Pet owners are advised to check their supplies of kitten milk replacer following a nationwide recall due to a lack of essential nutrients. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that the products, sold under the Shelter's Choice and Breeder's Edge brands, contain low levels of potassium, copper, folic acid, choline, and/or vitamin B6.
These deficiencies can pose significant risks to newborn kittens, which are considered a "very vulnerable population" by the FDA. Kittens' organs are still developing, they experience rapid growth, and are often entirely dependent on milk replacer for nutrition in their early days. What might be a minor issue for an adult cat could become a serious health concern for a young kitten.
The FDA indicated that kittens fed the affected milk replacer could develop severe health problems, including anemia, neurological dysfunction, liver failure, kidney damage, skeletal disease, and heart complications. Symptoms of deficiency can manifest within days or weeks, and in severe cases, may lead to irreversible developmental or organ damage, or be fatal if not promptly addressed.
Revival Animal Health initiated the recall on August 26 after receiving third-party test results suggesting a potential nutrient deficiency in one lot of its Feline Milk Replacer. Subsequent internal testing across multiple lots, analyzed by an independent animal nutritionist on August 12, confirmed these concerns. The company voluntarily recalled the products, citing manufacturing inconsistencies by a third-party contractor. Revival has since ended its relationship with that manufacturer.
The recall has caused concern among kitten foster carers and rescue groups, which frequently rely on milk replacer to care for orphaned or abandoned litters.
While the FDA has not confirmed any illnesses linked to the recalled products, Revival is investigating nine complaints related to potential gastrointestinal and bone-development issues. The company advises owners with recalled products to cease using them immediately and contact Revival Animal Health for a full refund. Pet owners whose kittens have consumed the affected product and are exhibiting signs of illness should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.