Blog Layout

Can My Cat Donate Blood

Rebecca Schmidt • Nov 19, 2013
Just like people, sometimes cats are in need of a blood transfusion. Veterinary clinics (especially emergency and specialty clinics) are in need of donors so that they have blood on hand for emergency cases. By checking with your local specialty clinic, you can find out how your pet may help and if there are added benefits for your pet donating.

Why are blood donors needed?

There are a variety of reasons veterinary clinics need blood for transfusions. Cats that suffer from acute blood loss caused by trauma, internal bleeding or cancer would likely need a transfusion to survive. Blood transfusions are also helpful in cases of anemia (from kidney failure, immune problems or feline leukemia), clotting issues, hemophilia or other health issues.

Benefits of donating blood

When your cat donates blood, he or she is saving a life. Specialty clinics also offer incentives to blood donors like examinations, blood work monitoring and heartworm preventative if your pet is able to donate four to six times a year. Feline blood donors are screened for a number of infectious diseases, hemoglobin levels and metabolic screenings at no charge to you.

Who can donate?

Cats that are good candidates meet the following criteria –

Healthy and up-to-date on vaccines
Between 2 to 7 years old
Has not had a blood transfusion
Medication free except for heartworm and flea and tick prevention
At least 10 pounds of lean body weight
Indoor only
Feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) negative
Hasn’t been bred

Most cats do need to be sedated to give blood. Before signing up, talk to your own vet to see if your cat is a good candidate for donating blood.
Share by: