Sainsbury’s and Pets at Home recall cat food after over 150 cats die

Sainsbury’s and Pets at Home have recalled a number of cat food products following the death of over 150 cats, with the retailers warning of a potential link between the food and a fatal feline disease.

Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s and pet chain Pets at Home have removed various dry cat food products from their shelves, amid concerns that the dinners could be linked to a spike in cases of a deadly cat illness.

With animals lovers undoubtedly having been worried about how to keep cats and dogs safe during the coronavirus pandemic, there is now more cause for concern for owners who buy a certain brand of cat food.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Defra have warned cat owners not to feed their furry friends food made by Fold Hill, after cases of feline pancytopenia shot up since April.

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What is pancytopenia in cats?

Pancytopenia in cats causes red blood cell production to slow down, causing loss of appetite, bleeding gums, bruising, fever, and nosebleeds. According to the FSA, the current pancytopenia outbreak could be connected to certain cat food brands.

A Government spokesman added, “No unsafe cat food has been identified but the manufacturer and brand owners affected, based on investigations so far, are taking the precautionary action of recalling and withdrawing cat food products that have been linked to affected cats.

“There is no evidence to suggest this outbreak of feline pancytopenia presents any risk to human health.”

Sainsbury’s Hypoallergenic Recipe and Pets at Home Ava products are being recalled, so if your cat is sick and has been fed any of the food specified in the product recall, you should consult a vet right away.

PRODUCT RECALL IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING – by Sainsbury’s Hypoallergenic Recipe Complete Dry Cat Food

Since the recall announcement Sainsbury’s has released an official statement in response to the growing concern.

“We are not willing to take any risks where the safety of our products is concerned and so we are asking customers who have purchased these products not to use them and to return the item to their nearest Sainsbury’s store for a full refund when they next visit.”