Feline anemia is not a disease unto itself, but rather a symptom of some disease or condition. It develops when your cat’s body stops producing enough hemoglobin or red blood cells. A lack of red blood cells will decrease the amount of oxygen that circulates throughout the cat’s body.

Causes

There are many things that can cause feline anemia. One of the most common is kidney disease. Problems with the kidneys will reduce the levels of hormone responsible for stimulating the production of red blood cells. An infestation of parasites like hookworms, ticks, and fleas is another common cause.

If your cat suffers a traumatic injury, he can also develop anemia. These injuries may cause damage to internal organs or blood vessels. Viruses such as the feline leukemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus are also common culprits. Other common causes include cancer, toxins, and chemicals.

Symptoms

It is quite easy to tell if your cat has feline anemia. Under normal circumstances, your cats gums, nose, and tongue will have a pink color. If your cat is suffering from anemia, you will notice that these areas will appear pale. It is also common for your cat to be lethargic.

Treatment

As mentioned earlier, feline anemia isn’t a disease but merely a symptom. Therefore, the veterinarian will have to determine the underlying cause. If a traumatic injury is to blame, your cat may need a blood transfusion. Sometimes, your cat may need to take medications to stimulate the production of certain hormones.

Prognosis

Fortunately, feline anemia is reversible in most cases. Most cats recover with no problems. However, it’s best to seek treatment as soon as you notice pale areas. Anemia is a symptom of a potentially serious disease.