cat food left in the sun

Hi!

We purchased a ton of Specific Kidney Support wet cat food and accidentally left it in the car for a couple of days. It was rather sunny and hot outside. When we finally remembered to bring it in we didn't notice any particular signs of spoiling apart from the regular smell of the food being stronger (but not a bad smell per se). Our cat has been eating from this sun warmed batch for a couple of weeks (he's been getting that brand for about 6 months now) but lately he has been turning his nose up at it. The actual boxes' foil covers now seem to have started to expand a little, making us wonder if the food is rotting and gases are building up. It doesn't smell any different though, and he has eaten twice today from a newly opened box. 

It was a two month supply so we'd hate to throw it out but his health is worth more than that. Do you think the food has spoiled? Are we harming our cat by feeding it to him? Thanks.

It is always a bad sign when the foil lid swells or a can bulges so I would not take the risk.  The fact that your cat is turning it down is telling you something as well.  I know how much you hate tossing a two month supply of food, but this is probably one of those times when you should consider it a learning experience and get some new food.  One thing - I'd just get a few cans of the new batch just in case your cat is changing his mind about what he likes.  You don't want to be stuck with four months worth of food!  

Margd said:

You don't want to be stuck with four months worth of food!  :catguy:

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Or stuck with a sick kitty.
Margd is right.

Canned food is processed at high temps so I don't think a few extra days of not-as-hot heat will hurt :dk:. But if the foil is bulging that's not really a good sign. Is it foil on a plastic tray like Sheba cat food or is the foil sealing a box of cans? If it's cans I wouldn't worry (unless the can is bulging) but I don't know about foil and plastic trays. They probably aren't as contamination-proof as cans.