Pets at Home recall cat food after animals started collapsing and fitting

The animals became seriously unwell for four to six weeks

The animals needed to be treated by vets after their owners fed them the affected product cat food (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Pets at Home has recalled a number of dry cat food products and issued a warning to cat owners after some animals collapsed and started fitting.

The animals needed to be treated by vets after their owners fed them the affected AVA products.

The brands which caused the animals to become seriously unwell include, AVA Mature Cat Chicken (2kg), AVA Mature Cat Chicken (4kg), AVA Senior Cat Chicken 2kg, and AVA Adult Cat Neutered Indoor (1.5kg).

Currently, no other AVA or Pets at Home products are thought to be affected.

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.

“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 has confirmed the products have been removed and advised owners to return the food to Pets at Home for a refund.

They said: “Pets at Home is recalling four lines of its AVA dry cat food products because there are lower levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1) present than specified in the recipe.

“Your cat should not eat affected product batches.

“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.”