Cat owners across the country were alarmed last month when J.M. Smucker announced a voluntary recall of several flavors of Temptation cat treats. If you’re wondering whether your furry friend’s favorite snacks are affected, here’s a quick answer: Temptation’s Tasty Chicken Flavor, Tasty Chicken & Beef Flavor, and Tasty Beef Flavor cat treats sold in 3 oz.
and 4 oz. packages are included in the recall. Smucker issued the recall due to potential salmonella contamination.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about the Temptation recall, including which products are affected, what health risks salmonella poses to pets, what to do if your cat already ate recalled treats, and how to ensure your cat’s treats are safe going forward.
Details of the Temptation Cat Treats Recall
Which Temptation flavors and packages are recalled
The Temptation Cat Treats recall involves multiple flavors and packages of the popular cat snacks. Specifically, the recall includes Temptation Classic Crunchy and Soft & Chewy treats in 3 oz., 6 oz. and 12 oz. packages.
The affected flavors are Temptation Tasty Chicken Flavor, Temptation Classic Crunchy & Soft & Chewy Chicken Flavor, Temptation Crunchy & Soft Chewy Tuna Flavor, and Temptation Classic Crunchy & Soft & Chewy Tuna Flavor.
What batches and best by dates are affected
The recalled Temptation treats include products with best by dates from December 2022 through March 2023. The first 9 digits of the batch code indicate the manufacturing date, so any treats with codes between 6052868 and 7069348 should be checked.
If you have Temptation treats at home, look on the back of the bag for the lot code and best by date to determine if they are part of the recall.
Where the recalled cat treats were sold
The recalled Temptation treats were distributed nationwide to retail stores and online retailers like Amazon and Chewy. They were manufactured at Temptation’s plant in Independence, Missouri. Retailers that carried the affected products include Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix, Albertsons, and more.
Pet owners who purchased Temptation treats at any major retailer should check to see if they have any of the recalled batches.
When the recall was announced and why
Temptation Treats announced the voluntary recall on February 3, 2023 due to potential salmonella contamination. Salmonella was detected at the manufacturing facility during routine testing. Pets infected with salmonella may show symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.
No pet or human illnesses have been reported to date related to the recalled cat treats. The company issued the recall out of an abundance of caution to protect pet health.
Dangers of Salmonella Infection in Cats
How cats get salmonella from treats
Cats can contract salmonella by ingesting contaminated cat treats or food. Salmonella bacteria are commonly found in the digestive tracts of animals, and can be present in raw meat, poultry, eggs and unpasteurized milk.
If the ingredients used in cat treats are contaminated with salmonella, or cross-contamination occurs during manufacturing, cats eating the treats can become infected.
Salmonella is destroyed by proper cooking temperatures. However, if treats contain raw ingredients or are improperly cooked, killed or processed, the salmonella bacteria may survive. Consumers should check treat packages for warnings about raw ingredients and potential salmonella risk.
Symptoms of salmonella poisoning in cats
Common symptoms of salmonella infection in cats include vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Dehydration, weight loss and abdominal pain may also occur. Symptoms typically develop within 12-72 hours after ingesting contaminated food or treats.
Cats with weakened immune systems, kittens and senior cats may experience more severe illness from salmonella. Septicemia, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, abscesses and meningitis are possible complications.
Without veterinary treatment, salmonella infection can be fatal in up to 10% of reported feline cases, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center.
Long-term effects and complications
Cats who recover from salmonella may continue to intermittently shed bacteria in their feces for weeks or months after infection. This creates an ongoing risk of environmental contamination and infection for other pets.
In rare cases, salmonella infection can lead to the chronic disease condition known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in cats. Researchers believe the lingering gastrointestinal inflammation triggers persistent irritation and changes in the bowel.
Is salmonella contagious between cats or to humans?
Yes, salmonella can be passed between cats, dogs and humans through contact with contaminated feces. Good hygiene and sanitation practices can reduce this risk.
According to the CDC, approximately 1.2 million salmonella cases occur in humans each year in the U.S., resulting in 450 deaths. Pets with salmonella can transmit the bacteria to humans through feces and saliva.
Children, pregnant women, seniors and those with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable to infection.
