Health problems reported in nearly two-dozen cats have prompted Diamond Pet Foods, a manufacturer of pet food to issue a recall of select bags of its dry cat food.

Under recall are its Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball , as both these foods do not contain sufficient thiamine, considered an essential nutrient for cats.

Thiamine deficiency in cats, without any other source of nutrition can result in gastrointestinal or neurological problems, and if left untreated eventually death.

Decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss are some of the early symptoms of a potential problem, with more advanced symptoms including an unsteady gait, seizures and falls.

Twenty-one cases of nutrient deficiency in cats in Pennsylvania and New York have been confirmed by the company.

Diamond Pet Foods are sold at stores in Maine, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

According to the company, all affected cat food has been pulled from store shelves 23rd September, with no incidents reported since 19th October.

Consumers can get a full refund by returning the recalled food to its place of purchase.