SOUTH KOREA — A troubling surge in feline deaths linked to a sudden onset of neuromuscular illness has gripped the attention of the South Korean government, cat owners, and veterinary professionals. Suspicions point towards a specific brand of local cat food as a potential culprit in the alarming spike of fatalities.
According to Life, a local animal activist group, as of late April 2024, a distressing 263 cats have exhibited symptoms of neuromuscular disease, including lethargy, limping, and kidney failure, with 100 of them succumbing to the illness. The affected cats represent diverse breeds and backgrounds, raising concerns across the nation.
Both the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korean Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA) have launched extensive investigations to ascertain the underlying cause of the epidemic. An interim report released by the ministry on April 19 indicated that initial examinations of 36 cat food samples revealed no suspicious substances. However, further analysis of an additional 30 cat food products, believed to have been consumed by the deceased cats, is underway, encompassing screenings for various harmful materials, viruses, and parasites.
While the ministry’s report provided preliminary insights, the KVMA, in collaboration with animal rights advocates, advocates for broader investigations, including imported cat food available in South Korea. Shim In-seop, president of Life, emphasized that the ministry’s analysis covered only a fraction of the cat food samples, prompting plans to engage a U.S. pet food investigation institution for additional analysis.
“Voldemort” Cat Food Allegations Resurface
Speculations among cat owners on the Kakao Talk messaging app have reignited concerns over a major local pet food company, with suspicions arising that the affected cats may have consumed products from this manufacturer between January and April this year.
In 2015, similar allegations surfaced against the same manufacturer, linking its products to feline cystitis and subsequent deaths. Despite government clearance, the manufacturer faced public scrutiny, leading cat owners to dub the brand as “Voldemort” cat food, drawing parallels to the infamous antagonist from the Harry Potter series.
Amid fears of a potential recurrence of the 2015 incidents, calls have emerged for the discontinuation of suspected cat food brands. However, the Agriculture Ministry emphasized that halting sales and production would only occur upon definitive confirmation of product defects.
The company associated with the “Voldemort” cat food has affirmed its cooperation with investigations, awaiting lab results from the KVMA’s ongoing probes. With ownership of approximately 15 cat food labels produced by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original design manufacturers (ODMs), the company’s products extend beyond South Korea to the U.S. and Canada, raising international concerns over pet food safety.
