Raw Cat Food Brand Possibly Linked to Fatal Bird Flu Cases

New York City health officials are urging pet owners to stop using Savage Cat Food after the raw meat brand was possibly linked to multiple cases of fatal bird flu in domestic cats. According to Gothamist, at least three cats have shown signs of infection, two of which died from the illness.

Savage Cat Food, known for its raw, “prey-based” meals, was recalled in mid-February after a customer in Colorado reported their cat had fallen ill. Co-founder Audrey Brady said the company pulled the affected products—marked with lot code 11152026—as a precaution while waiting for lab results. Samples were sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa for testing.

The New York City Department of Health confirmed that two cats tested positive for H5N1, also known as avian influenza. Symptoms included fever, loss of appetite, and severe breathing problems. A third cat, believed to have eaten the same food, also became sick but recovered before testing could confirm the infection.

Bird flu outbreaks have already hit 48 bird flocks across New York, including live poultry markets in several boroughs. While the health department says the risk to humans remains low, acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse emphasized that caution is essential. “Bird flu viruses present a wider risk to the general public only if the virus develops the ability to transmit between people — which we have not seen at this time,” she said.

It’s time to rethink what we feed our pets. Supporting plant-based alternatives and steering clear of raw animal products can help reduce the risk of outbreaks like these—and protect both our furry friends and the planet. Keep your pets safe, and consider cruelty-free food choices that align with a more compassionate and sustainable future.

Video Source: Eyewitness News ABC7NY/Youtube

Sign These Petitions! 

Please sign our latest and most urgent petitions to help the planet. Every signature counts!

• Petition: Millions Will Likely Die Because of Trump’s Decision to End HIV Medication Access
• Petition: Stop Trump’s Cruel Attack on Trans Rights Now
• Petition: End Animal Cruelty at Shriners Circuses Now 

Related Content:

• Bird Flu Reaches Antarctica Threatening Penguins and Seabirds
• Bird Flu Human Hospitalization Sparks Fresh Concerns
• House Cats Diagnosed With Bird Flu Raise New Concerns
• Bird Flu Outbreak Leads to Mass Killing of 50,000 Birds
• Cats Face Higher Risk of Bird Flu Due to Hunting Habits

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Stand against fast fashion Pollution by supporting circular brands like Tiny Rescue, which create cause-based collections using recycled, zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade, ensuring it never ends up in a landfill.
• Shop Sustainably for Your Home: Visit SustaiNOBLE.org, an eco-friendly and ethically sourced home decor store that will empower your home with luxurious fair-trade, and sustainable products made by global artisans. 
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!