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23
Jul 2021
Harrogate district cat owners 'heartbroken' after deaths linked to food
Two cat owners from the Harrogate district have spoken of their heartbreak after their pets ate food which has been linked to hundreds of deaths across the UK.
Both cats Albert and Tina had been eating Sainsburys Hypoallergenic Recipe before they became seriously ill earlier this month.
The Food Standards Agency has recalled a number of cat foods by Applaws, Sainsburys, Ava from Pets at Home and Wilko.
No definitive evidence exists at this stage confirming a link between the cat food and a potentially fatal bone marrow condition called feline pancytopenia but recalls have been issued voluntarily as a precaution while an investigation takes place.
While a vet confirmed that Tina died from pancytopenia, which has been connected with the recalled food, Albert's death is only a suspected case of the same disease.
The Royal Veterinary College is aware of 506 cats with the disease in the UK. Of these, 62.5% have died. Usually there is only one case in the UK in a year.
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Vivienne Cameron, who is from Pateley Bridge and was the owner of Albert, told the Stray Ferret:
Liz Chambers, who is from Helperby, near Boroughbridge, and was the owner of Tina, said:
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