By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Federal health officials are alerting consumers to potential H5N1 bird flu contamination in specific lots of RAWR Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats after a cat in San Francisco became infected and was euthanized. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed the presence of the virus in two affected lots, CCS 25 077 and CCS 250 093, with sell-by dates in September and October 2026, respectively. Genetic sequencing confirmed the virus strain in both the food and the cat was also found in U.S. dairy cattle. While the company has removed the implicated lots from circulation, consumers are advised to be aware of the potential risk, as H5N1 can cause illness and death in various animals, including cats.
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Cat in San Francisco euthanized after latest bird flu infection tied to raw pet food is a heartbreaking reality, highlighting the dangers of certain feeding practices. As someone who has spent considerable time in the veterinary field, particularly in emergency situations, I’ve witnessed firsthand the rise of raw food diets for pets, and I must confess it’s been one of the most concerning trends I’ve encountered. The belief that raw food is inherently superior is something I struggle to understand, especially when considering the potential risks. It often seems like a gamble, trading convenience and safety for a potentially more expensive and dangerous option.
The unfortunate situation of the cat in San Francisco is a stark reminder of these risks. The connection between the bird flu infection and raw pet food underscores a critical point: the potential for contamination with dangerous pathogens. The raw food industry, especially the unregulated segments, can be a breeding ground for bacteria like Salmonella, something that many pet owners seem to overlook. Even freeze-dried minnows can raise questions about food safety, although they are likely safer than truly raw meat.
The core problem often lies in the source and handling of the meat. It’s not shocking to consider that unregulated farms might be providing meat for pet food, raising the risk of contamination. The commercial pet food industry requires better oversight because they shouldn’t be buying meat products from sick animals that refuse to get tested. The fact that bird flu keeps popping up in cat food really highlights the flaws in the system. The reality is often that pet food might be sourced from farms that may still want some value out of sick livestock.
A crucial aspect to remember is the evolution of our pets. Domesticated animals, including both dogs and cats, have evolved alongside humans, adapting to cooked food over time. To revert to feeding them raw meat is to essentially ignore this evolutionary journey.
The preparation of raw meat presents its own set of challenges. Grinding meat, a common practice in raw pet food, can significantly increase the surface area, making it a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The risk is further amplified by inconsistent handling and storage, where the meat might not be kept at safe temperatures.
The case of the cat in San Francisco serves as a potent reminder of the potential dangers associated with raw food diets. It highlights the need for informed choices, caution, and consideration of the well-being of our beloved pets. Choosing commercially processed foods that meet WSAVA guidelines is, in most cases, a safer choice, as they generally offer a more controlled environment and are held to higher standards of hygiene and safety.
There’s the additional worry that some of the so-called “cat experts” who advocate for raw food diets are not qualified to give advice. Some of the advice that “cat experts” like to give can be unrealistic. Instead of blindly following popular advice, pet owners should seek out information from reputable sources, such as veterinarians and board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Staying informed and making educated decisions about our pet’s food is the greatest kindness we can show them.