The J.M. Smucker Company issued a voluntary recall on Friday for several of its cat food products. The Ohio-based food manufacturer's “Natural Balance” brand Ultra Premium Chicken & Liver Paté Formula canned products were recalled due to potentially high levels of the organic compound choline compound, which is known to have detrimental health effects in cats.

According to J.M. Smucker’s official release on the matter, choline chloride can cause an abundance of health problems in cats, including nausea, excessive salivation, constricted pupils, poor vision, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty walking, muscle shaking, tremors, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, possible cardiac or respiratory failure, and even death.

Those who have the product are encouraged to dispose of it immediately. If a pet has consumed any of the recalled food, J.M. Smucker urges the owner to take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The company has received several reports of adverse health effects related to the recalled foods.

The specific lot of Natural Balance canned cat food affected can be determined by checking certain information on the bottom of the can. This includes the lot code 9217803, UPC code 2363353227, and a best-by date of Aug. 4, 2021.

J.M. Smucker insists that none of its other products are included in this recall nor are they known to be in need of a recall for any reason. Natural Balance brands are typically sold through specialty pet retailers in the U.S. and Canada, or online.

Customers looking for further information on the recall can reach out to the company at (888) 569-6828 or via email at info@naturalbalanceinc.com.

Pet Cats
This is a representational image of two cats. Pixabay