How Blood Transfusions Saved Two Very Poorly Cats.

Blood transfusions have long been an important part of veterinary medicine, particularly for dogs. However, transfusing cats presents some unique challenges. Careful blood typing and close monitoring are essential to help make these life-saving procedures as safe as possible.

Recently, we treated two very poorly cats, Dobby and Violet, who both arrived suffering from severe anaemia. Their stories highlight just how critical prompt diagnosis and treatment can be — and how remarkable the results of a blood transfusion can be.

Why is blood typing so important in cats?

Unlike dogs, cats naturally develop antibodies against certain blood types during the first few months of life. This means that a cat can experience a serious transfusion reaction even if it has never received a blood transfusion before.

Cats have three main blood types: A, B and AB. Type A cats generally have lower levels of antibodies against type B blood, whereas type B cats often have strong antibodies against type A blood. Giving incompatible blood can therefore cause a potentially life-threatening reaction.

For this reason, cats must have their blood type checked before every transfusion, including their first. Blood typing is a vital step in selecting compatible blood and reducing the risk of complications.

Certain infectious diseases can also affect a cat’s red blood cells and complicate the picture, making thorough investigation particularly important.

To learn more about feline blood typing, visit the Pet Blood Bank UK website.

Why might a cat need a blood transfusion?

There are three broad reasons why a cat may become severely anaemic and require a blood transfusion.

1. Blood loss

Significant blood loss can occur following trauma, including road traffic accidents, or as a result of parasites, bleeding disorders or problems with blood clotting.

For example, exposure to certain rodenticides can interfere with normal blood clotting, potentially leading to severe internal bleeding.

Cats that have been injured, have a heavy parasite burden or are experiencing unexplained bleeding may therefore need urgent assessment and, in some cases, a transfusion.

2. Destruction of red blood cells

Sometimes, red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them. This is known as *haemolytic anaemia*.

In cats, possible causes include infectious diseases such as *Mycoplasma haemofelis*, a blood-borne organism that can cause feline infectious anaemia. Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and other underlying diseases may also contribute to anaemia.

Toxic substances can cause serious problems, too. Everyday items that may seem harmless to us, including onions, garlic and paracetamol (acetaminophen), can be highly toxic to cats.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve supportive care, appropriate medication and, in severe cases, a blood transfusion.

3. Reduced production of red blood cells

Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. If the body cannot make enough new cells to replace those that are naturally lost, anaemia can develop.

This is known as *non-regenerative anaemia*. Possible causes include chronic kidney disease, certain cancers, bone marrow disorders and some viral infections, including feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

These conditions may be more commonly encountered in older cats, although cats of any age can be affected.

Dobby and Violet: two cats in desperate need of help …

We recently saw two cats whose presentations were particularly concerning.

Dobby, just 15 months old, was brought in after her owner reported that she had fallen. Violet, aged five, was unable to walk properly and kept collapsing.

Both cats were weak, had very pale gums and had sunken-looking eyes — worrying signs that prompted us to investigate urgently.

We took blood samples from both cats to assess a range of health indicators. Of particular concern was a measurement called the packed cell volume (PCV).

PCV tells us what proportion of the blood volume is made up of red blood cells. These cells contain haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body. When the PCV falls dramatically, the body struggles to deliver enough oxygen to its tissues.

A typical PCV reference range for cats is approximately 30–45%, although the precise range can vary between laboratories.

– Low PCV: Indicates anaemia and a reduced proportion of red blood cells.
– High PCV: May indicate dehydration or, less commonly, an abnormally increased red blood cell concentration.

Dobby’s PCV fell to an alarming 5%, while Violet’s was just 7%. Both values were dangerously low compared with the expected range.

At these levels, urgent treatment was essential.

A race against time

Although we had not yet established the exact cause of either cat’s anaemia, we suspected that red blood cell destruction was playing a significant role.

We decided that blood transfusions were a critical part of their immediate treatment while further investigations continued.

Both cats were started on medication, including corticosteroids to help suppress an inappropriate immune response that may have been contributing to red blood cell destruction. They were also given doxycycline, an antibiotic used to treat certain infections, including Mycoplasma haemofelis.

Because feline blood compatibility is so important, we typed each cat’s blood before obtaining a suitable blood product.

The transfusions were administered gradually over several hours, with a dedicated veterinary nurse monitoring each cat closely throughout the procedure. Careful observation allowed us to watch for any signs of a transfusion reaction and assess how they were responding to treatment.

Once a blood product has been prepared for use, it must be handled and administered according to strict storage and safety protocols. Any remaining product that cannot safely be retained must be discarded.

The remarkable difference a transfusion can make

The photographs tell the rest of the story.

Dobby’s photographs were taken three weeks after her transfusion, when she returned for repeat blood tests to check whether her red blood cell levels had remained stable. It was encouraging to see her back for that important follow-up assessment.

Violet’s photographs were taken during her transfusion — and they capture a particularly memorable moment.

Halfway through the procedure, Violet began to feel noticeably better. She started rolling around, playing and showing an interest in food again.

