How to Avoid Cat Salmonella Infections

One way to avoid cat salmonella infection, a vet says, is to not feed cats in the kitchen.

The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has a published a report that provides dog and cat owners with tips on how to avoid salmonella infections. It follows on the heels of a string of dog and cat product recalls, including for pig ears, that were prompted by dog and cat salmonella infection concerns.

The  report, written by Kate KuKanich, DVM, recommends dog and cat owners avoid raw dog food and raw cat food diets, purchase individually packaged pig ears (as opposed to buying the ears in bulk bins) and check dog and cat food packaging to ensure it is in good condition prior to purchase. Other recommendations to avoid dog and cat salmonella infection include:
• Storing dog and cat foods, treats and nutritional products in accordance with label instructions, preferably in a cool, dry environment.
• Saving the original dog and cat food packaging material, including the date code and product code of all food products, for product identification in case of food contamination.
• Discouraging children, the elderly and immunosuppressed people from handling dog and cat food and treats.
• Washing hands with soap and water before and after handling dog and cat food, treats and nutritional products.
• Using a clean scoop to dispense dog and cat food into bowls.
• Washing water and food bowls used by dogs and cats, as well as feeding scoops, routinely with hot soapy water in a sink other than in the kitchen or bathroom.
• Avoiding feeding cats and dogs in the kitchen.

The report also details circumstances under which salmonella organisms are most often ingested and includes a history of salmonella outbreaks associated with dog and cat food and treats.

In May, at least four companies — Bravo, Blackman Industries Inc., Keys Manufacturing Co. Inc. and Boss Pet Products Inc. — recalled pig ear pet treats because the treats had the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. One pet food company, Primal Pet Foods, issued a limited recall of its chicken and salmon raw cat food formula for the same reason.