Public Service Announcement from the HSUS

As the doyenne of the Feline Americans, I get lots of mail. Granted, most of the mail comes in the form of unsolicited credit card applications, shoe catalogs, and offers to enlarge my genitals(!), but sometimes I get mail that is relevant to efurrycat and I feel the need to make it blog-fodder. This is such a piece of mail: It comes from the Humane Society of the United States.

Please note that the grammar utilized in the HSUS memo wasn't exactly right; therefore, I took liberties with the presentation of the content, but didn't alter the meaning.
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR PET
1. The recall involves foods containing wheat-gluten imported from China. If you have any questions regarding your pet's food, call the manufacturer and/or the store where you purchased the food.

2. Check H.S.U.S.'s Pet Food Safety site regularly for the newest, most up-to-date information on the recall. The FDA website is also a helpful tool providing an updated list of all pet food companies involved in the recall.

3. If you choose to make your pet's food and treats from scratch as a temporary alternative to mass produced diets, please consult your veterinarian to ensure that your homemade recipe contains proper pet nutrition.

4. Before purchasing new pet foods and/or treats, check the FDA website and/or the manufacturer's website to confirm that the brand you're buying has not been recalled.

5. If your pet has become ill or has died because s/he ate food that was recalled, please report it to the Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine.

6. Please contact the FDA and request that they provide more leadership and information to ensure a safe pet food supply both now and in the future.

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR PET MAY HAVE EATEN RECALLED FOOD

Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has eaten recalled food and is now displaying any of the following symptoms:

Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Depression
Change in water consumption
Change in frequency and/or amount of urination

Any questions you might have regarding the Urgent Pet Food Recall can be answered by calling the HSUS's toll-free hotline (1-800-HUMANE1) or by visiting their website HSUS Pet Food Safety.