In South Korea, concerns are mounting as a significant number of cats have succumbed to a sudden neuromuscular illness, sparking investigations into a potential connection with a specific brand of local cat food. Reports from Life, a local animal activist group, reveal that as of late April 2024, 263 cats have displayed symptoms such as lethargy, limping, and kidney failure, with a troubling 100 of them having already passed away. These affected cats come from various breeds and backgrounds, complicating efforts to pinpoint a definitive cause.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, alongside the Korean Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA), has launched inquiries to identify the root of the issue. An interim report released by the ministry on April 19th indicated that initial investigations of 36 cat food samples did not yield evidence of suspicious substances. However, further tests will analyze 30 additional cat food products consumed by the deceased cats for potential harmful materials, viruses, and parasites, screening for 78 toxic substances including heavy metals, mycotoxin, pesticide residue, veterinary medicines, and melamine.
Both the KVMA and animal rights advocates are advocating for expanded investigations to include imported cat food available in South Korea. Shim In-seop, President of Life, expressed dissatisfaction with the scope of the Agriculture Ministry’s report, which covered only 10% of cat food samples. Efforts are underway to engage a U.S. pet food investigation institution for additional analysis.
Speculation among cat owners has centered around a major local pet food company, with discussions on the Kakao Talk messaging app suggesting a link between affected cats and products consumed between January and April. Previous concerns arose in 2015 when similar products were implicated in cases of cystitis and subsequent deaths among cats. Despite government clearance at the time, suspicions persisted, leading cat owners to colloquially refer to the brand as “Voldemort” cat food, likening it to the character from Harry Potter.
In light of these events, some cat owners are calling for the discontinuation of suspected cat food brands, echoing concerns from the 2015 incidents. The Agriculture Ministry has clarified that halting sales and production would require conclusive evidence of product defects.
The company associated with the “Voldemort” cat food brand is awaiting further details from the KVMA’s investigations. They oversee multiple cat food labels produced by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original design manufacturers (ODMs), with products exported to the U.S. and Canada.
