The FDA has found Salmonella in two lots of Darwin's raw cat food after a cat was hospitalized, according to veterinary news outlet dvm360. If you feed your cat Darwin's, look at the lot number on your packaging today and compare it with the FDA's notice. If it matches an affected lot, stop feeding it. Salmonella can make cats ill, and it can also spread to the people who share their home.
What we know so far
dvm360 reports two key facts. The FDA found Salmonella in two lots of Darwin's raw cat food, and the testing followed the hospitalization of a cat. The headline does not tell us which lots are involved, so the FDA's notice is where you should look for the exact lot numbers. Please don't rely on memory, on a friend's message or on a social media post.
Two lots is a narrow set. Many bags or tubs of Darwin's food in circulation may be unaffected. But you can only know that by checking, and the cost of checking is a minute with a flashlight and a freezer drawer.
Why Salmonella matters in a cat household
Salmonella is a bacterium that lives in the gut of animals and can contaminate raw meat. A cat can pick it up by eating contaminated food. A cat that seems fine can still carry the bacteria and shed them in saliva and stool. That is why the risk does not stop at the food bowl.
People can be exposed in several ordinary ways:
- Handling the raw food, the packaging or the scoop.
- Touching bowls, feeding mats or the counter where food was prepared.
- Petting a cat that has just eaten, then touching your face or food.
- Cleaning the litter box.
Young children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with a weakened immune system deserve extra caution. If someone in your home is in one of those groups, talk to your doctor about your situation.
What to do: a step-by-step plan
Work through this in order. Most of it takes only a few minutes.
1. Find the lot number
Look on the package label for the lot information. If you have already thrown the packaging away but still have food in the freezer or fridge, check any outer bag, the original container or a photo you may have taken. If you cannot identify the lot, treat the food as unverified and ask the company or your vet how to proceed.
2. Compare it with the FDA notice
Match the lot on your package to the lots listed by the FDA. Read the numbers character by character. A single digit can be the difference between affected and unaffected.
3. Stop feeding any affected lot
Do not mix it with other food, and do not offer it as a "small treat" or to another pet. Seal it in a bag so no animal can get to it, and keep it away from the trash where a curious dog or cat might reach it. Follow the FDA's guidance on what to do with the product.
4. Clean everything the food touched
Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the food. Wash bowls, scoops, utensils and any mat or tray with hot, soapy water, or in the dishwasher if the items are dishwasher safe. Clean the counters, the fridge shelf or freezer drawer, and any cutting board that came into contact with the food.
5. Plan your cat's next meals
Your cat still needs to eat, and a sudden change can upset some stomachs. Ask your vet what to switch to and how to do it. Do not wait until the last portion has gone.
6. Watch your cat, and watch yourselves
Signs of illness in a cat can include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, tiredness or loss of appetite. Cats can also hide illness well, so a quiet cat who is eating less deserves attention. If you notice any of this, call your vet and mention the food. People who develop stomach upset, diarrhea or fever after contact with the food or the cat should contact a doctor and say that raw pet food is in the home.
Quick checklist
| Step | What to do | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Identify | Read the lot number on every Darwin's package you have | Only two lots were named, so many packages may be fine |
| Compare | Match against the FDA's list, digit by digit | Avoids both false alarms and missed matches |
| Stop | Remove affected food from use and store it out of reach | Prevents more exposure for pets and people |
| Wash hands | Soap and water after touching food, bowls or the cat's mouth area | Salmonella can pass from surfaces to people |
| Clean gear | Hot, soapy wash for bowls, scoops, mats and prep surfaces | Residue can stay behind after the food is gone |
| Call your vet | Ask about a replacement diet and about any symptoms | Your vet knows your cat's health history |
Should you rethink raw feeding?
That is a decision for you and your vet, and this one notice should not be read as a verdict on every product or every owner. But it is a fair moment to look at how raw food is handled in your home. Ask yourself a few honest questions:
- Do you thaw food on a surface that also holds your own food?
- Is the cat's bowl washed in the same sink as your dishes without extra cleaning?
- Do children handle the bowls or pet the cat during meals?
- Does anyone in the home have a weakened immune system?
If the answers worry you, talk with your vet about whether a different diet suits your household better. Your vet can also tell you what to do if your cat is already unwell.
FAQ
How do I know if my cat's Darwin's food is affected?
Check the lot number printed on the package and compare it with the lots listed in the FDA's notice. dvm360 reports that two lots tested positive for Salmonella. If your lot does not match, the food is not one of those two, but you should still keep up good hygiene with any raw food.
Can I catch Salmonella from my cat?
Yes, it is possible. A cat that has eaten contaminated food may shed the bacteria even without looking sick, and people can be exposed through the food, the bowls, the cat or the litter box. Washing your hands with soap and water after each of these tasks lowers the risk.
My cat ate the food and seems fine. Do I still need to call the vet?
It is sensible to phone your vet, especially if you have confirmed that the lot matches. Tell them what your cat ate and for how long. They can advise you on what to watch for and whether your cat needs to be seen. Call sooner if your cat vomits, has diarrhea, seems tired or stops eating.
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Sources
Photo: Tom Fisk / Pexels
I'm an Italian creator who builds apps, games and websites. I run PetCare Updates with the help of AI tools: every article starts from the sources linked above, and I check what goes out. I'm not a doctor, a lawyer or a financial adviser. Spotted a mistake or have an idea? Write to me.
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