Summary of Key Points
Recently, many pet owners have reported that their cats have developed weakness or even paralysis in their hind legs, leading them to suspect that it may be related to two domestic cat foods: “Bernate Tianchun” and “Fregatte.” This issue has become a hot topic on social media. Both brands involved claim that their products meet national standards, and there is no direct evidence linking the cat food to the paralysis. They have initiated special studies to investigate the matter. Veterinarians point out that the causes of cat paralysis can be complex (such as thrombosis, genetics, neuritis, etc.), and more scientific data is needed to establish a causal relationship. Consumers are eager to identify the cause to proceed with treatment, but current treatment methods rely largely on informal research.
Detailed Analysis
1. The Incident: Suspicions of Cat Paralysis Point to Two Domestic Cat Food Brands
Many pet owners have noticed that their cats suddenly became unable to use their hind legs, and despite examinations at veterinary clinics, no clear organic damage (i.e., “organic pathology”) was found. As a result, they have begun to suspect the cat food they are feeding. There are thousands of similar cases on social media platforms, and some owners have formed groups to seek compensation. The two brands involved are domestic companies: Bernate Tianchun belongs to Shanghai Yiyun Pet Products Company; Fregatte is a premium brand of the listed company Guiaobao Pets (stock code 301498), which saw revenue growth of over 80% in 2025, with its parent company generating revenues of 6.77 billion yuan and profits of 670 million yuan that year, indicating good financial performance. However, this incident has put them in the center of public scrutiny.
2. Brand Responses: Products Compliant with Standards + Special Studies to Determine the Cause
In response to the allegations, both brands deny a direct link between their cat food and the paralysis:
- Fregatte: Emphasizes that each batch of their product undergoes multiple tests, and both the raw materials and finished products meet national standards, with traceable data. They noticed similar cases two years ago and have now collaborated with neurologist veterinarians to start a special study. They are also encouraging more pet owners to contact them to provide case information for data collection.
- Bernate Tianchun: Clearly states in their store announcements that “there is no evidence proving a direct correlation between the symptoms and the cat food.”
However, some consumers argue that their cats became paralyzed after consuming Bernate Tianchun for half a year and improved after switching to another brand; they believe there is a high likelihood that the paralysis was caused by the food. Multiple veterinary clinics also suggest that food-related causes are likely.
3. Expert Opinions: Complex Causes of Paralysis, No Direct Evidence Linking to Cat Food
Veterinarians agree that the causes of cat paralysis are not singular and cannot be easily attributed to the cat food:
- Common Causes: A practicing veterinarian at JD.com mentioned three common causes: 1) thrombosis in the hind leg arteries (e.g., due to obesity or excess nutrition leading to blood clots blocking the vessels, resulting in paralysis); 2) sudden onset of congenital hip joint dysplasia; 3) patellar dislocation (misalignment of the kneecap). These conditions are not directly related to the cat food.
- Scientific Standards for Judgment: Professor Hu Changmin from Huazhong Agricultural University pointed out that to confirm whether the cat food is the cause, a pathological diagnosis (e.g., checking for signs of poisoning in organs) and toxicological tests (for harmful substances in the food) are required, along with a sufficient number of case samples. The improvement observed after switching to another brand can only be considered a clue, not evidence.
- Unknown Causes: Fregatte cites foreign research indicating that 17.8%–25.2% of cases of cat paralysis have unknown causes, and in these cases, the affected cats were often fed locally produced foods from abroad, with no mention of a connection to diet.
4. Consumers’ Dilemma: Difficulty in Treatment Due to Unknown Causes
The main concern for pet owners is the lack of a clear cause, which makes it difficult to provide targeted treatment:
- Current treatment methods for paralyzed cats rely on informal efforts from various organizations, with no unified scientific guidelines.
- Veterinarians admit that the industry has not yet identified a definitive cause and is still speculating. For example, the general manager of Kang'erbei Pet Hospital said they have encountered similar cases but cannot confirm a direct link to cat food, suggesting that more data collection is needed for research.
- Consumers’ primary goal is not to hold brands accountable but rather for brands, veterinarians, and regulatory authorities to work together to find the cause so that cats can receive effective treatment.
5. Practical Advice for Pet Owners
Professor Hu Changmin provided two key recommendations:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: If you notice any unusual behavior in your cat (such as weakness in the hind legs or inability to stand), take it to a reputable animal hospital immediately to identify the cause through tests like CT scans and blood tests.
- Switching Cat Food Can Be Tried, but It Should Not Replace Treatment: If you suspect the cat food is the problem, switching brands can be an option, but it should be used as an adjunct to medical treatment. Do not assume that the improvement is due to the new food without seeking a proper diagnosis.
Conclusion
The core issue here is the conflict between consumers’ suspicions that cat food causes paralysis and the lack of scientific evidence to support this claim. All parties are working to find the cause, but more data will be needed to reach a conclusion. For pet owners, the most practical step is to take their cats to a reputable hospital. Brands and experts should also share research progress more transparently to alleviate concerns.