Understanding Feline Blood Transfusion: A Lifesaving Procedure for Cats

This Feline Blood Transfusion content was written by a veterinarian, Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS. It was last reviewed on August 6, 2019.

If you have questions or concerns, call your vet, who is best equipped to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information.

Understanding Feline Blood Transfusions

What do you know about blood transfusions in cats?

You probably have an idea they are possible, but you’re not sure of the how, why, and where.

It’s time to raise awareness of blood transfusion medicine for cats. After all, one day it could be your pet’s life on the line.

Why Are Blood Transfusions Given to Cats?

So, why are blood transfusions given?

If your mind is like mine, it jumps straight to trauma, like a pet getting hit by a car.

But there are plenty of other ways a cat can lose blood. The most common reason for blood transfusions is for cats with tumors on the spleen who are about to undergo high-risk surgery to remove the diseased organ. Learn more about surgery. However, there are other reasons, such as:

• Cats with anemia due to autoimmune disease (they destroy their own blood cells)
• Cats have ingested coins or metallic objects containing zinc, which damages red blood cells. Read about zinc poisoning in pets

Veterinarians make the decision about whether or not to give blood based on the cat’s packed cell volume (PCV), a measure of how many red blood cells are in the serum. If the numbers are too low, a blood transfusion may be necessary.

Understanding Cat Blood Types

Every red blood cell has markers (or antigens) that sit on a cell’s surface like little spikes. These different markers determine an animal’s blood type.

Cat Blood Types

The four cat blood types are A, B, AB, and Mik. Learn more about cat blood types.

• Type A is the most common, with around 99% of cats in the United States falling into this group. Reference.

Blood transfusions in cats are a lot more problematic than in dogs because there is a more even spread of blood types, and rejection reactions are much more likely. Rejection reactions in cats are also more sudden and violent than in dogs and can be rapidly fatal. This is why sick cats in need of blood cause vets more headaches than the equivalent dog, and why cross-matching is essential.

How Your Cat Can Become a Feline Blood Transfusion Donor

Blood banks are desperate for donors, and donation is something everyone should consider.

However, the donor cat must meet strict criteria. These are largely to do with screening for infectious diseases that could be passed on and to check that the cat is healthy enough to cope with giving blood.

Factors such as temperament also come into play. It takes around 30 minutes to draw the sample, so stressed or aggressive individuals must be sedated — which isn't ideal for anyone.

Ideal Cat Blood Donor

• Healthy
• Screened as free from infectious disease
• Weighs at least around 10 pounds
• Young or middle-aged

Local anesthetic cream numbs the skin while the sample is collected, and good-natured dogs usually lie or sit still for the duration with the inducement of treats.

Final Thoughts on Feline Blood Transfusion

Blood transfusions save lives. Read more about how transfusions save lives.

If your cat wants to help save the lives of other furry friends, speak with the staff at your local veterinary clinic. They can collect the blood and forward it to the bank or put you in touch with the bank directly.

For more detailed information on blood transfusions, check out this article on canine blood transfusion.