You may not already know it, but your cat could save your life. Just like donating human blood, your cat can also donate their precious blood to help another cat in need. Blood transfusions can be used in cats to treat medical problems. They can also be used during surgeries or accidents, so these blood donations can be vital and much needed. Blood is collected from suitable donors for immediate use by a veterinary clinic. There are specific requirements to be a cat blood donor. Not all cats are suitable, but if yours is, it can be valuable and rewarding to participate.
Cat Blood Types
Just like you, your cat will have a blood type. In cats, these types are genetically inherited. Cats have blood types A, B or AB.
Cats differ from dogs. During the first months of life, kittens with blood types A and B develop antibodies against foreign proteins in red blood cells. This normally only occurs after previous exposure, such as a previous blood transfusion. Cats develop this reaction naturally. This means that they do not need to have received a transfusion or blood products to be sensitive to other blood types. This means that all donors and recipients of feline blood must be carefully matched to blood type. This must happen before a transfusion can be administered. Type A cats can only receive type A blood and the same goes for type B cats. Type AB blood cats do not have any of these antibodies. This blood type is the “universal donor”, although it may have reactions when receiving A or B blood.
Blood transfusions are often necessary in emergencies when there is significant blood loss following trauma or surgery. They can also be used to treat anemia in medical cases or in cases of bleeding disorders.
Can my cat be a blood donor?
If you are considering offering your cat for blood donation, it will have to meet certain criteria.
The well-being of your cat is always paramount. To be considered as a blood donor, he must be in good health himself. They must not take regular medications or have underlying health conditions.
They must never have received a transfusion of blood or blood products before. Your cat must be between 1 and 10 years old. They must weigh between 3.5 and 4 kg or more. This means they are old enough and old enough to safely donate.
Blood donors should be friendly and relaxed and have a calm temperament as they will be treated throughout. They generally need to be vaccinated. They must also no longer have traveled outside the UK or Ireland to reduce the risk of illness.
The blood donation process
Your cat’s donation will most likely be done at your local veterinarian. There are currently no pet blood banks in the UK that collect and store feline blood.
Before any donation, your cat will undergo a thorough health check by the veterinary team. They will tell you about any changes in their medical history or habits that might mean it is unsafe for them to donate. They will shave a few strands of hair usually cut from their neck and/or leg for a quick blood draw and donation. These areas will be cleaned and prepared often with a local anesthetic cream to numb the area. You may be allowed to stay with your cat during the donation. You may also prefer to leave. Either way, your cat will receive lots of agitation, love, and often treats from the veterinary team throughout the process.
The veterinary team will draw blood via a needle and blood collection bag, this part usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. It will take time for the team who draws the blood to bond with your cat. They will give lots of positive praise, rewards, and treats to make the process as enjoyable as possible for them. Once the blood is collected, like us, they will receive a drink and a snack as a reward. They may even receive a fluid infusion to ensure they have enough fluids to replace the blood that is drawn.
They will be monitored for a short time before being released to you. Once the team is satisfied, they are well enough to leave. You must allow sufficient time for your appointment. If your cat eats special foods or treats, bring them with you.
How can you get involved?
If this sounds like something you and your cat would like to explore further, you can start the process by talking to your veterinarian. They will be able to help you clarify that your cat meets all the criteria and is healthy. They may even have their own list of blood donors. Many veterinary clinics maintain a list of potential blood donors that they can call upon in an emergency. You might be able to get involved. If they don’t have anything like this in your practice, you can still get involved through the Pet Blood Bank UK. They currently do not have a blood bank storing feline blood. They hope to have this in place soon, so they are looking for suitable cat owners to register with them.
Donating blood can be a rewarding and bonding exercise for you and your cat. Blood is often lifesaving for many patients, so if your cat meets the criteria, talk to your veterinarian about this important service.