Blood Types in Cats: Discover the Surprising Facts!
Cat Blood Types
Cats have blood types determined by their genes, usually by just a pair of genes. Approximately 95% of domestic cats have type A blood. In certain breeds, such as the Oriental Shorthair, British Shorthair, and Persian, the proportion of type B blood is higher.
Cats primarily have blood types A, B, or AB. Unlike other blood types, type AB is unique because it lacks the innate antibodies found in the other blood types. Understanding a cat's blood type is crucial, as cats have antibodies against "nonself" or foreign red blood cells, which can trigger a deadly immune response. Therefore, cats cannot receive blood from different blood types.
It's essential to know a cat's blood type before any clinical blood transfusion. Incompatible blood types can lead to a fatal acute hemolytic reaction, especially when Atype blood is given to a Btype cat. The antiB antibodies found in Atype blood have a weaker affinity, causing only a mild immune reaction.
However, Btype blood has a strong antiA antibody that can trigger a severe immune response. When Btype cats are given Atype blood, red blood cells are quickly destroyed, leading to intravascular hemolysis. Even as little as 1 milliliter of Atype blood can cause a severe immune reaction in a Btype cat, which could be fatal.
Why It's Important to Know Blood Types
Remember, blood type identification is not only crucial before blood transfusions but also for cat breeding.
In breeding scenarios, if a cat with type A blood mates with another with type B blood, newborns may experience red blood cell production or hemolysis.
When a Btype mother cat gives birth to Atype or ABtype kittens and nurses them, there's a likelihood that the milk will contain antigens of the Atype blood antibodies, which can lead to severe hemolytic reactions in the kittens.
Severe hemolytic anemia has no obvious clinical signs, only subtle symptoms like hemoglobinuria and jaundice. Therefore, it's vital to check the blood types of the parents before breeding.
How to Prepare for a Pet's Routine Blood Draw
● Fast Your Pet: If possible, avoid feeding your pet for about 6 hours before the appointment. Fasting helps clear lipemia, the fat droplets that appear after eating. Excessive lipemia can interfere with certain blood tests and make results difficult to interpret.
● Ensure Hydration: This is especially important in warm weather. Even mild dehydration can alter test results, so make sure your pet can drink water before visiting the vet.
● Avoid Exercise and Play Before the Visit: Physical activity can change test results, so try to keep your pet calm and inactive.
If your pet is nervous or scared, consider these tips to help ease their anxiety:
● Dogs: Keep them on a leash to reduce the chance of them being startled or stressed by other animals in the waiting room.
● Cats: Place your cat in a cat bed with familiar items like blankets or toys to help them feel secure and minimize the risk of escape.
● Handle Your Pet Calmly: Speaking in a soothing voice may help distract your pet and reduce anxiety.
How to Test a Cat's Blood Type
In laboratories and veterinary clinics, various methods can be used to determine a cat's blood type, including card tests or immunochromatographic tests. Additionally, blood samples or cotton swabs can be sent to a veterinary genetics laboratory to discover the cat's genetic composition (which blood type genes it carries).
There are two methods to identify feline blood types: using antigenspecific primers in product and sequencing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The most widely used method in veterinary clinics is the rapid kit, as it is costeffective, efficient, and timesaving.