testing.
The situation was escalated when more testing occurred. Following the initial report from Colorado, the Colorado State University Laboratory conducted PCR testing which yielded "non-negative" results. This led to the sampling being sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for more thorough virus isolation testing. On March 6, 2025, the NVSL confirmed negative results for live virus, allowing the company to momentarily dispel some concerns.
Despite these results, another worrisome report emerged on March 13, 2025, involving a kitten from New York who also showed symptoms of bird flu after consuming the same batch of food. This prompted Savage Pet to expand its recall, prioritizing the safety of pets and those who handle the products.
The symptoms of H5N1 infection can be serious; pet owners are advised to watch for fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, and any neurological signs such as tremors, seizures, lack of coordination, or blindness. If any of these symptoms present, immediate consultation with a veterinarian is recommended.
The FDA's advisory extends not just to pets. Humans who might have handled the contaminated food are also at risk and should monitor for symptoms such as eye irritation, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, and respiratory issues. The FDA emphasizes the importance of washing hands after handling raw pet food products and sanitizing contact surfaces to prevent possible exposure.
"Savage Pet has always been dedicated to the health of its feline consumers," the company expressed, highlighting their commitment to the safety and well-being of pets. They urged anyone who has purchased the affected products to stop feeding them to their pets immediately, to return the items for proper destruction, and to seek refunds.
The recall is part of larger concerns surrounding H5N1, which has escalated since the outbreak began impacting avian populations and has now raised alarms related to domestic pets. According to statistics from the USDA, more than 23 million birds have been affected by this outbreak across California, showcasing the extensive impact the virus has had.
Given the complicated relationship between domestic animals and the avian influenza virus, the American Veterinary Medical Association insisted, "Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to severe illness, often resulting in death. The risk of cat-to-human transmission is considered extremely low, but it may increase with prolonged, unprotected exposure to infected animals." This highlights the necessity for vigilance from both pet owners and those working with raw animal products.
For safety measures, the FDA recommends pet owners keep up with recalls and observe any occurrences of illness among pets closely. For anyone who suspects their cat might have been exposed, or for those displaying symptoms after handling the recall food, it is imperative to report any cases to local health departments immediately.
People seeking additional information can contact Savage Pet at [email protected] or via phone at 619-270-0295, thereby ensuring proper communication toward rectifying this health concern. The FDA remains committed to ensuring public safety and helping maintain health standards across pet food products.
To keep up with current food recalls, monitoring the FDA’s database and notifications from reliable pet health organizations is advised.
