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Pets at Home recalls cat food due to low thiamine levels
Pets at Home has sent a notification to all vets to be aware of the atypical symptoms and potential for thiamine deficiency.
Vets urged to be aware of the atypical symptoms of deficiency
 
Pets at Home has recalled four of its dry cat food products after tests confirmed that they contain lower levels of thiamine (vitamin B) than is specified in the recipe.

The affected products are:
  • AVA Veterinary Approved Grain Free Mature 7+ Cat Food Optimum Health (2kg).
  • Product code: 7120400

  • AVA Veterinary Approved Grain Free Mature 7+ Cat Food Optimum Health (4kg)
  • Product code: 712401

  • AVA Veterinary Approved Grain Free Senior 12+ Cat Food Optimum Health (2kg)
  • Product code:712402

  • AVA Veterinary Approved Grain Free Adult Cat Food Indoor/Neutered (1.5kg)
  • Product code: 712407

Writing on its Facebook page, the retailer said that it became aware of the problem when three cats became seriously unwell after their owners switched to the affected products.

‘All three cats exhibited symptoms of sudden collapse, fitting, widespread twitching and general unsteadiness which are not the classic symptoms of thiamine deficiency’ they write.

‘As pet lovers ourselves we recognise that you will be concerned about your own cat. If you have concerns that your cat may be showing any of these symptoms after switching to one of the four affected products then you should stop feeding and seek immediate veterinary advice.’

Pets at Home has sent a notification to all vets to be aware of the atypical symptoms and potential for thiamine deficiency. Point of sale notices have also been placed in all affected stores and information has been made available on its website.

The retailer urges anyone who has purchased any of the listed products to return it to where they bought it for a full refund or call 0200 328 4204.  

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.