To prevent cross-contamination, caregivers should wash hands thoroughly after cleaning litter boxes, touching pet feces or handling raw pet food and treats. Prompt veterinary care for pets with salmonella can reduce shedding duration and lower transmission risks.
What to Do If Your Cat Ate Recalled Treats
Monitor your cat closely for symptoms
If you have been feeding your cat any of the recalled Temptation treats, it’s important to closely monitor them for any signs of illness. Some symptoms to watch out for include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever.
If you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior or health after eating the recalled treats, take action right away.
Keep an eye on how much they are eating, drinking, urinating, and defecating. Track any episodes of vomiting or diarrhea as well. Also check their gums to see if they look pale, which could indicate anemia. Take your cat’s temperature twice daily – a normal temperature is 100.5-102.5°F.
Contact your vet immediately if it goes over 103°F or under 99°F.
Call your vet if you see any signs of illness
If your cat does exhibit concerning symptoms after eating the recalled cat treats, don’t hesitate – get them to a vet as soon as possible. The vet can run tests to check for kidney function, anemia, and dehydration and provide prompt treatment if any problems are detected.
Make sure to tell your vet that your cat ate some of the recalled Temptation treats so they know what might be causing your cat’s illness. Bring the package with you if you still have it. The sooner treatment can begin, the better the chances of recovery.
Discontinue feeding recalled treats
If you still have any of the recalled Temptation cat treat products, stop feeding them to your cat immediately. The recalled treats may contain high levels of mycotoxins produced by mold growth, which can cause illness. Don’t take a chance with your cat’s health.
Check your pantry and make sure you dispose of any recalled Temptation treats in a secure garbage can where your cat can’t get into it. Double check expiration dates. Discontinue feeding all treats from the recalled product lines, even if they are not expired, to be safe.
Get a refund for recalled treats
If you have purchased any of the recalled Temptation cat treat products, you are entitled to a full refund. You should not have to pay for treats that could potentially make your cat sick.
Look for information about the recall on the Temptation Treats website for details on how to get your money back. Make sure you have your receipt or proof of purchase available. Getting a refund can help recover the costs of any veterinary treatment your cat might need.
Report any illness to the FDA
If your cat did become ill after eating the recalled Temptation treats, the US Food & Drug Administration urges you to report it through their Safety Reporting Portal. This important step helps the FDA identify problems and prevent future recalls and pet food-related illnesses.
Provide information on the products involved, when and where they were purchased, symptoms your cat exhibited, veterinary records, and treatment details. You can attach photos as well. By reporting issues, you can play a role in keeping other pets safe.
How to Keep Your Cat Safe Going Forward
Check your treats against the recall list
The FDA has published a full list of the recalled Temptation cat treat products. Carefully go through your cat treats and match them against this list to see if you have any affected items. Throw away any recalled treats immediately. Don’t take chances with your cat’s health.
Closely inspect all cat treats before feeding
Make it a habit to closely look over any new cat treats when you first open the bag or container. Check for signs of mold, such as white fuzzy spots, as well as any odd colors or textures. If you see anything suspicious, don’t feed those treats to your cat.
Store treats properly and watch expiration dates
Keep treats in a cool, dry place and make sure the bag or container is properly sealed after each use. Don’t use treats past the expiration date, as this increases the risk of bacterial growth. An airtight cat treat container helps preserve freshness longer.
Wash hands after handling cat treats
Salmonella and other bacteria can spread from contaminated treats to your hands. Always wash hands with soap and water after touching cat treats. This helps prevent accidental ingestion of bacteria that could make you sick.
Know the signs of salmonella poisoning in cats
If your cat ate the recalled treats, watch for these common symptoms of salmonella poisoning:
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Fever
– Loss of appetite
– Lethargy
Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these signs. Salmonella can be serious if left untreated in cats.
Conclusion
The Temptation cat treats recall understandably has many feline owners worried. However, being informed about all the details of the recall, knowing how to recognize salmonella infection in cats, and taking steps to safely feed treats can help protect your furry friend.
Monitor your cat closely if they have eaten any of the recalled Temptation flavors and consult your vet at the first sign of any symptoms. With vigilance and care, our cats can continue to enjoy safe and healthy treats.
