PET CARE
Anemia in Cats
What is Feline Anemia?
Anemia in cats means they have a decrease in red blood cells. In a healthy cat, bone marrow responds to a low red blood cell count and increases the red blood cell production. If a cat has nonregenerative anemia, this means the bone marrow response is not sufficient enough to produce a high enough red blood cell count.
Are Any Breeds More Prone to Feline Anemia?
No, there is no particular breed prone to feline anemia. Cats who have Feline Leukemia or Feline Immunodeficiency Disease are more prone to developing anemia.
Causes of Anemia in Cats
The causes of feline anemia range but in many cases, the anemia is caused by feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency disease or lead poisoning. Other causes include bone marrow disease, kidney failure, cancer or drug reactions.
Symptoms of Anemia in Cats
Symptoms of feline anemia include:
- Depression
- Lethargic behavior
- Pale ears
- Pale gums
- Excessive sleeping
- Lack of grooming
- Lack of appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
Diagnosis and Treatment
Anemia is generally a symptom of a disease. This means the diagnosis is based upon your cat’s medical history, symptoms, physical examination, urinalysis and blood screen. If a cat is found to be anemic, the underlying disease is then treated. In some cases, the veterinarian may recommend the owner to restrict exercise as well as a blood transfusion.
Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.
Consider Investing in Cat Insurance
Looking for more ways to protect your kitty? Consider investing in a cat insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance.1 Get your free quote today.
Protect your Cats
Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.
1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.
2 Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.
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