The measurement depends on the number and size of red blood cells. The vet can analyze your cat's condition and determine the best treatment.The hematocrit ( / h ɪ ˈ m æ t ə k r ɪ t/) ( Ht or HCT), also known by several other names, is the volume percentage (vol%) of red blood cells (RBC) in blood, measured as part of a blood test. The blood type of the cat must be determined prior to the transfusion to reduce the chances of complications caused by blood incompatibility. Parasites will be treated with special formula shampoos and dewormers.īlood transfusion may be needed if the anemia is severe. The anemia treatment depends on the cause of the condition. Hemolysis, which means the breaking open of red cells in the blood may cause anemia.Ĭats may suffer from Heinz anemia after ingesting onions or acetaminophen, which are toxic for the cat. Blood parasites such as mycoplasma haemofelis or mycoplasma haemominutum may also cause anemia. When the packed cell volume is decreased, the cat has anemia.Īnemia in cats may be caused by trauma and blood loss or a number of health conditions: kidney disease or kidney failure, hemoglobin oxidation, iron deficiency, deficiency of folic acids or vitamins, hypothyroidism, abnormal red blood cell production, bone marrow disorders or the feline leukemia virus.Īnemia may be caused by parasites that feed on the blood of the cat: fleas or hookworms. The normal value of packed cell volume in cats is between 29 and 50. The packed cell volume (pcv), also known as the hematocrit or erytrocite volume fraction is the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. If the hemoglobin has a deficient oxygen binding capacity, anemia is present. The hemoglobin is a biomolecule in the red cells that contains iron hemoglobin binds to oxygen, helping with the oxygen transport. When the red blood cell count is lower or the hemoglobin count is decreased, the cat is anemic. The red cells are also known as erythrocytes and help delivering the oxygen to the body's tissues. Unfortunately, these symptoms can indicate other diseases and sometimes the symptoms are less evident.įeline anemia may be diagnosed by running some blood tests.Īnemia means lack of blood in Greek.
The cat with anemia is less tolerant to cold. The heart will try to compensate for the lack of oxygen in the tissues by sending more blood to the tissues and beating faster.Īnemia will weaken the cat's immune system, so he will be more prone to viruses and diseases. You may notice the paleness in the gums, tongue and generally in all mucous membranes.Īt times, the cat will have palpitations due to irregular heart beat. If the tissues are deprived by the necessary oxygen, the body of the cat is weaker and may have different reactions.Ĭats may have anemia at any age and the condition may be hereditary.Ī cat with anemia lacks energy, sleeps more than usual and is pale. The red cells have the task to carry the oxygen to the lungs and other tissues through the blood. Cat anemia is the condition caused by a low red blood cell count.