9Lives is a budget cat food brand owned by The J.M. Smucker Company. The brand has had at least one notable recall: in late 2018, certain lots of canned 9Lives food were recalled because they had low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1), which cats need to stay healthy. Always confirm the latest notices on the FDA’s pet food recall page, since this list can change.
The Thiamine Recall (2018)
In December 2018, Smucker announced a voluntary recall of specific lots of 9Lives Protein Plus canned cat food after testing found thiamine levels below the required minimum. The recall was later expanded to additional canned cat food lots. Cats that don’t get enough thiamine can develop serious problems. Early signs include loss of appetite, drooling, vomiting and weight loss, and untreated deficiency can lead to neurological signs such as stumbling, head tilting or seizures.
What to Do If You Think Your Cat Ate a Recalled Food
- Stop feeding the food right away and keep the can or bag, including the lot code and best-by date.
- Check the lot number against the FDA recall notice or the company’s recall page.
- Call your vet if your cat shows any signs of illness. Thiamine deficiency is treatable, but it needs prompt veterinary care.
- Contact the manufacturer or the retailer about a refund.
How to Check for Current Recalls
- Search the FDA’s “Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts” page for the brand name.
- Sign up for recall email alerts from the FDA or a trusted pet-food news source.
- Write down the product name, lot code and best-by date when you open a new bag or case.
What About the Rest of the 9Lives Line?
9Lives sells both wet and dry foods at low prices. Many formulas are heavy on grains and use meat by-products or meals, and some include added colors and flavors. A recall does not mean every product is unsafe, but it is a good reason to check lot numbers and think about how much of your cat’s diet comes from one brand. If you want to compare options, see our reviews of ACANA cat food and Royal Canin Urinary Care, or our note on budget Purina ONE for sensitive stomachs.
Choosing a Safe Cat Food
- Look for an AAFCO statement that the food is “complete and balanced” for your cat’s life stage.
- Choose foods from companies that publish contact information and are open about where they make their food.
- Cats are obligate carnivores, so a named animal protein should come first in the ingredients.
- Keep some wet food in the diet if you can, since it adds water, which helps urinary health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 9Lives cat food safe now?
There is no way to guarantee that for every can. Check the FDA recall page for the current status, and watch your cat for any change in appetite or behavior.
Which 9Lives products were recalled?
The 2018 recall covered specific lots of canned varieties, including 9Lives Protein Plus. Match the lot code on your can with the official notice.
Can a cat recover from thiamine deficiency?
Many cats do with prompt veterinary treatment, which usually includes thiamine supplementation. Don’t try to treat it yourself.
Bottom Line
9Lives had a notable low-thiamine recall in 2018. Check lot numbers against official recall notices, stop feeding any recalled product, and call your vet if your cat seems unwell.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your cat is sick, call your vet.
