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Anaemia is a condition characterised by a reduced level of red blood cells. Red blood cells are essential for carrying oxygen to tissue throughout your cat’s entire body. Anaemia can be a very serious health risk and can occur as a standalone medical issue or as a symptom of a different underlying condition.
Like many health conditions, the earlier it is detected, the better chance your cat has of recovering from it. In this article, I’m going to cover the symptoms that you should be aware of, how anaemia is treated in cats, and some tips for how to prevent it.
What Causes Anaemia In Cats?
There are several causes of anaemia, some of which are very common and others much rarer. The most common causes of anaemia in domestic cats are…
- Blood Loss
Sufficient external or internal bleeding can cause anaemia, especially if your cat is also underweight or undernourished and cannot adequately replace the red blood cells it has lost. - Nutrition
Just like in humans, iron deficiency can cause anaemia to develop. This is more common in kittens than fully grown cats, but any cat with a poor diet can develop anaemia. Vitamin B12 is also vital for producing red blood cells. While most cats’ diets have sufficient amounts of B12, certain conditions can make it harder for some cats to properly absorb it through their food. - Kidney Disease
Older cats who are suffering from kidney disease can develop anaemia. This is because kidneys play a role in producing erythropoietin, which is vital to the creation of new red blood cells. - Feline Leukemia
Leukaemia can affect the immune system and bone marrow of your cat, which in turn can cause anaemia to develop. - Infections
Various bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can affect the production of red blood cells and lead to anaemia. - Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia
Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) causes the immune system to attack its own red blood cells, leading to anaemia developing over time.
Signs of Anaemia in Cats
There are several ways anaemia can manifest in your cat. While the following are all symptoms of feline anaemia, your cat may not exhibit all of them.
- Weakness and lethargy
As anaemia prevents oxygen from properly circulating to your cat’s muscles. They may become weak and tired. - Pale gums
This is one of the most common symptoms of feline anaemia. Pale gums can indicate a reduced level of haemoglobin and oxygen in your cat’s blood. - Decreased appetite
Anaemia can cause a lack of appetite, which in turn makes the condition worse as your cat’s iron and vitamin B12 intake is reduced. - Rapid breathing
Anaemia can cause your cat’s breathing to increase as they try to get more oxygen into their bloodstream. - Decreased grooming
While it can be difficult to tell when a cat is lethargic (as they’re not the most active creatures at the best of times), decreased grooming can be an indicator that they are feeling weak.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you observe any of the symptoms listed above, you should take your cat to the vet immediately. They will perform a thorough physical examination and also perform a blood test to check your cat’s red blood cell count. As anaemia can also be indicative of kidney problems, the vet may also take a urine sample in order to test for kidney problems.
If they determine that your cat does have anaemia, they may suggest one of the following treatment options:
Blood transfusions
If the anaemia is severe, they may recommend an immediate blood transfusion. This can help to replenish the missing red blood cells and restore the ability to carry oxygen.
Medications
Medication can be used to treat the underlying condition or to stimulate red blood cell production.
Dietary changes
Nutritional changes can help to reverse anaemia. Iron-enriched cat food can help stimulate red blood cell production.
Your vet will most likely ask you to bring your cat in after a set period of time for another blood test to see if their red blood cell levels have improved. If your vet determines that your cat’s anaemia was caused by an underlying issue like an immune system condition, that will also need to be treated.
How To Prevent Anaemia In Cats
The main preventative measure you can take to avoid your cat developing anaemia is to ensure that they have enough iron in their diet. Lots of foods contain iron, but the chances of your getting your cat to eat spinach are fairly low, so focus on foods like beef and organ meats like liver. Organ meats are also rich in vitamin B12, which will help prevent anaemia.
You should consult with your vet before making any major changes to your cat’s diet, as iron and vitamin B12 are not the only nutrients that your cat needs in its diet.
While there are several herbal supplements and remedies that are popular for iron deficiency (some scientifically proven), it is generally hard to get your cat to consume them. Most cats are totally uninterested in any food that is not meat-based, so getting them to eat algae, nettles, or alfalfa is going to be a struggle. Your cat would almost never eat these things in the wild, so sticking to meat-based sources of iron live beef and liver are your best option
Iron Supplements for Cats
the most popular iron supplement for cats is called Ferrous Sulfate. It is often sold under the brand name Fer-I-Sol or Feosol. It can be used in both cats and dogs to both treat and prevent iron deficiency. It usually comes as either a liquid or as a tablet. It is best to administer it with food, as taking it on an empty stomach can cause your cat to have an upset tummy.
You should consult with your vet before giving your cat iron supplements, and unless your cat is at immediate risk, it is best to try and increase their iron levels through their diet first before resorting to medicine.
Final Thoughts: What To Do About Feline Anaemia
Hopefully, you can now see that iron deficiency can be a serious problem in cats, but also one that can be treated easily and can also be prevented by taking some time to think about and prepare your cat’s diet.
Be on the lookout for the symptoms of anaemia, and take your cat to the vet at once if you suspect that they are suffering from it. Your cat’s health is your responsibility, and it needs you to be vigilant on its behalf.
Dos
Do Have Regular Vet Visits:
Take your cat for regular vet visits, at least twice a year. The vet can check your cat’s vital signs and, if needed, take blood or stool samples. They will be able to spot anaemia early.Do Feed Your Cat A Nutritious Diet:
Ensure you feed your cat a nutritionally balanced diet that is rich in iron and vitamin B12. Organ meats can help prevent anaemia.Do Seek Treatment If You Suspect Something Is Wrong:
If you notice any of the symptoms of anemia, do not hesitate in taking your cat to the vet for treatment. The earlier anemia is detected, the most easily it can be remedied, and the lower the chance of long-term health problems arising.
Don’ts
Don’t Rely Solely on Home Remedies:
Relying solely on home remedies could delay you getting the right veterinary treatment for your cat. Home remedies should supplement veterinary care, not replace it.Don’t Ignore Your Cat’s Overall Health:
Low iron levels aren’t the only cause of symptoms like lethargy; environmental factors, hydration levels, lack of exercise, and parasites could all play a part. Approach your cat’s health in a holistic manner and ensure that you are looking at their environment as well as their diet.Don’t Forget Vaccinations:
Ensure your cat’s vaccinations are up to date, as some infections and illnesses can lead to anemia or make it harder for your cat to recover from. Vaccinations are the best way to prevent your cat from getting infections.