Pets at Home recalls four types of AVA cat food which can cause 'collapses and fitting'
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Pets At Home has issued a national recall of four types of dry cat food after reports of animals experiencing sudden collapses and spasms.
Three cats needed to be seen by vets just weeks after starting to eat the products when they were all hit by "sudden collapse, fitting, widespread twitching and general unsteadiness".
The four products being recalled are part of the AVA range which the firm describes as "veterinary approved". They are: AVA Mature Cat Chicken (2kg), AVA Mature Cat Chicken (4kg), AVA Senior Cat Chicken 2kg, and AVA Adult Cat Neutered Indoor (1.5kg).
A statement on the company's website says: "We are sorry to inform you that we are recalling these AVA products from our range of dry cat food. The neurological signs which were progressive until that point improved dramatically within less than 24 hours and the cat returned to normal within three days. Thiamine supplementation was stopped after 2 months and the cat has remained normal since.""An investigation has revealed that, in the four affected products, the level of thiamine (vitamin B1) was much lower than we had specified. Testing confirmed only these four products are affected.
"We are aware of three cats which, sadly, became seriously unwell four to six weeks after switching to one of the affected products and required veterinary care. All three cats exhibited symptoms of sudden collapse, fitting, widespread twitching and general unsteadiness which are not the classic symptoms of thiamine deficiency."
The Food Standards Agency states on its website:
"Thiamine deficiency in cats may impact a cat’s health. Three cats have so far been identified which became seriously unwell after switching to one of the affected products and exhibited symptoms ranging from sudden collapse, fitting, widespread twitching and general unsteadiness which are not the classic symptoms of thiamine deficiency.
"If you have bought any of the listed products with the specified product codes, please return it to where you bought it for a full refund or call 0800 328 4204.
"If you have concerns that your cat may be showing any of these symptoms after switching to one of the four affected products then you should stop feeding and seek immediate veterinary advice. You can also contact one of Pets At Home customer advisers on 0800 328 4204 for general advice.
"Pets At Home has recalled the above products. A notification has been sent to vets to be aware of the atypical symptoms and potential for thiamine deficiency. Point of sale notices have been placed in all affected stores and in store and information has been made available on the website. A notification has been published on Facebook and there has been direct correspondence with all known customers. All this information explains to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product."
For more information visit https://www.food.gov.uk/news-updates/news/2017/16004/pets-at-home-recalls-dry-cat-food
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