Urgent Product Recall Notice: AVA & Applaws Dry Cat Food

We have been made aware of a recent rise in severe feline pancytopenia cases, which has been identified by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). Whilst the cause of this rise in cases is yet to be determined, we have been working at pace with the RVC, the Food Standards Agency (FSA), suppliers and manufacturers.

As a precautionary measure, following guidance from the FSA, we are implementing the manufacturer’s decision to withdraw and recall from sale the full range of AVA and Applaws dry cat food.

As a beneficiary of the VIP Lifelines Scheme, we wanted to bring this to your attention in case you have purchased any of the recalled cat food products using your Lifelines vouchers in store. We have outlined a full list of the affected products below. If you have not purchased any of these products, then you do not need to take any action and you can disregard this email.

The safety and welfare of cats in your care is our top priority. If you are still using any of these products, this is what you need to do now:

1.           Please stop feeding these foods with immediate effect
2.           Dispose of the contents safely
3.           Return the packaging to any Pets at Home store where our pet care advisors will help you find a suitable alternative free of charge.

Whilst the RVC has identified a recent rise in cases, feline pancytopenia is still extremely rare and the number of cases reported remains low at this stage. The symptoms vary and can be severe - if you are worried about any of your cats because they are showing signs of illness, please speak to your vet immediately.

Together with our vet clinicians we are working closely with the RVC, FSA and the wider industry whilst further investigations are being carried out. We understand that this may be concerning, but we want to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to support the relevant authorities.

As always our pet care advisors are available in store if you have any further questions.

Yours sincerely,

Pets at Home VIP Lifelines Team

The full list of affected products are:

AVA Kitten Chicken 300g/ Ava Kitten Chicken 2kg
AVA Adult Chicken 300g/ Ava Adult Chicken 2kg/ Ava Adult Chicken 4kg
AVA Adult Fish 2kg
AVA Mature Chicken 7+ 2kg- / Ava Mature Chicken 7+ 4kg
AVA Senior Chicken 12+ 2kg
AVA Sensitive Skin & Stomach 1.5kg
AVA Weight Management 1.5kg
AVA Hairball 1.5kg
AVA Oral Care 1.5kg
AVA British Shorthair 1.5kg
AVA Persian 1.5kg
AVA Maine Coon 1.5kg

For Applaws products only any packs with a Best Before Date of Dec 2022 to Best Before Date of June 2023 and a site reference code of GB218E5009 are affected.

Applaws Chicken 400g, 2kg and 7.5kg
Applaws Chicken & Salmon 400g, 2kg and 7.5kg
Applaws Kitten Chicken 400g, 2kg and 7.5kg
Applaws Chicken & Lamb 400g, 2kg and 7.5kg
Applaws Chicken & Duck 400g, 2kg and 7.5kg
Applaws Ocean Fish 350g, 1.8kg and 6kg
Applaws Senior Chicken 400g, 2kg and 7.5kg