Feline Anemia in Kittens

Feline anemia can be a life-threatening problem in kittens. Generally, anemia has to do with the lack of sufficient red blood cells in the body. Red blood cells carry vital oxygen throughout the body. With anemia in cats, the body either does not make enough red blood cells or the cells are lost through severe bleeding.

So, it’s crucial that you take your kitten to see a vet as soon as they display any unusual warning signs. But, a little prevention goes a long way in combating feline anemia.

1. Nix onions and garlic
   
   Many people are unaware that ingesting onions and garlic can kill cats. Cats lack the necessary enzymes to break down, allyl propyl disulfide, a component in Allium plants like onions and garlic. Allyl propyl disulfide can cause severe (Heinz body) hemolytic anemia in felines. Hemolytic means that the red blood cells are destroyed. So, do yourself and your kitten a favor. Forgo the Alliums.
   
   

   Photo by Jerome Decq @ flickr.com

2. Add more iron-rich foods
   
   Most cats have no trouble getting iron in their diets. Meat-based cat-appropriate diets are filled with iron. The problem arises when cats a switched to vegetable based diets. Cats are obligate carnivores and must eat meat. They do poorly when placed on all veggie diets. So, if you are totally against the ingestion of meat, even for your pets, get a rabbit or some other animal that does not require meat.

3. Prevent kidney and liver problems
   
   The kidney and the liver both have a direct impact on the development of feline anemia. How? The kidneys produce a hormone (erythropoietin) that stimulates bone marrow to make red blood cells. The liver produces factors that enable blood to clot. Making sure that your kitten’s kidneys and liver function optimally can go a long way in preventing anemia.

4. Check your breed
   
   Certain breeds are more prone to anemia. Abyssinians, Somali, and domestic shorthair cats are prone to carrying the gene for Pyruvate Kinase (PK) deficiency. PK anemia is caused by the lack of a necessary enzyme that supplies energy to red blood cells. RBC’s die quickly without the pyruvate kinase enzyme leaving kittens anemic. All kittens susceptible for PK should be tested.

5. Get rid of parasites
   
   Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms can literally drain a kitten’s blood supply. Extensive flea infestations and intestinal worms can kill kittens. Eliminate parasites through the use of deworming agents and anti-flea and tick treatments.

6. Prevent accidents
   
   Make safety a top priority for your kitten. Thousands of kittens a year are hit by cars, ingest poisons, and suffer from other injuries that can cause massive internal and external bleeding. Keep your kitten indoors if possible. Never put out rat poisons or other toxins in a cat’s reach.

7. Be careful with medications
   
   Tylenol and Ibuprofen can ulcer bleeding ulcers, liver damage, and anemia in cats and kittens. Never give any medications to cats without first speaking with your veterinarian.

8. Check blood types before breeding
   
   Did you know that neonatal isoerythrolysis is a leading cause of feline anemia in newborn kittens? Generally, the condition occurs in purebred kittens. In neonatal isoerythrolysis, red blood cells are destroyed due to an incompatibility between a kitten’s and its mother’s blood type. A type B mom cat gives birth to a type A kitten.

   Death occurs quickly with this type of anemia if blood transfusions are not implemented swiftly. Prevent is key. Check blood compatibilities of queens and toms prior to mating.

9. Thwart infections
   
   Viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi can all cause feline anemia. The feline leukemia virus has been associated with infectious anemia in cats. Keep your kitten’s vaccinations up-to-date.

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