Exploring Feline Blood Types: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to feline blood types, there are three main categories: A, B, and AB. The dominance hierarchy among these types is A over B over AB, meaning the blood type of a kitten is determined by its parents. But what impact does a cat's blood type have on its life? What are the differences between cats of various blood types? Let's delve into this fascinating topic together!

1. Factors Influencing a Cat's Blood Type

Cats inherit their blood type from their parents. For instance, if a cat is Atype, its parents could be A/A, A/B, or A/AB. A cat with Btype blood will only have B/B parents. ABtype blood, however, is rarer and typically found in cats with Btype blood as one of their parents. The Atype blood is the most common, with breeds like Siamese cats predominantly being Atype. Himalayan and Maine Coon cats are mostly Atype, with Atype accounting for 90% of their blood types. On the other hand, Turkish Angora and Turkish Van cats have an equal chance of being A or Btype, while American Shorthairs and Siamese cats have a 10% chance of being Btype. Abyssinian, bald, and Persian cats have a 10% to 25% chance of being Btype, while breeds like British Shorthair, Ragdoll, Persian, Devon, and Cornish Rex have a Btype prevalence above 25%. The Turkish Van has a Btype probability as high as 60%. ABtype blood is rare across all breeds, typically found only in those with Btype blood.

2. The Impact of Blood Type on Blood Transfusions and Breeding

1. Blood Transfusions: Cats require careful blood typing and crossmatching before transfusions to prevent severe allergic reactions. Therefore, if a cat is anemic or needs blood due to injury, it's crucial to know its blood type. Cats may need transfusions for various reasons, including anemia or excessive blood loss from accidents or falls.

2. Breeding: Generally, it's best for a Btype female cat to mate with a Btype male to avoid producing Atype or ABtype kittens. However, since a mother cat's milk contains antigens that match her blood, and Btype cats have lower levels of these antigens, Atype or ABtype kittens drinking Btype milk can suffer from hemolytic reactions, leading to death. To prevent this, it's essential to bloodtype cats before breeding, ensuring that the mother and father are of the same type to avoid hemolytic anemia or death in the offspring. Pairing cats of the same blood type can also prevent neonatal hemolytic disease. Additionally, kittens born from the mating of Atype and Btype cats may not thrive, which is why Btype and ABtype cats are less common.

In summary, a cat's blood type can significantly impact both blood transfusions and breeding. It's essential to identify a cat's blood type before undergoing transfusions or breeding to ensure the wellbeing of the animal.