Eating Manufactured Cat Food from the Same Manufacturer
Three Manufacturers Confirmed at the Same Address
On the 17th, the nonprofit organization Myoyeon and the animal protection group Life raised suspicions regarding the recent simultaneous outbreak of abnormal illnesses in cats nationwide, stating that "cats fell ill after eating food made by a specific company."
According to social networking services (SNS) and other sources, cases of cats limping, losing appetite, and showing symptoms such as hematuria have suddenly resulted in deaths across the country, including Seoul, Incheon, Daegu, Busan, Uijeongbu, Gimpo, Seongnam, Yangju, Gumi, Hamyang, Gimhae, Gwangju, and Suncheon. The ages of the deceased cats range widely from 4 months to 10 years. The breeds are also not limited to specific types, including Munchkin, British Shorthair, American Shorthair, and Korean Shorthair.
As cats suddenly died from these abnormal diseases, the Korean Veterinary Medical Association began analyzing the causes. In a press release, the Veterinary Association stated, "Protozoal diseases (infectious diseases caused by protozoan parasites in cats) are suspected," and "Considering the sporadic occurrence of similar cases nationwide, transmission through food or litter is also possible." They added, "Further investigation is needed depending on the results of detailed examinations." However, the Veterinary Association maintains an open stance on multiple possibilities. Initially, protozoal diseases were suspected as the cause, but as time passes, the pattern is changing, making it difficult to identify the cause.
Animal protection groups claim that the cats showing these symptoms had eaten cat food made by a specific company, suggesting that the food is likely the cause.
Shim In-seop, CEO of Life, explained, "We are at the stage of suspecting the food issue," adding, "Upon tracking the affected cats, we found they had all eaten food from the same manufacturer." He continued, "There are three manufacturers of the suspected foods, but they share the same address. We assume they are the same corporation but different factories." He also stated, "Since these are indoor-only companion cats with no external contact, it does not appear to be an infectious disease."
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