New Pet Food Container Evaluation from Center for Pet Safety
In partnership with Prevent Pet Suffocation (PPS), Center for Pet Safety (CPS) evaluated five common pet food and litter storage containers to understand how design contributes to pet suffocation risk. The findings identify which container styles significantly reduce the chance of a tragic, container-related suffocation event.
Why this matters: PPS data shows that 86% of container-related suffocation incidents are fatal, with cats most often affected.
The Risk: Why Pets Become Trapped
Reports submitted to PPS reveal that pets – especially cats – breach food or litter containers and become trapped inside.
Although many containers appear easy to escape, the data shows otherwise:
- Pets may become disoriented once inside.
- Container depth can prevent escape.
- Both latched and unlatched containers have resulted in fatalities.
- No mandatory warning labels currently alert consumers to these risks.
CPS conducted this evaluation to understand the problem and provide clear guidance for pet owners and manufacturers.
What CPS Evaluated
CPS independently tested five commonly available storage containers, examining:
- Ease of opening the lid
- Whether lids rebound or re-latch
- Lid stability (does it stay open or fall closed)
- Whether a jumping force (simulating a cat) could close the lid
CPS also consulted cat behavior expert Ingrid King, who explained that cats instinctively seek enclosed spaces and may be drawn to plastic latches. She noted that a cat can suffocate in as little as 3–5 minutes inside a closed container.
Containers Included in the Evaluation
CPS selected products based on latch and closure design:
- Simple Human Pet Food Can – Locking stainless steel lid
- Iris Airtight Pet Food Container (Amazon) – Latch on lid
- Iris Airtight Pet Food Container (Container Store) – Latch on container body
- Coastal Pet Bergan Stack-n-Stor – Side-opening door with pressure-sensitive closure
- Gamma2 Vittles Vault – Screw-on lid (multiple sizes)
Key Findings for Pet Owners: Actionable Guidance from the CPS Report
1. Store Pet Food and Litter Behind a Secured Door
A closed, latched door is your first line of defense. Cats can reach high shelves and breach cabinets, so choose a location that truly restricts access.
2. Avoid Containers with Hinged Lids
Hinged lids – regardless of latch style – pose a primary suffocation risk because they can fall closed and trap a pet inside.
3. Avoid Containers with Latches on the Lid
Lid-mounted latches can re-close and re-latch, locking a pet inside.
4. Choose Containers with Screw-On Lids
Screw-on lids significantly reduce the risk of accidental entrapment.
Important: Ensure the opening is small enough that your pet’s head cannot become stuck.
5. CPS Recommends Screw-On Lid Containers
Products like the Gamma2 Vittles Vault offer a lower risk of suffocation due to their secure, non-hinged design.
6. Manufacturers Should Add Warning Labels
CPS strongly encourages manufacturers to include suffocation warnings on packaging and product labels.
7. Dispose of Packaging Safely
Cut up pet food bags and packaging before discarding to reduce suffocation risks from flexible materials.
Read the full report: Pet Food Container Evaluation from Center for Pet Safety
To learn more about pet suffocation risks and to download educational flyers, please visit PreventPetSuffocation.com.
What Pet Owners Should Do Today
Simple, Immediate Steps to Protect Your Pets
- Store all pet food and litter behind a secured door.
- Replace hinged-lid containers with screw-on lid options.
- Keep containers out of reach. Remember cats can access high places.
- Cut up all flexible packaging before disposal.
- Share CPS and PPS resources with other pet owners to raise awareness.
