Claws out in High Court cat food fight

A High Court battle is looming between food giants Nestle and Mars over the protein content of dried cat food. Photo / Thinkstock

The claws are out between two pet food giants and one has gone to the High Court alleging some of Whiskas' packaging is misleading.

Nestle and Mars - more well known for their chocolate products - also manufacture a string of other items, including pet food.

Nestle owns the Purina brand and Friskies while Mars owns the Whiskas brand.

Nestle New Zealand has gone to the High Court at Auckland alleging Whiskas range of dry cat food contains misleading statements.

The Herald understands the issue relates to Mars' packaging about protein-levels in its products.

Lawyers for both parties appeared this morning before Justice Raynor Asher for a brief timetabling hearing.

Nestle lawyer Laura O'Gorman said her client was seeking both an interim injunction and summary judgment over whether the Whiskas products contains misleading claims.

Both these applications will be heard together next month.

Outside court O'Gorman said the interim injunction would only be necessary if the summary judgement application failed and the matter required a more substantial hearing.

Mars New Zealand lawyer Tracey Walker, also speaking outside court, said the defendant stands by its packaging.