Anemia in Cats
Though anemia is not a disease in and of itself, it is a symptom of another condition or disease. Anemia refers to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, or both, in your cat's blood.
Because anemia starves the body of oxygen (which fuels the body), the first sign is often lethargy. Your kitty may also breathe fast even when lying still, or seem uninterested in food or treats. Signs of blood loss (bloody nose, or blood in the stool, urine, or vomit) or pale gums may also be present.
Signs & Symptoms of Anemia in Cats
Which signs or symptoms of anemia your cat displays will depend on the underlying cause of their illness, as well as its severity and duration.
The most common signs of anemia in cats include:
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
Other signs or symptoms may include:
- Jaundice (yellowish color to the eyes, gums, or skin after red blood cells have been destroyed)
- Increased heart rate
- White or pale gums
- Weakness
Common Causes of Anemia in Cats
Anemia is characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells in your cat's body due to loss, destruction, or insufficient production of red blood cells.
Types of Anemia in Cats
There are three types of anemia our feline friends can be diagnosed with – regenerative, non-regenerative, and autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia:
Regenerative Anemia
When a cat is suffering from regenerative anemia, the bone marrow responds normally to the lack of red blood cells and works hard to meet the increased demand. Regenerative anemia is caused by sudden or acute blood loss due to parasites, injury, infection, or serious illness (like cancer). This type of anemia typically develops in younger cats.
Non-Regenerative Anemia
When a cat is suffering from non-regenerative anemia, the bone marrow is unable to adequately respond to the decreased number of red blood cells.
Non-regenerative anemia in cats is most often caused by kidney failure (renal failure). In healthy cats, the kidneys create a hormone that helps to produce red blood cells. When the kidneys fail to function properly, your cat's body is unable to replace red blood cells as quickly as the cat's body uses them, resulting in anemia.
This type of anemia is usually seen in older cats, and may also be caused by liver disease, bone marrow disorders, or other chronic diseases.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is typically a regenerative form of anemia in cats. If your cat is diagnosed with AIHA, the body is likely producing red blood cells as it should; however, the body is destroying the cells. This can be due to a number of reasons, including immune system dysfunction, small blood vessel disease, metabolic disorders, toxins, infections, or genetic diseases.
This condition may also be referred to as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). Most cats with AIHA have severe anemia, causing their gums to be very pale rather than the normal pink to red color.
What should I do if I see signs of anemia in my cat?
If your cat exhibits any of the signs of anemia listed above, book an exam with your veterinarian as soon as possible. They can thoroughly examine your cat to assess their physical health and conduct a series of diagnostic tests to determine if your cat is experiencing anemia, which type of anemia it is, and identify its underlying cause.
If you discover blood in your cat's feces or vomit, this is a medical emergency that requires a veterinarian's immediate attention.
Diagnosing Anemia in Cats
To diagnose anemia and identify the underlying cause of your cat's condition, your vet may recommend a variety of diagnostic tests based on your cat's symptoms.
A vet will often perform these blood tests when diagnosing anemia in cats:
- Complete blood cell count (CBC)
- Packed cell volume (PCV) or Hematocrit
- Red blood cell count
- Hemoglobin count
Your vet may also wish to perform these tests to narrow down the cause of your cat's anemia:
- Bone marrow biopsy to check that bone marrow is performing as it should.
- Biochemical profile and urinalysis in order to look for signs of organ failure and check electrolyte levels
- Fecal exam to look for evidence of intestinal parasites which could cause anemia
Typically diagnosis is based on a comprehensive assessment of your cat’s physical condition, health history, clinical symptoms, iron testing, urinalysis, bone marrow testing and complete blood cell counts.
How to Treat Anemia in Cats
Treatment options for your cat's anemia depend on its type and the cause of the underlying illness.
Non-regenerative anemia in cats can typically be resolved by diagnosing and treating the underlying disease. For secondary AIHA, the goal will be to treat the underlying cause, potentially with toxin antidotes or numerous antibiotics. If kidney disease (renal failure) is at the root of your kitty's condition, your vet may prescribe long-term hormone treatments to help the kidneys produce red blood cells.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA) is treated by diagnosing and addressing the condition's underlying cause. Treatment for AIHA may include antibiotics or toxin antidotes to help restore your cat's health. In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be required.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.