Unveiling the Mystery: Do Cats Have Blood Types?

Section 1: Feline Blood Group Antigens (Blood Types)

Cats have three blood types: A, B, and AB.

Type A:

It features glycoproteins such as NeuGcNeuGcgalactoseglucoseceramide ([NeuGc]2GD3) and NeuAcNeuGcGD3.

Type B:

It only contains [NeuAc]2GD3.

Type AB:

This type presents both antigens, including [NeuGc]2GD3, NeuAcNeuGcGD3, and [NeuAc]2GD3, but the amounts of both antigens are lower than in Type A and B.

Section 2: Presence of Natural Antibodies on the Surface of Cat Red Blood Cells

Type A cats carry lowtiter antiB antibodies within their bodies.

Type B cats have hightiter antiA antibodies.

Type AB cats are immune tolerant to both antigens, meaning they do not produce antibodies against either one.

Therefore, Btype blood cats cannot receive blood from Atype blood cats. In emergency situations, Atype blood cats can receive a small amount of Btype blood, but ABtype cats can only receive whole blood from other AB cats or red blood cells from Atype cats. Atype blood is the most common, followed by Btype, with ABtype being the rarest.

Section 3: Blood Group Identification and Compatibility

1. Blood Group Identification: Use blood typing cards to determine the antigens present on the surface of red blood cells.

2. Blood CrossMatching: Before transfusion, in addition to blood type identification, a crossmatching test is necessary to observe for any blood clotting phenomena, which helps to understand the presence of antibodies in the serum and prevent acute immunemediated reactions.

Section 4: Blood Donation Volume

How much blood can a cat donate? The cat's blood volume is calculated as 5575ml/kg. The donation volume should be less than 1/5 of the blood volume. Requirements for donating cats include: being healthy, weighing at least 5kg, between 1 and 7 years old, receiving regular vaccinations and deworming, having a PCV (packed cell volume) greater than 35%, and undergoing selective screening for FIV/FeLV, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and other blood parasites before donation.

Section 5: Indications for Blood Transfusion

1. Blood transfusions can be used to treat anemia caused by various reasons.

2. Severe blood loss due to accidents, surgery, or injuries.

3. Decreased blood volume due to severe vomiting or diarrhea.

4. Geriatric diseases.

5. Poor clotting due to a lack of platelets and clotting factors.

6. Poisoning from warfarin rat poison.

7. Leukopenia and hypoproteinemia, and other conditions.