Hi guys!

Sorry to report, but Charlie is sick again. The poisonous plant theory is out of the window this time cause he hasn't eaten ANY plants, let alone dangerous ones. We've caught it really early this time, he is just drooling a little, has no temperature etc so I there is no need for concern right now :) His initial sympton (drooling) is exactly the same as last time, which is why I have been playing Sherlock Holmes for the last 3 hours, trying to find links between last time and this time. The link I may have found is the reason for this thread, so if you have a cat or a dog PLEASE read on.

Last time Charlie got sick, we had just opened a new 2kg packet of Whiskers dry cat food (tuna flavoured). Within 3 days of him eating from that packet, he was almost dead. We attributed it to the plant that he also ate at the time, but the symptons never really added up, so I was never fully satisfied with that explaination. Since that time, because he was dehydrated, we have been feeding him wet food, and he's slowly got better. Just 4 days ago, because he was back to full health, we started him again on the dry food - the EXACT SAME PACKET of dry food that he ate from before. 4 days later, he's getting sick again.

Now, I took him to the vet today, and explained all this. The vet had two explainations.
1. Charlie has an allergy to this dry food which has slowly gotten worse over the course of the year, and what we are seeing is an allergic reaction. If that's the case, we simply have to change his diet, and the problem is solved.

2. There is something wrong with this particular packet of food. Now THIS is the reason for making the thread. I don't want to panic anyone, but it could be that this particular batch of whiskers dry food has been contaminated. I know that sounds a bit far fetched, and I wouldn't have bothered posting about it without further eveidence. Unfortunately, I just found out that in America, a lot of cat and dog food has been recalled because of contamination, leading to kidney failure and death (the way Charlie was heading). This pet food has been in circulation since december (just before Charlie got sick). The firm's name is 'Menu Foods'.
If you're in America and haven't heard about this and would like more information, please visit http://www.menufoods.com/ .

So, what's that got to do with a cat in Germany? Well, right now I have no proof whatsoever that there is a link - but it's all a pretty big coincidence if coincidence it is. Masterfoods - the company that make Whiskers - claim on THEIR website that what's happening in America has no effect on them and their products. Well, what else would they say? I can't help thinking that perhaps the two companies buy ingredients from the same supplier, or something. No evidence for this at all, it's just a theory.

I have already contacted Masterfoods and told them all about it, and given them all the packet information - they are starting an investigation and will get back to me. I think in light of the American situation, they are taking it seriously. In case anyone is concerned, here is the information they asked for. It's printed on the back of the packet.

13.04.2008 K
HU 05 100034 20:27

It's a 2kg Tunafish packet of dry biscuits.

So, that's all, really. Please don't panic - It probably IS just an allergy of his and not something wrong with more catfood. I just felt that if someone had information about something like this, that I would like to know, so I thought I would let you guys know so you can be on the lookout. I'll let you know if and when I hear anything back from masterfoods.

EDIT: Concerning Charlie - last time he was sick you guys were wonderfully supportive. I'm not making this thread for more sympathy - I am sure it's been caught early enough this time and that he wont get really sick again, so please don't worry!

I can't stress enough that this theory is totally speculative and with no evidence so far to support it, apart from coincidence. I will however be writing to all the vets in my local area, asking if any pet has displayed similar symptons to our Charlie. I'll let you know if I hear anything worrying.

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Good thing you publish these things Vik so other pet owners that might be going through the same are aware that it might be the food. I'm sure Masterfoods takes this stuff seriously as the brand may never recover if it's discovered that the food is killing pets. If they receive several complaints, i'm sure they'll recall the food and compensate for damages. Good luck and i hope charlie gets better soon!

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Vik... I do hope Charlie makes a full recovery. Thank you for the information you have provided - and I for one no that you are not looking for sympathy!

((hugs))

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Good detective work by you Vik, also how very thoughtful of you to let others know, and also contacting other vets in the area.
Please post when Masterfoods get back to you. From what you have said, it does seem to be more than a coincidence, perhaps when Charlie is better you could try him on another brand of dry food (although you may not want to take the risk)so you can eliminate whether it's an allergy or not.

On behalf of myself and mitch-mitch please give Charlie big


from both of us.

jewels xx

thank you vik. It's always good to be informed. Either theories sound very sound and I will be keeping this in mind. Our little girl finds whiskas wet food too strong so she's on dry so it's worth keeping an eye out.

Thank you again xxx

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That's a point Vik, if they are at fault, they might compensate you,
I know you had to pay alot in vet bills.

I am sorry to here charlie is not well again,but the thread is very useful.some of my friends have cats too so i will check with them.

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If you have nothing nice to say then Zip !!!

Yes, we did. I really hope it's not a problem with the catfood in general because then more pets are at risk, but the silver lining for us would be that we would probably get enough compensation to cover his bills. I almost don't want to think about that cause it sounds so selfish, and after all it's money spent, but we could certainly find a use for it.

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I heard about this on the radio this morning, and i was pretty scared,
because my cat food has just ran out.. and now i'm scared to buy cat food for my cat :(
It's sad to hear about all those pets dying because of what they're eating..

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Living the peach life.

Amandi, I heard there were no cases of it in Canada, but if you check out that list, you should be ok :)

Very VERY happy to report that due to the quick action of out vet (I just love that man!) who gave Charlie 3 huge injections yesterday, Charlie is much better this morning, seems to have stopped drooling, and is his normal perky self :)

Of course, we're still looking into the reason behind it all.

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Good news Vik... Keep us posted

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