What Causes Anemia In Cats

Anemia in cats is a decrease in the number or quality of red blood cells in the blood, resulting in a reduced ability to carry oxygen, which can seriously affect the health of your cat. The causes of anemia in cats are varied and include nutritional deficiencies, disease, parasitic infections, and blood loss. 

What are the Symptoms of Anemia in Cats?

Symptoms of anemia in cats

• Altered mental status

Cats may appear tired, lethargic and lack energy. 

• Loss of appetite

An anemic cat may experience a loss of appetite and weight loss. 

• Rapid breathing

Due to insufficient oxygen delivery, cats may experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. 

• Pale mucous membranes

The cat's gums, eyelids and other areas may appear white. 

• Rapid heart rate

Anemia may cause your cat's heart rate to increase to compensate for the lack of oxygen supply. 

• Hair Problems

The cat's fur may become rough and shapeless, or even show a lot of hair loss. 

• Abnormal behavior

Anemic cats may develop xenophagia, such as licking and eating non-food items. 

If your cat develops one or more of the above symptoms, it is recommended to bring your cat to the veterinarian for a timely checkup to confirm whether it is anemic and receive appropriate treatment.

What Types of Virus Infections in Cats May Cause Anemia?

• Feline Infectious Anemia Virus (FIV)

This virus attacks the cat's immune system and long-term infection may lead to anemia.

Related: FIV in Cats

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

FeLV can directly affect your cat's bone marrow, interfering with normal blood cell production and causing anemia.

• Feline Mycoplasma Haemophilus (CMt, Mhf)

These are bacteria rather than viruses, but they can infect red blood cells and cause hemolytic anemia.

• Feline hemobartonellosis

This is a disease caused by Bartonella that can infect cats and cause anemia, this disease can also be spread by ticks and fleas . 

These viruses and pathogens can be transmitted in a number of ways, including fighting between cats, sharing water containers, and through blood-sucking insects. Preventive measures include regular cat checkups, vaccinations, avoiding unnecessary contact between cats, and controlling the spread of ectoparasites. If your cat shows signs of anemia, contact your veterinarian for examination and treatment.

What Causes Anemia In Cats?

Anemia in cats occurs when there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, which are essential for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues. There are several causes of anemia in cats, which can be classified into three broad categories: blood loss, destruction of red blood cells, and reduced production of red blood cells.

1. Blood Loss (Hemorrhagic Anemia)

Blood loss can occur either internally or externally. Common causes include:

• Trauma: Injuries like cuts, bites, or accidents can cause significant blood loss.
• Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites (like hookworms) can lead to blood loss, particularly in kittens or weakened cats. Parasites cause anemia in cats through several mechanisms. First, certain parasites such as hookworms and babesia will directly attack the cat's red blood cells, causing them to rupture and hemolyze, thus causing anemia. Secondly, parasites consume large amounts of nutrients when reproducing in the host, especially iron, which is essential for the formation of red blood cells. If the parasites consume more iron than the cat receives through its diet, this can lead to iron deficiency anemia. In addition, parasitic infections may cause a chronic inflammatory response that affects the hematopoietic function of the bone marrow, further exacerbating the anemia.
  

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• Gastrointestinal bleeding: Ulcers, tumors, or severe inflammation in the stomach or intestines can lead to internal blood loss.
• Surgery or accidents: Complications from surgical procedures or severe injuries can also cause anemia.

2. Destruction of Red Blood Cells (Hemolytic Anemia)

Hemolytic anemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. Causes include:

• Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA): This condition occurs when the cat's immune system mistakenly attacks its own red blood cells.
• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV): This viral infection can lead to the destruction of red blood cells.
• Blood parasites: Certain parasites like Mycoplasma haemofelis (feline infectious anemia) infect and destroy red blood cells. 
• Toxins: Ingestion of certain toxins (like onions, garlic, acetaminophen, or heavy metals) can damage or destroy red blood cells.
• Inherited disorders: Rare genetic disorders can affect the stability of red blood cells, causing early destruction.

3. Reduced Red Blood Cell Production

Anemia can also result from a failure of the bone marrow to produce enough red blood cells. Causes include:

• Chronic kidney disease: The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin that stimulates red blood cell production. Cats with kidney disease often become anemic because their kidneys are unable to produce enough of this hormone.
• Bone marrow disorders: Conditions like leukemia, bone marrow cancer, or aplastic anemia can reduce the production of red blood cells.
• Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients like iron, B12, or folate can impair red blood cell production. This is rare in cats with a balanced diet but may occur in severely malnourished cats.
• Chronic disease: Long-term illnesses like cancer or inflammatory diseases can suppress bone marrow function.

Also Read: Anemia in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Tests Should Be Performed to Diagnose the Cause of Anemia in Cats?

