Home › Animalia › Animal health › Animal diseases › Cat anemia

other disease Cat

Cat anemia

Anemia is not a disease in itself: it is a sign that the blood no longer contains enough red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen to all organs. The cat then lacks energy and runs out of breath at the slightest effort. It can develop sl...

Find a veterinarian All cat diseases

Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

It can develop slowly, almost without signs, or occur suddenly after bleeding or rapid destruction of red blood cells.

Finding the cause is the essence of veterinary work: origins range from external parasites to kidney disease, including infections and poisoning. Treatment depends entirely on this cause.

Key point

A cat with pale gums, short of breath and prostrate requires immediate veterinary emergency.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Pale mucous membranes Fatigue Reduction Loss of appetite Rapid breathing Difficulty breathing Jaundice Dark urine Weight loss

Gums, tongue and inside of the eyelids pale, sometimes almost white: this is the most telling sign, to check in daylight.

Fatigue, cat that sleeps a lot, no longer plays, no longer climbs on its perches.

Loss of appetite and progressive weight loss.

Rapid breathing and a fast heartbeat, even at rest.

Shortness of breath at the slightest effort.

In anemia caused by destruction of red blood cells: jaundice, with the white of the eye and the inside of the ears turning yellow, and very dark urine.

In bleeding anemia: blood in black, tarry stools, or visible bleeding.

Some cats eat unusual things, like litter.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

Blood loss: trauma, wound, digestive bleeding, ulcer, bleeding tumor, coagulation disorders, massive flea infestation especially in kittens.

Destruction of red blood cells: blood parasites transmitted by fleas, immune diseases, certain poisonings including paracetamol and onion.

Insufficient production by the bone marrow: chronic kidney disease, viral infections in cats such as leukosis or feline immunodeficiency virus, marrow diseases, cancers, chronic inflammations.

Severe nutritional deficiencies, especially during unbalanced home-cooked rations.

Cat not protected against fleas, especially kittens and weakened cats.

Cat with access to the outdoors: fights, bites, contact with feline viruses.

Cat not vaccinated and not tested for feline leukosis.

Elderly cat, especially in cases of chronic kidney disease.

Access to human medicines or toxic foods like onion and garlic.

Homemade diet not balanced by a professional.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

Severe anemia is an emergency: a pale, short of breath and prostrate cat should be seen immediately.

The veterinarian first performs a blood count to confirm the anemia, measure its severity and see if the bone marrow reacts.

The rest of the assessment depends on the first leads: testing for blood parasites, tests for feline leukosis and feline immunodeficiency, kidney and liver testing, urine analysis, testing for blood in the stools.

An ultrasound of the abdomen looks for internal bleeding, a tumor or organ damage.

In some cases, a bone marrow sample is necessary.

Systematically report any human medicine, plant or food to which the cat may have had access.

Treatment

The treatment targets the cause, while supporting the cat while it remanufactures red blood cells.

An emergency blood transfusion may be necessary when anemia is life-threatening.

Rigorous flea control and appropriate antiparasitic treatment when a parasite is involved.

Antibiotics for blood parasites, drugs that slow down the immune system in immune anemia, specific treatment in cases of kidney disease or cancer.

Immediate cessation of all toxic exposure.

Nutritional support and strict rest are part of the treatment: an anemic cat must be spared.

Follow-up includes repeated blood tests to check the rise of red blood cells.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Protect the cat against fleas all year round, including in an apartment.

Vaccinate and test against feline leukosis according to the veterinarian's recommendations, especially for cats that go outside.

Sterilize and limit fights, the main mode of transmission of feline viruses.

Never give onion, garlic or human medicine, especially paracetamol.

Have any household ration balanced by a professional.

Regularly check the health of the elderly cat, particularly its kidneys, with an annual blood test.

Possible complications

Lack of oxygen to vital organs, with discomfort and loss of consciousness.

Overload of the heart, which constantly beats faster to compensate.

Sudden worsening, an anemic cat compensating for a long time before deteriorating in a few hours.

Sequelae linked to the underlying disease when it is chronic.

When to see a veterinarian

Your cat's gums are pale or white: consult immediately.

He is very tired, no longer plays, no longer climbs on his perches.

He breathes quickly when resting or becomes out of breath with the slightest effort.

The white of his eye turns yellow or his urine is dark brown.

His stools are black and tarry.

He was in contact with a human medicine, onion or garlic.

A kitten covered in fleas is limp and pale: it's an emergency.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends entirely on the cause and how quickly it is diagnosed.

Anemia caused by fleas, controlled bleeding, or a blood parasite usually heals well.

Anemia linked to chronic kidney disease, a feline virus or bone marrow damage can be managed over the long term, with a more guarded prognosis.

In any case, the earlier the cause is identified, the better the chances.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if my cat is pale?

In daylight, gently lift your lip and look at the gum above the teeth: it should be pink. White, very pale or yellowish gums require immediate consultation.

Can fleas really make a cat anemic?

Yes, especially in weakened kittens and cats: a massive infestation draws enough blood to cause severe anemia. Fleas also transmit parasites that destroy red blood cells.

Can I give him iron or a supplement found at the pharmacy?

No. Most anemias in cats are not due to a lack of iron, and a human supplement can be toxic or delay real treatment. Treatment depends on the cause, which only an assessment can establish.

My cat has anemia: is a transfusion necessary?

No, it is reserved for anemia that is immediately life-threatening. Many cats replenish their red blood cells on their own as soon as the cause is treated, with rest and nutritional support.