Possible Food Poisoning for Cats?

Hi all,

I am new to the group, and found it while researching poisoning symptoms of my cat.  He passed away this morning, and it was all so sudden.  I am fearful, and convinced it was the food I had switched to, just before the snow storm on Thursday.  Due to the lack of supply in the stores, our normal brand was not there, so we bought another that said "Natural."  We fed this to our indoor cats Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and today were able to dig out to go to the vet and buy more food.  Speedy, had already passed away, but at least one of my other cats is sick, with similar symptoms.  (also why we feel it is the food) Symptoms started Friday after we had given them the food. 

They have their regular food today.  I remember the horrible food problem of 2007 where the cat food was poisoned by an ingredient from overseas... Could this be the start of something similar?  Is anyone else experiencing these symptoms in their cat(s): vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, some lameness in the rear extremities? 

The vet said she couldn't test for anything-- is that accurate? 

Could this be Afflotoxin poisoning?  I have so many questions I would like help on before any of my other kitties pass away.  I do have vet appointments for tomorrow, so let's hope no one else gets sick or goes immobile tonight...

Please share what you know.  Thanks.

So sorry for your loss! I don't knowpersonally about any past food poisenings of cat food. I've only had my cats 3 1/2 years now. You might want to report it to consumer affairs for investigation or contact the pet food company! What brand was the cat food exactly? Again so very sorry about your cat!

I'm so sorry for your loss!

What symptoms was Speedy showing? How old was he? What about your other cat?

Yes, what brand of food were you feeding?

As for determining a cause of death...
Your vet could have done a necropsy (animal autopsy) or they could have sent Speedy's body off to your state's lab for a necropsy. Doing so may or may not give you a definite answer; but, it could rule out many things.

The body does have to be preserved on ice or in a freezer shortly after death to do a necropsy. The longest I have gone is about 14 hours.

The cat that is currently showing symptoms (if similar) could certainly undergo testing (particularly blood testing.)

I'm so sorry for the loss of your cat in such extenuating circumstances. The storm was bad enough, but to have sick kitties too is just too much. I hope your vet can answer some of your questions tomorrow.

Oh my God, how horrible. I'm so sorry this happened. I hope you saved the food so it could be tested. Do you mind sharing the brand? The flavor?

Do you mean the vet said they couldn't test the food or the cats?? There are certainly things they can test the cats for (liver, kidney function....)

OMG I am so sorry for the loss of your kitty; I am sending my strongest healing vibes for your other sick kitty hoping to high Heavens you were able to get the others to the vet and no one else is sick :-(  How horrible!

ETA:

If you suspect the food, make sure that you make a note of the batch and the plant where it was manufactured. Perhaps call the company to see if there are other instances. Do you have any new or unusual plants around your house? Houseplants are notorious. The ASPCA has a poison hotline: (888) 426-4435. They might be able to help.