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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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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.