Bird Flu Cat Food Recall in 5 States for Risk To Humans and Pets

More than 46 million American households have at least one cat, according to 2024 data reported by Forbes. Heaven knows cuddling with a pet can provide some relief if you’ve felt a little extra stressed lately, but, sigh: Word broke over the weekend of a bird flu cat food recall—and it’s rare that the FDA publishes these warnings outside of the work week.

On Saturday, the FDA published pet food company Savage Pet’s recall of its large and small cat food boxes made from chicken. The reason for the recall is “because it has the potential to contain H5N1, also known as bird flu,” the FDA’s report states, including the italics.

The recall notice adds that Savage Pet became aware of this possible risk after one cat in Colorado contracted bird flu, getting sick before ultimately recovering. Subsequently a second cat—specifically, a kitten in New York—became sick from bird flu after eating the company’s food.

Out of caution for consumers and their pets, Savage Pet is recalling the following products:

• 66 Large Chicken Boxes, 84 oz.
• 74 Small Chicken Boxes, 21 oz.

The recalled products are packaged in cardboard boxes and contain individual plastic packets with instructions on the packaging to keep the product frozen, as it’s raw. It’s reported the lot code 11152026 appears on the bottom of the box, as well as on each packet. The affected food is said to have been distributed in November 2024 to five states: California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

If a cat has already eaten the affected product, cat owners are urged to watch their cats for bird flu symptoms. As noted by the recall notice and the American Veterinary Medical Association, signs of bird flu in cats include:

• Fever
• Lethargy or severe depression
• Low appetite
• Reddened or inflamed eyes, as well as discharge from the eyes and nose
• Difficulty breathing, coughing, or sneezing
• Neurological signs like tremors, stiff body movements, seizure, lack of coordination, or blindness

If cats exhibit any of the above symptoms after eating the recalled Savage Pets food, owners should contact their veterinarian immediately. Bird flu, otherwise known as avian flu, can be fatal for cats. Call your veterinarian before bringing your cat into the office, as staff may need to take additional precautions.

The recall announcement highlights the possibility of humans contracting bird flu from the handling the affected cat food. There haven’t been any reports of human infection at this time, but people could potentially contract bird flu if the virus gets into the eyes, nose, or mouth. People who touch the food should wash their hands immediately afterward and sanitize any surfaces that may have been exposed.

They’re also encouraged to be mindful of any symptoms they present. Signs of bird flu in humans can include, but may not be limited to:

• Eye redness or irritation
• Cough or sore throat
• Sneezing or runny/stuffy nose
• Muscle and body aches
• Headaches or fatigue
• Fever
• Trouble breathing
• Seizures
• Rash
• Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting

People experiencing these symptoms should contact their doctor immediately. According to the CDC, it’s beneficial to start antiviral treatment as soon as a person starts exhibiting symptoms.

Notably, the CDC reports that humans do not typically contract bird flu, though it does happen and can be deadly.

If in possession of the recalled products, consumers should return them to the place of purchase for “proper destruction” and a full refund.

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