Anemia in Cats

Anemia in cats is a reduction in the bodies natural ability to carry oxygen either in the red blood cells or the haemoglobin they contain. haemoglobin is the iron containing pigment in red blood cells that binds the oxygen and allows it to be carried throught the body. Anemia is a symptom of some underlying illness or disorder and three main types are applicable to cats, these are:

1) Actual loss of blood or haemorrhage from ruptured blood vessels (haemorrhagic anemia). This is obvious on a surface wound but anemia is usually from within. A large infestation of parasites within the body can be responsible as can eating of certain poisons; the main culprit being warfarin which is most often used to kill rats. It causes haemorrhage and prevents the blood from clotting.

2) The second type of anemia results from some form of damage or problem with bone marrow which in turn produces the red blood cells, this is called hypoplatic anemia. In cats with this kid of anemia the usual cause is eating of drugs which leads to accidental poisoning or by certain pesticides. A cats liver is not suited to deal with toxins and damage to the bone marrow is the most likely result. A much rarer type of hypoplastic anemia in cats is a bone marrow tumour or dietary deficiency. Aspirin is especially dangerous to cats and causes internal bleeding (haemorhaggic anemia) and long term bone marrow problems (hypoplastic anemia) and liver damage.

3)Red blood cells that are stopped being produced normally or are in some way destroyed and removed from circulation causes haemolytic anemia. Toxins released by bacteria and eating chemical poisons can be responsible for the illnesses feline infectious anemia and feline leukemia.

The Symptoms of Anemia in Cats

The symptoms you may find in a cat with anemia is very pale lips, gums and tongue as well as inner eyelids (that only a vet should go near) yet these parts of a cat are naturally pale so can be difficult to recognise. Further indicators include, rapid breathing, low energy and tiredness and in more extreme cases a faster heartbeat with no physical exertion. A cat with anemia should be seen by a vet surgeon since in a lot of cases internal bleeding is the issue.