Seeing such a change in a cat who had arrived unable to walk properly and repeatedly collapsing was a wonderful reminder of how important timely treatment can be.

A transfusion does not necessarily resolve the underlying cause of anaemia, so continued investigation, treatment and follow-up are essential. However, it can provide vital support while the veterinary team works to address the problem.

A huge thank you to Dobby and Violet’s owners

We are incredibly grateful to both owners for seeking veterinary care and giving their cats the chance to recover.

Dobby and Violet’s cases are a reminder that anaemia can be life-threatening, sometimes developing with surprisingly subtle signs before a cat becomes critically unwell.

If your cat seems unusually weak, has pale gums, collapses or is struggling to walk, seek urgent veterinary advice.

Blood transfusions require careful preparation, compatible blood products and close monitoring, but in the right circumstances, they can make a life-saving difference.

We’re delighted to have been able to help Dobby and Violet — two very special cats whose stories show just how much a timely transfusion can matter.

As the New Year is upon us, we would like to share and end of year success story that we hope everyone will carry with them into 2025. Throughout the year, we have helped pets that have ingested something they shouldn’t have from chocolate to socks and everything in between, including a fish hook!
On a beautiful weekend morning when the sun is out, what better thing to do in North Wales than go for a long walk on the beach with your beloved dog. We all love watching our dogs running carefree… until they catch the smell of something… and the next thing we know they have picked up an offending object and swallowed it before we can get to them! Even the best trained pooches can fall victim to foreign body ingestion. This, unfortunately, is what happened to Tia and her owners when she found a fish hook and swallowed it in seconds. Luckily for her and after realising there was no way of getting the hook out safely themselves, her owners acted quickly and brought her straight to us! Tia was feeling quite sorry for herself when she arrived and was in obvious discomfort. After safely sedating her, x-rays of her head and neck were taken, revealing exactly where the culprit was! The fish hook had become lodged in her oesophagus. Specialist care was needed to remove the fish hook by endoscope, so we contacted a referral hospital that was able to take and treat Tia the very same day!

She was back home quicker than you could say “Let’s go fishing!” and has recovered superbly.
We understand that it is difficult to keep our pets safe and prevent them from eating things they shouldn’t. Even the best trained dogs can still end up eating things they shouldn’t, and we are here to help when accidents happen. The only way to ensure that we can keep our animals safe is by storing foods out of reach and by properly disposing of rubbish, especially in public places where owners take their dogs for walks. If you are concerned that something similar may happen to your pet, we are happy to advise you on different ways you can keep them safe.

Pre-Visit Checklist for Owners

Before your vet visit, make sure to gather the following:

• List of Questions: Prepare any questions or concerns you have about your pet’s health or behavior.
• List of Medications: Bring along a list of any medications your pet is currently taking.
• Muzzle (if needed): Consider muzzle training if your pet may require a muzzle during the visit. Guide to muzzle training.
• Short Lead: Use a short lead instead of a retractable one for better control.
• Blanket or Familiar Item: Bring a blanket or something familiar that your pet often uses or lays on.
• Food or Treats: If applicable, bring your pet’s favorite treats or food.
• Photos or Videos: Provide any photos or videos of your pet displaying symptoms, if available.

How to Prepare for the Visit:

• Stay Calm: Remember, your pet can pick up on your feelings too, so try to remain calm to help keep them at ease.
• Safe Transportation: Ensure your pet is safely transported to the vet and is accustomed to the mode of transportation.
• Stay in the Car if Preferred: If your pet is more comfortable waiting in the car, please notify us upon arrival. We’ll come out to you when ready, reducing stress, especially in busy waiting rooms. This also helps maintain a calm environment for other pets if your dog tends to vocalize.
• Handling Preparation: Handling plays a significant role in examining your pet, so please get your pet used to being handled in areas such as paws, tail, ears, face, and body. Guide on handling your dog.

One of our most positive stories during lockdown was meeting Gloria.  Gloria is a beautiful black cat that was brought in as a stray by the RSPCA. Even to the untrained eye Gloria’s back leg was swinging freely in the wind after she suffered a fracture.

She was called Gloria after the song I will survive …

“I will survive
Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive
I’ve got all my life to live”

This summed up Gloria no matter how much pain she must have been in she just wanted a big cuddle, some fuss and some food and was just adorable.

Being a charity the RSPCA was limited to what funds they had available for Gloria so it was agreed that we would take her on and be responsible for her treatment. Thankfully we have a good relationship with the RSPCA and they were on board so we arranged for her leg to be fixed. Here are her before and after x-rays.

We kept Glroia at the practice for 6 weeks to let the leg heal so she became a great friend to the staff constantly miaowing for attention when they walked past. Thankfully she had no complications so at 6 weeks we re x-rayed her, spayed her, microchipped and vaccinated her.  We have two good frrends of the practice Katy and Petra and they had a suggestion of who would Gloria a fantastic new home and she was off.

It was great to be able to help Gloria in such a tough time as corona but Gloria showed us that even when things aren’t going your way being happy and making the most of life gets you a long way!

