Savage Pet recalls cat food amid suspected bird flu illnesses in cats

Savage Pet in El Cajon, CA, is recalling 66 large (84 oz.) and 74 small (21 oz.) boxes of Savage Cat Food Chicken because of possible bird flu contamination.

The recall follows reports of two cats—one in Colorado and one in New York—contracting H5N1 after consuming the affected lot. The Colorado cat recovered, while testing on the New York case is ongoing. Initial PCR testing by Colorado State University Laboratory returned “non-negative” results for H5N1 in sealed packets, prompting a market withdrawal in February. Although subsequent virus isolation testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) on March 6, 2025, confirmed the virus was negative, Savage Pet upgraded the action to a recall after the second case emerged on March 13, 2025, prioritizing consumer safety.

The products were distributed to retailers in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington in November 2024.

The recalled products are packaged in cardboard boxes containing individual plastic packets, with the lot code/best by date “11152026” stamped on the bottom of the box and each packet.

Recalled product:

• Savage Cat Food Large Chicken Boxes, 84 oz.
  • Brand: Savage Pet
  • Lot Code/Best By Date: 11152026
• Savage Cat Food Small Chicken Boxes, 21 oz.
  • Brand: Savage Pet
  • Lot Code/Best By Date: 11152026

Retailers and consumers should not sell, donate, or feed the affected product to pets or other animals.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to their retailer for proper destruction and a full refund. 

Risks to pets and humans

Cats fed the recalled product may exhibit bird flu symptoms, including fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs such as tremors, stiff movements, seizures, lack of coordination, or blindness. Pet owners noticing these symptoms should contact their veterinarian immediately.

While no human infections have been linked to handling this pet food, H5N1 can infect humans. People handling the recalled products should wash their hands thoroughly, sanitize contact surfaces, and monitor for symptoms such as eye redness, cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, fever, trouble breathing, seizures, rash, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after contact should consult their healthcare provider and local health department.

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