Anemia

Anemia means that a cat has too few red blood cells, or too little hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen. It is a sign of another problem rather than a disease on its own. There are three broad reasons: blood is lost, as with fleas, hookworm, ulcers or injuries; red cells are destroyed too quickly, for example by immune disease or infections of the blood; or the bone marrow makes too few, which can happen in chronic kidney disease, feline leukemia virus and cancer.

The signs are pale or white gums, tiredness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, fast breathing, a poor appetite and, in severe cases, collapse. Gums that look pale, yellow or very dull are a reason for a vet visit the same day.

A vet diagnoses anemia with a blood count and looks for the cause with further blood tests, stool tests, X-rays or ultrasound, and sometimes a bone marrow sample. Treatment depends on the cause and can include stopping blood loss, deworming, immune-calming medicine or a blood transfusion for a cat in crisis. Cats have blood types, so a vet checks compatibility first. Do not give iron or other supplements unless your vet advises it. Ask your vet what is behind the anemia and how often to recheck.