Toxic cat food recall warning after hundreds of pets…

Toxic cat food recall warning after hundreds of pets die from mystery fatal illness

Hundreds of cats have died after suffering a fatal condition linked to food that was urgently recalled last month.

Owners are being warned after a surge in cases of feline pancytopenia, a rare condition which sees bone marrow fail.

Vets are probing alleged links between the illness and some brands of cat food sold by major retailers including Pets at Home and Sainsbury’s and the illness.

The Royal Veterinary College said it was aware of 528 cases of the fatal illness in the past few months - but figures are thought to be higher.

It said The RVC said there was a 63.5% mortality rate in cases treated at their own hospitals or by vets.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Defra are also investigating and are urging cat owners not to give their pets food made by manufacturer Fold Hill.

What is the illness?

Vets are probing alleged links between the illness and some brands of cat food (Getty Images)

Pancytopenia is a rare bone marrow condition where the number of blood cells (red, white and platelets) rapidly decrease, causing serious illness.

Cats with this condition may seem more tired than usual and may go off their food.

One of the first more specific signs is bleeding from the mouth, nose, or bowel. In very severe cases, excessive blood loss can lead to collapse.

The FSA said the current outbreak of pancytopenia was potentially linked to specific cat food products, which were being recalled.

It added that there is "no evidence to suggest this outbreak presents any risk to human health".

The Royal Veterinary College (RVA) said: "We are sadly aware of over 500 affected cats.

What cat food has been recalled?

A large number of hypoallergenic dry cat food products made by the Fold Hill Foods company have been recalled.

It was first announced on June 17, and covers a range of products under various names sold by brands including Sainsbury's, Applaws and Pets at Home.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Defra are advising cat owners not to give their pets food made on behalf of certain brands by manufacturer Fold Hill as a precaution.

Sainsbury's

Hypoallergenic Recipe complete dry cat food with salmon 1+years 800g

Sainsbury's Hypoallergenic Recipe complete dry cat food with chicken 1+years 800g

Pets at Home

Ava Kitten Chicken 300g and 2kg

Ava Adult Chicken 300g, 2kg and 4kg

Ava Adult Fish 2kg

Ava Mature Chicken 7+ 2kg and 4kg

Ava Senior Chicken 12+ 2kg

Ava Sensitive Skin & Stomach 1.5kg

Ava Weight Management 1.5kg

Ava Hairball 1.5kg Ava Oral Care 1.5kg