Cats Anemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Explained
What is Anemia?
Anemia is a medical term that refers to a decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the bloodstream. However, it is not a disease itself but rather a symptom of an underlying condition.
Animals maintain a dynamic balance within their bodies, constantly producing new red blood cells to replace those that die. But if red blood cells are lost, destroyed, or produced too slowly due to various reasons, cats can develop anemia.
The Dangers of Cat Anemia
Blood supplies oxygen to every tissue and organ in a pet's body. When a pet shows signs of anemia, with a reduction in red blood cells and hemoglobin, the blood's oxygencarrying capacity decreases. Cats and dogs may experience symptoms like rapid breathing and fatigue after even slight exertion. Irondeficiency anemia, in particular, can lead to increased lactic acid buildup after exercise, causing a decline in muscle function and stamina. It also has a significant impact on the digestive system, often leading to recurrent tongue inflammation, smooth tongue surfaces, loss of papillae, and taste buds, along with loss of appetite, mucosal atrophy, and weakened immune function.
Symptoms of Cat Anemia
Irregular heartbeat: If you notice your cat breathing heavily or experiencing an irregular heartbeat, it could be a sign of feline anemia.
Loss of appetite: If your cat is not hungry and doesn't refuse food, it might be suffering from this condition.
