Cat Food Recalls: How to Stay Informed and What to Do

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

A pet food recall can happen to any brand. Big or small, canned or kibble, raw or cooked, products may be pulled from shelves when something goes wrong. Having a plan, and knowing where to look, lets you act quickly if your cat's food is affected.

Why recalls happen

• Bacteria, such as Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli, which can sicken pets and people. Raw and freeze-dried raw foods have had recalls more often.
• Toxins, such as aflatoxin from moldy corn, or contaminants.
• Nutrient problems, such as too much or too little of a vitamin or mineral. Too much vitamin D, or too little thiamine, has caused illness in cats.
• Foreign material, such as metal, plastic or bone fragments.
• Mislabeling, such as undeclared ingredients.
• Medication residue, or other contamination.

See cat poisoning: what to do.

Where to look

• The FDA website, which lists pet food recalls and safety alerts in the United States. Other countries have similar agencies.
• Manufacturer websites and social media.
• Retailer notices, often emailed to loyalty members.
• Your vet, who may share alerts.
• Reputable pet news sites.

Beware of social media rumors. Check an official source.

Sign up for alerts

The FDA offers email alerts. Many manufacturers do, too. Register your food with the company, if it offers this, and keep your contact details updated.

Keep your food information

Photograph the bag or can, including the brand, product name, size, best-before date and lot or batch code, and keep it until the food is gone. Store dry food in its original bag, within a container. Without the code, you cannot tell whether your food is in the affected batch. See how to store cat food.

If your food is recalled

1. Stop feeding it straight away, even if your cat seems fine.
2. Check the lot numbers and dates against the recall notice.
3. Set the food aside, in a sealed bag, away from pets and children, until you know what to do. Do not give it away or donate it.
4. Follow the instructions for return or disposal. Many companies offer a refund, and some ask you to keep a sample.
5. Clean up. Wash hands, bowls, scoops, storage containers and surfaces with hot soapy water, and disinfect. This matters for bacterial recalls, since people can be infected too.
6. Watch your cat for signs.
7. Switch food gradually, if possible. See how to switch cat foods. If you must switch abruptly, offer a bland, safe alternative, and watch.

Signs to watch for

• Vomiting, diarrhea or blood in stool.
• Lethargy, weakness or loss of appetite.
• Drooling, tremors or seizures, with toxin recalls.
• Increased thirst and urination, with some kidney-related recalls.
• Fever.

Call your vet at once if you see signs. Tell them the product, lot number and what recall applies. Your vet can report cases to the authorities.

Reporting a problem

In the US, you can report suspected pet food illness to the FDA through its online portal, and to the manufacturer. Reports help regulators detect problems. Keep a record of what happened, including receipts, packaging and vet reports.

Reducing risk

• Choose companies that publish their testing and quality control procedures.
• Store food well. See how to store cat food.
• Vary brands if suitable, rather than relying on a single product forever, if your cat tolerates changes.
• Handle raw food with care. See raw food diets for cats.
• Check complete and balanced labeling. See cat food aafco statement explained.

Keeping a safety plan

Put a reminder on your phone to check recall lists when you open a new bag or case. Keep a small folder, on paper or in your phone, with photos of every food, treat and supplement your cat eats, along with your vet's phone number and an emergency clinic. If a recall is announced, you will be able to act within minutes rather than hunting for information. Tell anyone who feeds your cat, such as a pet sitter, which foods are in use and what to do if a notice appears. Remember that most recalls are precautionary, and acting early protects your cat.

Talking to your vet

If your cat has eaten a recalled product, call your vet even if signs are mild. Some problems, such as vitamin toxicity or contamination, can take days to appear. Your vet may suggest bloodwork, a change of diet or a period of monitoring. Bring the packaging and the recall notice to the appointment so the clinic can check the details and report the case if needed.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat shows signs after eating a recalled food. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.