Do Cats Have Blood Types?

Just like humans, cats also have blood types. Knowing a cat's blood type saves time in emergencies and facilitates intervention. A cat's blood type can be easily determined by a veterinarian in a similar way to the procedure applied to humans. In determining blood types, the presence or absence of specific antigens found on the membrane of red blood cells is examined. Although the number of blood group systems varies among species, when it comes to cats, 4 blood groups can be mentioned.

Blood Groups of Cats

Unlike dog blood groups, a single blood group system has been established for domestic cats. This system, called the AB system, has 3 defined blood groups. These blood groups are called A, B, and AB. Another blood group called MIC has been added to these 3 blood group definitions. However, there is not much detailed research and information about this blood group, which is quite rare.

It is known that the distribution of blood groups in cats varies regionally. It is thought that approximately 99% of cats living in the United States have blood group A. In addition to regional distribution, it is seen that certain blood groups are more common in some breeds.

When we examine the distribution of blood groups in the most general way; It can be said that the distribution is approximately 40-90% for blood group A, 10-30% for blood group B, 9% for blood group AB, and less than 1% for blood group MIK. Studies show that blood group A is more common in breeds such as Siamese, Tonkinese, and Oriental Shorthair, while blood group B is more common in breeds such as Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and British Shorthair.

• It can be said that the distribution is approximately 40-90% for blood type A, 10-30% for blood type B, 9% for blood type
• AB,
• and
• less than 1% for blood type MI.

Studies indicate that blood type A is more common in breeds such as Siamese, Tonkinese, and Oriental Shorthair, while blood type B is more common in breeds such as Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and British Shorthair.

Blood Groups and Cat Health: Blood Group-Specific Conditions for Cats

While AB blood group is less common than A and B blood groups in cats, MIC group is very rare. Unlike in humans, there is no such thing as a universal donor in cats. This is because cats have antibodies against the antigens of blood groups other than their own in their bodies. Blood group determination in sick cats is done to help match donors and recipients and to identify breeding pairs that carry a potential risk of hemolytic anemia.

Mother cats with blood group B have extremely strong anti-A type antibodies. If the kittens receive Type A from the male cat, the anti-A type antibodies in the mother are passed to the kittens through the mother's milk, which causes the destruction of red blood cells in the kittens. This condition is called Neonatal Isoerythrolysis.

Neonatal Isoerythrolysis

The intestines of newborn kittens are specially adapted to absorb antibodies in their mother's milk, allowing them to receive "passive protection." That is, antibodies absorbed in the intestines through mother's milk help protect the kitten against diseases in the first weeks of its life. While this process is very beneficial for the kitten, it can sometimes cause problems when the mother and kitten have different blood types. If a female cat with blood type B mates with a cat with blood type A, some of the kittens born will be A and some will be B. While there is no risk for the B kittens, the A kittens will experience the effects of incompatible blood transfusions.

Neonatal Isoerythrolysis does not occur in kittens with blood type B born to a mother with blood type A. Cats with blood type A have much lower antibody levels against type B blood cells, or no antibodies at all. Blood Transfusion: Possible Effects and Risks Blood transfusions in cats become urgent in cases such as severe bleeding or destruction of red blood cells due to a health problem. Blood transfusions are also necessary in cases such as anemia treatment. You need to have your cat with a blood clotting disorder receive blood transfusions regularly; repeated transfusions are performed in such cases. Whole blood, red blood cells, plasma, or platelets can be transfused. All transfusion procedures must be performed carefully to avoid any potential side effects. The most serious risk during a blood transfusion is hemolysis, which is the destruction of red blood cells shortly after they are given to the body. Although this is rare in pets, it should not be forgotten that there is a risk.

Blood Transfusion: Possible Effects and Risks

Blood transfusions in cats become urgent in cases such as severe bleeding or destruction of red blood cells due to a health problem. Blood transfusions are also necessary in cases such as anemia treatment. If your cat has a blood clotting disorder, you need to have blood transfusions regularly; repeated transfusions are performed in such cases. Whole blood, red blood cells, plasma, or platelets can be transfused.

All transfusion procedures must be performed carefully to avoid any potential side effects. The most serious risk during a blood transfusion is hemolysis, which is the destruction of red blood cells shortly after they are administered to the body. Although this is rare in pets, it should not be forgotten that there is a risk.

Another common complication is infection resulting from transfusions from infected donors. Testing cats is important to ensure there are no problems during blood transfusions between donors of the same blood type. When a blood transfusion is necessary, not only should cats of the same blood type be matched, but the donor must also be completely healthy.

If too much blood is given during a transfusion, pulmonary edema may occur. Although rare, symptoms associated with blood transfusions include fever, skin rash, and vomiting.