The Cat Friendly Clinic is a worldwide programme from the International Society of Feline Medicine, the veterinary division of International CatCare. We recognise that because of their unique nature and needs, taking a cat to a veterinary clinic can be very stressful, both for the cat and also the owner.

As you are aware we are the only practice in the local area that achieved the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) Gold award for our standards in cat care.   As Mochdre Vets is a new practice we had the fortune to design it from the beginning with a view of making it friendly for our cats and never had to compromise because we were trying to shoe horn it in to an existing clinic.

We have to thank our head nurse and cat advocat Claire Williams for all her hard work and enthusiasm who has been involved right from the beginning when we were still drawing up plans for the building.  She ensured that we achieved and continue to maintain the standards required, there was never a point during this process where ‘good enough’ was good enough!  Though obviously she did have Clive cracking the whip!

We asked Claire to write about her experience in helping design Mochdre Vets with a feline friendly view in mind …

I have always had an interest in feline behaviour and had some knowledge of their welfare within the veterinary practice so when Sarah Heywood decided to open Mochdre Vets I was invited to help plan the lay out with our feline friends in mind.

Right from the start we decided that everything should be separate from a feline hospital ward to the waiting rooms and consult rooms.

Starting with the waiting room this is completely separate from the dogs and can be accessed easily without having to come in to contact with any dogs. The room was picked to give the maximum space away from dogs and the room was next to the hydrotherapy pool so it would naturally be the warmest room. The consult room itself is the smallest and darkest of the consult rooms which is an environment preferred by cats than dogs. To reduce stress within the waiting room there are plug in devices which help to relax cats, there is a high level stand to place the cats in their carriers. There are towels to cover the carriers to help make it less stressful and these are sprayed with the stress helping pheromones. We also operate cat only consulting times and I myself am doing the ISFM certificate in feline behaviour so I offer a lot of free consults to cat owners. This is again to help minimise stress when owners are introducing their cats to new situations. I even offer consults for just the owners the idea longer term is to try and minimise the stress for a cat coming to the vets, studies have shown animals that are stressed will show higher levels of pain and take longer to recover from any illness or operations.

For any hospitilised patients we have a separate ward with ISFM approved cat condos.These are different to your usual veterinary metal cages as they have plenty of space. There are perches so the cats can sit up high, there are hiding areas to give them a sense of control and safety. The design of the cages means we can monitor patients easily, they are warm and easily cleaned which can help with infection management. As they are not metal it means cats won’t catch their reflections which can be seen as a threat. The condos allow for the cats to be on drips and still be able to move round freely.

All staff have undergone further training in cat handling and detecting signs of pain and I regularly do training with the nursing team. As vets and nurses we have to do a certain amount of continual learning each year and a lot of this is feline based so that we can maintain our gold standard and keep improving. We also provide a variety of diets and have dedicated staff to sit with any poorly cats grooming them and helping them relax.

ISFM have a categorised feline friendly status which are marked Bronze, Silver and Gold. To achieve the highest Gold standard we have to be judged against a wide range of criteria including:

• Veterinary Clinic Premises – exclusive cat wards, isolation facilities, waiting rooms and consult rooms
• Facilities – raised shelves and benches for cat baskets with vertical barriers and a high level of laboratory equipment.
• Services – minimum consult times, all our consults are 20 minutes for all clients
• Staff – All staff , receptionists, vets and nurses need to have an understanding of the needs of cats including how to hold and approach them.

To achieve and maintain standards a Cat Friendly Clinic should have an dedicated person that holds all the values for felines with the upmost importance, called a cat advocate and at Mochdre Vets that is Claire.

If you are interested in the complete list of requirements for CFC accreditation you can read the ISFM’s criteria here.

Claire works Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays but can always be contacted by email info@mochdrevets.co.uk and would be delighted to help you with any cat related issues you have. Claire has almost completed her certificate in feline behaviour and the sessions are FREE and already we have had some very positive outcomes to nervous cats.

The saying is life in the old dog yet well how about life in the old cat yet!

Our November dental offer if going well but I think our biggest success story will be Angelica. Angelica came to us as a second opinion as she had a dental abscess that had stopped her eating but at 18 and a half it was recommended she just had antibiotics for the rest of her life. This obviously wasn’t ideal as certainly wouldn’t do anything for her pain. We discussed the anaesthetic risk with her mum and the things we could do to help support Angelica and tailor the protocol to her and her mum was keen. Angelica ended up having 5 teeth out not just the one that had caused the abscess. From our perspective Angelica was a fantastic patient and within an hour of waking up was already eating a bowl of food.

Our bespoke cat condos are designed to have the best comfort factor for cats and within a couple of hours Angelica had jumped up on one of the shelves and was happily grooming herself.

Angelica has been back for her post op checks and so far all is going well.  She has a great appetite and has even put on a little bit of weight so we are delighted.

Without a crystal ball we don’t know whats round the corner but even if it buys her 6 months thats the equivalent of 3 and a half years to us!   And most importantly we hope it will be a 3 and a half pain free years.