3 Ways to Treat Anemia in Cats

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3 Ways to Treat Anemia in Cats
3 Ways to Treat Anemia in Cats

Video: 3 Ways to Treat Anemia in Cats

Video: 3 Ways to Treat Anemia in Cats
Video: DON'T DO THIS if you leave your cat alone for long hours! #shorts 2024, March
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Anemia is a disease in which the cat does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. That is, the feline's ability to circulate oxygen is impaired, leaving it more fatigued. Anemia is usually the result of some other illness. Therefore, to treat it, it is necessary to discover the underlying cause.

Veterinarian Pippa Elliott advises:

"Anemia can be serious and almost always has an underlying cause. The most important thing is to identify that cause and treat it so that the anemia doesn't get worse."

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Identifying and Treating the Causes of Anemia

Treat Anemia in Cats Step 1
Treat Anemia in Cats Step 1

Step 1. If the cat is injured, take it to the vet urgently

A bleeding sore can cause anemia in the pussy. If it has suffered one, take it to the veterinarian's office urgently.

If the pussy is still bleeding, bandage it or press the spot with a clean cotton towel to contain it

Treat Anemia in Cats Step 2
Treat Anemia in Cats Step 2

Step 2. Tell the veterinarian if you notice that the cat has vomited or lost blood in the stool

Anemia can also be caused by bleeding through the digestive tract. If you notice that a cat's feces or vomit contains blood, notify the provider urgently. When in doubt, collect a sample and take it to the office.

  • If the cat is taking medications, especially NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, tylenol, aspirin, etc.), discontinue treatment and inform the veterinarian. It is known that NSAIDs can cause ulcers.
  • To find out if the bleeding is from a tumor, the veterinarian will make some imaging diagnoses such as ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance and radiography. The goal is to determine what the best treatment will be.
Treat Anemia in Cats Step 3
Treat Anemia in Cats Step 3

Step 3. Check for fleas

If infested with fleas or ticks, the cat may have anemia because these parasites suck blood. The first step in treating the condition is to eliminate the arachnids to stop the blood loss. After that, the cat's body will begin to regenerate the lost red blood cells.

There are several anti-flea medications on the market. Ask the veterinarian to recommend one from a reputable brand such as Comfortis, Capstar and Advocate. Do not buy from unknown brands or brands not recommended by the professional

Treat Anemia in Cats Step 4
Treat Anemia in Cats Step 4

Step 4. Subject the cat to a deeper examination for other parasites

Some parasites such as Babesia and Haemobartonella damage red blood cells and cause anemia as well. In case of infection by any such micro-organism, take the pussy to the veterinarian urgently, as it will be necessary to administer specific medications, such as primaquine and quinine in the case of Babesia, or tetracycline if the infection is with Haemobartonella.

Treat Anemia in Cats Step 5
Treat Anemia in Cats Step 5

Step 5. Find out if the cat has any kidney disease

Liver disease is also a common cause of anemia. The reason is that the kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce new red blood cells. If the organ fails, the kidney tissue is replaced by fibrous tissue. The consequence is that fewer cells will produce erythropoietin.

Treat Anemia in Cats Step 6
Treat Anemia in Cats Step 6

Step 6. Find out if the cat has an autoimmune disease

Autoimmune disease is characterized when the body turns against its own tissues. The immune system starts attacking them as if they were invaders. Here is another cause of anemia in felines.

If the veterinarian determines that the cause of the anemia is the autoimmune disease, the cat will need to give the cat immunosuppressive medications, such as corticosteroids. Such drugs shut down the defense system, stop the attack and allow the body to regenerate red blood cells

Method 2 of 3: Treating Cat Anemia

Treat Anemia in Cats Step 7
Treat Anemia in Cats Step 7

Step 1. Talk to your veterinarian about supplements

Your provider may recommend iron supplements and B vitamins to treat the condition. Pussies with liver problems tend to have less appetite and, as a consequence, are deficient in B vitamins. In any case, the benefits brought by the supplements are limited, so they shouldn't be the only weapon in the fight against anemia.

Treat Anemia in Cats Step 8
Treat Anemia in Cats Step 8

Step 2. Talk to the veterinarian about the possibility of submitting the animal to a blood transfusion

If the pussy loses a lot of blood, a transfusion may be necessary. The procedure is complex in cats, as there are several possible cross-reactions – some serious, others less so. As the transfusion is complex and risky, the veterinarian will certainly refer you to a specialist in the subject.

Treat Anemia in Cats Step 9
Treat Anemia in Cats Step 9

Step 3. Treat pussy anemia following the veterinarian's instructions

Anemia is usually the result of another illness. It is this causative disease that needs to be treated for the cat to get better. Treatment includes medications, surgery and other veterinary interventions.

Follow all the professional's instructions and get in touch if the cat gets worse or not better

Method 3 of 3: Identifying Anemia in Cats

Treat Anemia in Cats Step 10
Treat Anemia in Cats Step 10

Step 1. Be aware that anemia may have no noticeable symptoms

It is possible that the disease is only clearly noticeable in the more advanced stages. This is why it is prudent to take your cat for a check-up every year. That way you can identify any health problems in time to treat them before they get worse. If you still don't know a trustworthy veterinarian, try to get in touch with one and make an appointment for the pussy.

Treat Anemia in Cats Step 11
Treat Anemia in Cats Step 11

Step 2. Observe if the animal walks without energy

Everyone knows that cats are really lazy. However, it is not normal for them to be very lethargic. Two clear signs are: the cat stops eating to stay asleep and stays in the same place for hours, staying there until you return at the end of the day.

Treat Anemia in Cats Step 12
Treat Anemia in Cats Step 12

Step 3. Pay attention to the animal's appetite

Another symptom that may be a sign of anemia is loss of appetite. Pay attention to how much he's been eating. If you are eating less than normal, the cat may be anemic.

Treat Anemia in Cats Step 13
Treat Anemia in Cats Step 13

Step 4. Note the color of the cat's gums

If you have pale gums, the animal may have anemia. The normal color of the gums is pink, just like ours. Take him to a place with natural light and look at his gums. Artificial lights can give your pussy's gums a slightly creamy or yellowish hue.

Just gently lift his upper lip and look. If the gums are pale, the cat may have anemia

Treat Anemia in Cats Step 14
Treat Anemia in Cats Step 14

Step 5. Take the pussy to the vet to be examined

If the cat has pale gums or other symptoms of anemia, take him to the office immediately. The veterinarian will examine you for fleas, ticks and other problems. He will also check to see if any of the feline's organs have increased in size and if he has any mass in his abdomen that could be a tumor. In addition, he will take a blood sample for laboratory tests.

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