What Red Blood Cells Do for Cats
Red blood cells are also referred to as erythrocytes and carry oxygen to a cat’s tissues. Hemoglobin are molecules that take the oxygen within red blood cells to cells, where the energy the body needs to perform activities is then used.
Carbon dioxide is left behind as a waste product during the process, and red blood cells transport carbon dioxide away from the tissues back to the lungs, where it’s exhaled.
In this post, we'll discuss what causes low red blood cells in cats, the types of anemia our feline friends can experience, signs they may display and how anemia is diagnosed and treated. Finally, we'll provide some tips on prevention and good sources of iron.
What causes low red blood cells in cats?
Both hemoglobin and red blood cells are naturally protected from damage by your cat’s metabolism. Disease can happen if there is:
- Poor metabolism
- Disruption in production or survival of red blood cells
- Interference in formation or release of hemoglobin
In healthy animals, red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and the total number of cells will remain constant over time. Mature red blood cells have a limited life span. This means their production and death must be carefully timed or disease can develop.
For about two months, these cells will circulate and are removed from the bloodstream as they age or become damaged.
If too many red blood cells are lost or production decreases, this can cause a lack of red blood cells and lead to anemia.
Types of Anemia in Cats
There are two types of anemia: regenerative and non-regenerative.
Regenerative Anemia
Regenerative anemia occurs when the body is producing more red blood cells. It can be caused by:
- Blood loss (internal or external) from injury, parasites, tumors, accident, ulcers
- Hemolysis (when the body destroys red blood cells because they appear abnormal)
- Toxins (from accidentally ingesting food, medications, heavy metals)
- Infections
Non-regenerative Anemia
Non-regenerative anemia happens when the body is not making more red blood cells. It can be caused by:
- Bone marrow disorders
- Poor diet
- Kidney disease
- Chronic diseases
Chronic blood loss can result in iron deficiency, as can an incomplete diet. Chronic blood loss is the more common cause, as anemia due to iron deficiency is very rare in cats that are fed a commercial diet (not vegetarian or home-cooked, which may be low in protein and/or fat your cat’s body needs and result in serious health problems).
Signs of Anemia in Cats
Anemia is a result of an underlying condition or disease, but is not a specific disease in itself. In an anemic cat, the blood will carry less oxygen and you may notice symptoms such as:
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Pale pink or white gums
- Decreased appetite
- Increased breathing rate
- Increased heart rate
- Drinking more water
- Collapse
In severe cases, respiratory effort will also increase as your cat attempts to inhale more oxygen into the lungs to improve the level of oxygen in their body. Untreated anemia can be debilitating, and may become life-threatening in severe cases.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Anemia in Cats
The veterinarian will need to collect a Complete Blood Count (CBC) from your cat so it can be tested to tell him or her how many red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells and platelets your pet has. This can also reveal the type of anemia.
Once the type of anemia is found, your vet can recommend other tests depending on your cat’s symptoms to identify the cause of the anemia. Treatment will depend on the severity of the condition, as well as the underlying cause. In some cases, this may include a change in diet or medication, surgery, blood transfusion or other treatments.
How to Increase Red Blood Cells in Cats & Prevent Anemia
Because anemia in cats can have so many causes, it’s best to prevent it if possible. Ensure your cat is getting all the nutrients he needs in his diet, and reduce the risk of blood loss by scheduling routine exams to have him checked for parasites and other health issues.
Also stay up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention. When it comes to treatment with blood transfusions, multiple transfusions may be needed before the cat’s body can create enough red blood cells on its own. If you need to boost your cat’s red blood cells, iron-rich foods may help.
What are good sources of iron for cats?
If your cat is found to be iron deficient, you can help improve his iron count by adding iron-rich foods to her diet, in addition to cat food brands high in iron. Iron supplements can also help.
Iron-rich foods include lean meat such as turkey, pork, beef and chicken (just make sure to trim the fat off pork products before feeding to your cat, as too much can cause pancreatitis). Fish also makes the list, as do eggs (with the caveat that eggs are an occasional treat and must be cooked well to reduce risk of food poisoning).
Always get your vet’s okay before adding any new food to your cat’s diet, in case more serious medical treatment is required or he has a food allergy.
If you notice signs of anemia in your cat, make an appointment with your vet right away. They can perform tests and develop a custom treatment plan, which may include actions you can take at home to help him recover.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.