When cats show symptoms of anemia, veterinarians usually recommend the following tests to diagnose the cause of the anemia.

• Routine blood test

This is the basic test for diagnosing anemia. The degree and type of anemia in cats is assessed by measuring indicators such as red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB) level, and red blood cell volume (PCV).

• Blood smear examination

Observe the morphology, size and distribution of red blood cells through microscope, as well as the presence of parasites or other abnormal cells.

• Biochemical examination

Evaluates your cat's liver function, kidney function and electrolyte levels, which can help identify potential causes of anemia.

• Urinalysis

To check the health of the kidneys; kidney disease is a common cause of anemia.

• Bone marrow aspiration

In some cases, a bone marrow aspiration may be needed to directly check the productivity and health of the bone marrow.

• Parasite Screening

A fecal sample is used to check for the presence of intestinal parasites, which can cause blood loss anemia.

• Virus Testing

Such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), these viral infections can cause anemia.

• Special Tests

Depending on the clinical signs and initial findings, specific hematologic or molecular biology tests, such as PCR testing, may also be needed to look for the genetic material of the pathogen.

These tests will help the veterinarian determine the type of anemia (regenerative or non-regenerative) and the underlying cause so that treatment can be planned accordingly. 

How to Supplement Iron through Food for Cats Suffering from Anemia?

In order to help cats suffering from anemia to supplement iron through food, you can choose the following iron-rich foods.

Liver food

Animal liver is commonly used in blood replenishing food as it is rich in iron and other nutrients. However, care should be taken not to overfeed it as it may affect the absorption of vitamin D and bone health in cats.

Meat food

Lean meats such as beef, chicken and fish contain high levels of iron, which can help with iron supplementation in cats. These meats should be cooked and fed to avoid bacterial or parasitic infections.

Seafood

Certain seafood such as tuna and prawns are also good sources of iron and can be offered to cats in moderation.

Egg yolks

Egg yolks are rich in nutrients and are beneficial for blood supplementation in cats.

Pet Blood Supplement Nutrition

If your cat has little interest in the above foods or has limited ability to chew and digest them, you may consider using blood supplement creams specifically designed for cats, which usually have a high absorption rate and are fortified with herbal ingredients that help to improve hematopoietic function.

When adjusting the cat's diet, new foods should be introduced gradually and the cat's response to iron supplementation should be observed. At the same time, the cat's overall health should continue to be monitored and a veterinarian should be consulted to ensure that anemia is properly managed . 

What Nutrients Do Cats Need to Look For When They Are Anemic?

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and helps improve your cat's immunity and health. 

Folic Acid

Folic acid is one of the B vitamins that promotes the production of red blood cells, which improves the symptoms of anemia. 

Copper

Elemental copper promotes red blood cell production, further improving anemia symptoms.

Zinc

Zinc is involved in cellular metabolism and helps boost immunity and blood circulation. 

Vitamin E

As an antioxidant, Vitamin E can help cats resist free radicals and enhance immunity and blood circulation. 

High Quality Protein

Protein is an important component of red blood cell production and helps enhance nutrient absorption in your cat's body. 

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an important source of energy production in cats and help promote the absorption and utilization of nutrients. 

When adjusting your cat's diet, you should ensure the intake of these nutrients and do so under the guidance of your veterinarian to meet your cat's individual needs and health conditions. 

How to Prevent and Treat Anemia in Cats Due to Malnutrition?

Preventing anemia due to malnutrition in cats

In order to prevent anemia caused by malnutrition in cats, you should take the following measures.

• Provide a balanced diet

Make sure your cat's diet contains enough high-quality proteins, vitamins and minerals. Choose cat food with a comprehensive nutritional profile and add cooked meat and liver in moderation to provide extra iron and vitamins. 

• Regular deworming

Deworm your cat regularly to prevent parasites from absorbing nutrients and causing anemia. 

• Avoid overfeeding

Control the portion size of food and avoid overfeeding to avoid increasing the burden on the digestive system. 

Treating anemia caused by malnutrition in cats

• Supplemental Nutrition

Depending on your veterinarian's recommendations, it may be necessary to give your cat specific nutritional supplements, such as iron-containing preparations, vitamin B complex, and other nutrients that aid in red blood cell production. 

• Medical intervention

In some cases, fluids or blood transfusions may be required to rapidly elevate your cat's hemoglobin level and red blood cell count. 

• Monitoring and adjustment

Closely monitor your cat's response and blood parameters and adjust the treatment program according to your veterinarian's instructions. 

Remember, in all cases, treatment and nutritional management should be under the guidance of your veterinarian. If you suspect your cat is anemic, contact your veterinarian immediately for examination and treatment.

Related:  How to Treat Anemia in Cats Naturally