Lawsuit over ‘unsafe’ pet food containers on Amazon claims they can 'trap' tiny pets inside — even lead to 'suffocation'

Pet safety concerns are growing as new lawsuits highlight the hidden dangers of everyday products used in homes with small pets. On October 22, 2025, a lawsuit drew attention by claiming that some pet food containers sold online can allegedly "trap" tiny pets inside, potentially leading to "suffocation". The case has sparked national concern as pet owners wonder if common household items they believed were safe could pose serious risks. The complaint also raises questions about product design, marketing, and whether manufacturers are doing enough to protect animals from preventable accidents. For families with cats, small dogs, or other tiny pets, the allegations are alarming and may prompt a closer look at the items they use every day.

According to Top Class Actions published on Tuesday, November 15, 2025, Valentina Mallozzi filed the complaint in Pennsylvania federal court against Iris USA. The lawsuit claims the company’s Airtight Pet Food Containers, which have a downward-swinging latch, are defective because pets can lift the lid, climb inside, and become trapped. “The defect has caused the death of pets, including Plaintiff’s kitten,” the complaint says. Mallozzi states that in July, her seven-month-old, 3-pound kitten Ace was trapped and suffocated inside the container. The complaint adds that multiple incidents shared in the ‘Prevent Pet Suffocation’ Facebook group show a pattern of accidents, while Iris allegedly continued to market the containers as safe for pets. The complaint emphasizes that  problem affects a wide range of small pets, not just cats, and that many consumers remain unaware of the potential dangers.

The lawsuit details how the container’s latch, marketed as a safety feature, can ironically enable small pets to become trapped in an airtight space. Because the container seals completely and is airtight, pets can suffocate within minutes, according to the complaint. Mallozzi claims Iris USA knew or should have known the containers were unsafe and failed to warn consumers, as per Kinship. She is seeking damages for strict liability, failure to warn, breach of warranties, negligence, and unjust enrichment, while asking the court to certify a nationwide class action for anyone who purchased an Iris USA container. A March 2025 report by the Center for Pet Safety also highlighted the dangers of airtight containers, specifically mentioning Iris products, yet no warning labels were added. The lawsuit argues that proper testing and safety warnings could have prevented these deaths, and that corporate responsibility is essential when small animals’ lives are at risk.

Pet owners on social media have shared tragic stories supporting the lawsuit, emphasizing that even containers labeled “pet-proof” can be deadly. One post described a kitten named Peach who suffocated after climbing inside an Iris bin. If Mallozzi’s case succeeds, Iris USA could be required to compensate affected owners, refund unsafe products, and provide proper warnings on future containers. The lawsuit underscores the importance of careful product design and honest marketing, while also serving as a reminder to pet owners to monitor the safety of items pets can access, especially small animals prone to exploring tight spaces. Iris USA hasn't responded to the allegations at the time of writing this article.