Skip to content
Food-and-drink — Lifestyle — Dog — Veterinary — Breed — Care — Kitten — Pet — Food — Health

Cat food recall expands over bird flu worries as more felines become unwell

Food products manufactured by Wild Coast undergo an additional recall, affecting four specific raw cat food items, as announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
US Food and Drug Administration Removes Four More Wild Coast Raw Feline Diets from Market
US Food and Drug Administration Removes Four More Wild Coast Raw Feline Diets from Market

Revised Article

Cat food recall expands over bird flu worries as more felines become unwell

Raw Cat Food Recall Expanded Amid Ongoing Bird Flu Outbreak in the U.S.

In the midst of the ongoing bird flu outbreak in the States, the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has announced an expanded recall for Wild Coast Raw cat food, after reports of infected felines in Washington.

Barely two weeks since the initial voluntary recall of Wild Coast Raw food, two cats in separate households in Washington tested positive for bird flu. One unfortunate cat had to be put down, while another required veterinary attention.

Two lots of raw food products from Wild Coast Raw were previously recalled, but the connection between these cases and the recalled items remains unclear.

In light of the latest developments, Wild Coast has issued further recalls for specific products. These include lot numbers #22653, #22641, #22639, and #22672, all dated for December 2025, along with #22660 and #22664, which share similar production dates. The recalled products are all packaged in small round white plastic containers, labeled green.

Christine Knopp, Portland, Oregon resident and Cornish Rex cat breeder, experienced the unfortunate consequences of feeding her pets raw food, as two of her 11 cats required euthanization, while another needed intensive care. All the cats that had consumed raw pet food later tested positive, with the exception of one who was isolated and fed canned food.

Knopp, who had been feeding her cats raw food for years, had believed the Wild Coast food was being tested for bird flu. In an interview with The Guardian, she stated, "I don't think there's really a safe way to trust if someone says they're testing it." She has since switched to canned food for all her cats.

At present, the USFDA advises cat parents to watch for symptoms of bird flu in their pets, which may include fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, redness or inflammation in eyes, discharge from eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs like tremors, stiff body movements, seizures, lack of coordination, or blindness. Those who notice such symptoms should contact their veterinarian promptly.

Besides respiratory and neurological issues, potential symptoms in cats may include eye inflammation, lethargy, and sudden death, particularly if they have outdoor access or come into contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.

Meanwhile, no human infections have been linked to handling the recalled products, but the USFDA advises individuals to wash their hands after handling raw pet food and sanitize contact surfaces. Symptoms of bird flu in humans may include respiratory issues, high mortality rates, and no reported human-to-human transmission.

Although switching to canned food can provide a safer alternative, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian when considering a change in diet or when observing unusual symptoms in your pets.

Interested in switching your cat's food? Check out our guide to the top dry cat foods available.

Enrichment Insights (15% Integration)

  • Safety Measures: Cats can experience respiratory distress, neurological problems, and eye inflammation due to bird flu. To minimize risk, it's crucial to maintain high hygiene standards and limit exposure to wild birds or contaminated food sources.
  • Mortality Rate: Bird flu can have a high mortality rate, with around half of infected individuals – both cats and humans – succumbing to the disease. However, human-to-human transmission is not currently documented.
  • Importance of Hygiene: To ensure the safety of both pets and humans, it's essential to prioritize good hygiene while handling raw pet food, and to sanitize contact surfaces.
  1. In light of the bird flu outbreak, pet owners should consider the health consequences of their cats eating raw food, such as the case of Christine Knopp, a cat breeder who had to euthanize two of her cats due to raw food consumption.
  2. The ongoing bird flu outbreak has raised concerns about the health of various pets, not just cats, as potential symptoms for dogs may include respiratory and neurological issues, eye inflammation, lethargy, and sudden death.
  3. In an effort to prioritize pet and human safety, the USFDA advises pet parents to consult their veterinarian when considering a change in their pet's diet, such as switching from a raw diet to canned food.
  4. Proper lifestyle and health-and-wellness practices are crucial for the overall well-being of our pets, including maintaining good hygiene standards, limiting exposure to wild birds or contaminated food sources, and practicing caution when handling raw pet food.
  5. It's important to remember that even though switching to canned food can offer a safer alternative, it's always essential to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet for our pets after consulting with a veterinarian, as part of a comprehensive food-and-drink strategy.
  6. Scientific research in the field of health-and-wellness, particularly regarding the lifestyle choices and effects on pets, can provide valuable insight into finding the best options for our beloved companion animals, helping us make informed decisions to ensure their long-term health.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest