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Cat Food Recall Seems Mild, But It Could Be Bad

by Elizabeth King

Nobody likes it when their animal buddies get sick or are in any way unhappy, which is why it is such a bummer that there has been a recall on some Rachael Ray's Nutrish cat food due to elevated levels of vitamin D in several products. Not to panic, though, because the food has been removed from shelves, so you can no longer purchase it for little Pumpkin or Lily-bell (had to name drop a couple of my family's cats. Because we love them!). There are a few pieces of important information to know about the cat food recall.

Cat food recalls are not entirely uncommon, but there is much to learn about kitty nutrition and the Rachael Ray products that have been removed from pet store shelves. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC looks out for our pets, too!) says to always make sure to purchase food that is tightly sealed, and contained in undamaged packaging. And no raw food for the pets! Too risky. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on recall lists so that you know to pull something from your pets diet if and when you need to.

Here's everything you need to know about the Rachael Ray cat food products that've been recalled.

Which Products Have Been Recalled?

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For now, the following products have been recalled from Rachael Ray's Nutrish line of cat food:

  • Ocean Fish-a-licious
  • Lip Smackin’ Sardine & Mackerel
  • Ocean Fish & Chicken Catch-iatore
  • Tuna Purrfection
  • Certain lots of Paw Lickin’ Chicken & Liver

What Brought On The Recall?

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The recall was initiated by reports of 11 cats allegedly becoming ill as a result of having consumed the Nutrish line of food for cats.

What's The Reason It Was Recalled?

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The products were recalled because they apparently had too much vitamin D. Cats need vitamin D as a healthy part of their diet just like we do, but there is such a thing as too much. If cats consume too much vitamin D, it can make them potentially fatally ill.

What Are The Symptoms To Watch For?

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If your cat has consumed any of the food subject to the recall, there are several serious symptoms to watch out for in your cat's behavior. These include: decrease or total loss of appetite, either a large increase or decrease in thirst and urination, seizures, diarrhea, and weakness. These symptoms will start showing up about 12 to 26 hours after a cat has eaten the contaminated food.

What Do You Do If Your Cat Is Sick?

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If you think your cat is sick, go to the vet or a pet ER right away. Getting treatment ASAP is vital for the health of your feline buddy.

Where Was The Recalled Food Sold?

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The food was available online through Amazon, Walmart, and Pet 360. Rachael Ray's website also has a map of the stores that sell her line of pet food, which you can use as a tool to help determine if you may have purchased recalled food.

Images: Getty Images (6)