"All 50 Feed Samples Show No Issues"…Mystery of Mass Deaths Among Domestic Cats

No Causality Confirmed in Cat Corpse Autopsy
"Additional Investigation of Cause Substances Not Included in Test Items"

The government has launched an investigation to find the cause of the successive sudden deaths of house cats but has not found any clear evidence. The inspection results of cat food suspected to be the cause of the sudden deaths showed no abnormalities in the suspected foods.

On the 12th, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) announced that no causative substances have been found so far after investigating cat food and other items suspected to be related to the deceased cats.

A cat is lost in thought.
[Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@]

MAFRA examined a total of 50 samples of cat food, including 30 samples submitted for testing (including 3 announced in the interim inspection results) and 20 related products currently in distribution. They tested for 78 harmful substances and 7 types of viruses, all of which were found to be suitable (not detected).

Viruses, bacteria, parasites, and harmful substances were not detected in the bodies of the deceased cats either. The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency conducted autopsies on 10 cats that died suddenly and tested for △7 types of viruses △8 types of bacteria △2 types of parasites △34 substances related to myopathy △859 harmful substances (including 669 pesticides, 176 veterinary drugs, and 7 rodenticides), all of which were negative. This indicates no relation to the cats' deaths.

Previously, the nonprofit organization Myoyeon and the animal protection group Life raised concerns, claiming that companion cats showed abnormalities after eating cat food produced by a specific manufacturer. According to these groups, as of the 11th, 512 cats have been affected, of which 181 have died. The affected cats exhibited symptoms such as vomiting, high fever, decreased ability to stand, inability to stand, and myoglobinuria (red urine caused by muscle cell destruction) before dying.

The groups claim, "Companion cats fed cat food produced by a specific manufacturer from January to April 2024 have died or suffered from acute illnesses."

MAFRA plans to conduct additional investigations into causative substances, considering the possibility that cats died suddenly due to specific causes. A MAFRA official stated, "We will continue monitoring and closely cooperate with the veterinary medical community, the feed industry, and animal protection organizations to respond accordingly."