Feline Blood Transfusion

We are all familiar with the term “blood transfusion”. The first documented procedure of human-to-human blood transfusion dates back nearly 200 years, and since then, human transfusion medicine has rapidly developed into an advanced science.Today, blood transfusion is a medical term everyone is familiar with, and many of us are aware that a transfusion can play a key role in saving a life. In veterinary medicine, blood transfusions may not be as common, but they have the same vital role in emergency and critical care situations. However, feline blood transfusions must be administered with extreme care, as they may lead to a higher risk of complications for both the donor and recipient. And although it may seem irrelevant for some people, as cat lovers and owners, it is advised that we keep in mind some basic information about feline blood transfusion and blood typing, for that matter.

What Is Blood Typing?

First and foremost, just like humans, felines also have a blood type – A, B and AB (group A being the most common). Recent studies have also shown another two feline blood types – Mik positive and Mik negative. Cats given a non-compatible blood transfusion can develop severe life-threatening transfusion reactions because cats can have naturally-occurring antibodies (a part of the immune system) in their blood against red blood cells of the wrong type.

The need for a blood transfusion is usually an emergency situation, such as extreme blood loss or rapid destruction of red blood cells due to other diseases. Through a blood transfusion, an immediate supply of red blood cells can be delivered throughout the body and deliver oxygen. Other than red blood cells, plasma and platelets are other elements that are delivered through blood.

What Do We Need To Look Out For?

Blood transfusions can truly be lifesaving, but life-threatening at the same time if not administered properly. Needless to say, a sterile and hygienic practice with disinfected tools is the foundation of any successful procedure. After a compatible blood type is found, donor cats must be checked to ensure that they are healthy (screened in advance for any blood-borne infections such as FIV and FeLV)—-ideally, an indoor cat under the age of 8 and over 4.5kg. The donor cat must also have a packed cell volume of over 30%-35%. A transfusion that is given too quickly or too slowly can equally cause fatal reactions to the recipient, and as complications can still occur with even a healthy donor cat, extremely close monitoring with experienced and professional medical staff is paramount during this delicate process to ensure the safety of both cats.  

Unfortunately, if your cat needs a blood transfusion, it may be difficult to quickly find a compatible donor. On top of that, compared to humans and canines, feline blood has a relatively short expiry, making it difficult to stock up on. The Cat Vet is fortunate enough to have a partnership with a reputable animal blood bank in Europe. We have in stock frozen plasma and blood for emergency blood transfusions. All cats have been tested and are certified, so quality is guaranteed.

If you have any questions regarding feline blood transfusion, please feel free to give us a call at 800CATVET.