Tampa, Florida -- Diamond Pet Foods has issued a voluntary recall of certain bags of cat food that affects 25 states.
Doctors from BluePearl Veterinary Partners are urging cat owners to stop using and return or get rid of the bags of cat food voluntarily recalled after tests conducted by the company indicated the products might have a low level of thiamine (Vitamin B1).
BluePearl vets say thiamine is an essential vitamin for cats in maintaining normal nervous system function.
Symptoms of thiamine deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature.
Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss. In advanced cases, neurological signs can develop, which may include cervical ventroflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, ataxia (difficulty walking), falling, circling and seizures.
Altogether, the company reports the products were distributed to customers located in Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.