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Danny's Cats

Health and vet care

Anemia

Also called Anaemia, Low red blood cell count

Updated

What is anemia in cats?

Anemia is a lower than normal number of red blood cells in a cat's blood. The Merck Veterinary Manual says it can come from blood loss, from red blood cells being destroyed, or from the body making too few. It is a sign of another problem, not a diagnosis, and only a vet can find the cause.

What causes anemia in cats?

The Merck Veterinary Manual groups the causes into three: blood loss, destruction of red blood cells, and too little red blood cell production. Cornell Feline Health Center notes that anemia is common in cats and can be secondary to many other conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or infections spread by fleas and ticks.

How can food cause anemia in a cat?

Food can cause anemia in a cat when it destroys red blood cells. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists onions among the foods that can cause anemia, and names cats as the species most susceptible to onion and garlic poisoning. The same manual says the damage typically shows three to five days after the cat eats them, so a cat can look well at first.

Which signs mean a cat needs a vet?

The Merck Veterinary Manual lists tiredness, weakness and a poor appetite, along with pale gums and a fast heart rate. Yellow gums, skin or eye whites can also appear. Any of these needs a vet visit, and a cat that collapses or has trouble breathing needs one straight away. A blood test is how a vet confirms anemia and looks for the cause.

What to look for

  • Pale or white gums instead of pink ones
  • Yellow gums, skin or eye whites
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • A poor appetite or a fast heart rate

Waiting for signs after a cat eats onion or garlic

The red blood cell damage from onion and garlic takes days to show. Call your vet as soon as you know your cat ate any, rather than waiting to see whether it seems unwell.

Questions about anemia

Is anemia a disease in cats?

Anemia is not a disease on its own in cats. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes anemia as a sign of disease rather than a final diagnosis, so a vet looks for what is causing it, such as blood loss, red blood cells being destroyed or the body making too few.

Can onions or garlic cause anemia in cats?

Onions and garlic can cause anemia in cats. They contain compounds that damage red blood cells, and the Merck Veterinary Manual names cats as the most susceptible species. Call your vet if your cat ate onion or garlic in any form, even before signs appear.

Where this comes up

Sources