Introduction

Red blood cells (RBC) in cats are also known as erythrocytes. They are essential for carrying oxygen to tissues and transporting carbon dioxide to the lungs for exhalation. Erythrocytes in cats can lead to anemia, which decreases the flow of oxygen to different organs. Additionally, dropping in the count of RBCs can lead to weakness, fatigue, and even life-threatening complications. 

Little changes in the diet can help manage the rate of RBCs in both domestic and wild cats. There are also different specialized supplements with several effective methods to support healthy red blood cell production in cats. The article, here, provides inclusive information about ways to increase red blood cells in cats along with the diseases linked with low RBC, the best foods and supplements. 

Causes of Low Red Blood Cells in Cats 

Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow from stem cells. A healthy cat’s RBC count typically falls between 5.91 and 9.93 million cells per microliter. But there can be several reasons for the loss in the count of RBC in a cat. The reasons can range from underlying diseases to nutritional deficiencies. Understanding the root cause can be essential for effective treatment. 

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): In kidney diseases, cells die because the kidney produces less erythropoietin (a hormone crucial for stimulating bone marrow to produce RBCs). 
• Autoimmune Disorders: Immune system disease in cats leads the body to destroy red blood cells. The condition is commonly secondary because of an underlying toxin or disease that alters the surface of red blood cells. 
• Blood Loss: Any vital injury can lead to internal or external blood loss, causing anemia. Bleeding eventually reduces the amount of iron in the body, where the bone marrow becomes unable to produce new red blood cells. 
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients vitamin B12, iron, and folate can lead to low red blood cell. Thus, it leads to issues like anemia and other health issues. 
• Reproduction: Certain conditions during pregnancy can lead to loss of red blood cells in cats. Apparently, it can also lead to anemia in kittens in case the mother has antibodies against the kitten’s RBCs. 

Note:

In order to manage red blood cells in pregnant cats, it is beneficial to provide reprocare for females. The supplement is enriched with Omega-3s, folic acid, and iron to ensure a healthy start for every litter. 

5-7 Diseases Among Cats that Reduce RBC in Cats

Lack of RBC or anemia is not a disease itself but instead an underlying condition. When you miss adding vital nutrients for cats, it can also lead to a lack of RBC and certain diseases. Some of the common diseases among cats due to low RBC are given below:

1. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) 

It is a retrovirus that generally transmits from infected cats when the transfer of saliva or nasal secretions is involved. FeLV leads to severe anemia along with other complications like fever, cancer, and other infections. It is contagious among cats, where early vaccination and detection are essential. 

Signs:

• Tired and less active cats 
• Loss of appetite and sudden weight loss
• enlarged lymph nodes along with poor coat condition 
• Pale gums

2. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

It is one of the most common conditions in older cats. As the kidney fails, they produce less erythropoietin. The reduction in erythropoietin leads to non-regenerative anemia. When this happens, cats may begin to urinate greater volumes and drink plenty of water to compensate. 

Signs:

• Increased thirst and urination 
• Decreased appetite 
• mouth ulcers, lethargy, vomiting, and depression

3. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

It is a severe, immune-mediated coronaviral disease of cats, characterized by inflammation and fluid buildup. Thus it is caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV). Thus, the virus can lead to anemia, along with other complications like fever, infections, and cancer. 

Signs:

• Loss of appetite
• Rise and fall of fever
• Lack of energy 
• Diarrhea and vomiting 

4. Hemotropic Mycoplasmosis (Formerly Haemobartonellosis)

Mycoplasma haemofelis is a gram-negative epierythrocytic parasitic bacterium that causes hemotropic mycoplasmosis and attaches to the surface of red blood cells and leads to their destruction. Thus, the immune system may further attack infected RCBs, leading to immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. 

Signs:

• Fever and dehydration
• Weight loss and reduced appetite 
• Fever, weakness, and jaundice
• Rapid breathing and heart rate 

5. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)

It is a health condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own red blood cells, leading to a severe form of anemia. AIHA can cause life-threatening conditions and often leads to cancer, infections, and autoimmune diseases. 

Signs:

• Loss of energy and lethargy
• Dark, orange, or brown-colored urine
• Enlarged spleen
• Pale gums or tissues

6. Internal or External Parasites

Whether domestic or wild cats, it is life-threatening for both to experience internal and external parasites. The common external parasites include ticks, fleas, and mites. Whereas, the internal parasites include worms like hookworms, tapeworms, and roundworms. These parasites can lead to blood loss over time, causing anemia. Parasites not only drain nutrients but also feed on blood directly.

Signs:

• Diarrhea, coughing, and vomiting
• Mucous or bloody feces
• Loss of appetite
• Potbellied appearance
• Dull coat 

7. Nutritional Deficiencies

There are several vital nutrients for cats that help prevent issues regarding low RBC. But a poor diet lacking in B vitamins, iron, and essential amino acids can impair red blood cell production. Thus, cats with unbalanced homemade or low-quality commercial diets can face nutritional deficiency that affects the growth of RBCs. Here, they need VitalBlend for all felines, a supplement designed to provide vitamins and minerals missing in the raw diet. 

Signs:

• Dull coat appearance 
• Sudden weight loss 
• Muscle weakness 
• Behavioral changes such as less active or aggressive 

Cat Foods That Increase RBC

You will find several cat health and nutrition advice on the internet, but focus on the vital nutrients for cats. Feeding the right food to your cat can significantly influence red blood cell production. Consider the diet rich in copper, iron, and B vitamins (vitamin B12 and folic acid). Such nutrients support the production of healthy RBCs. 

Provide your cat with iron-rich foods that include lean meat such as pork, turkey, beef, and chicken.  But it is essential to trim off the fat from pork products before feeding. There are also the best sources of red meat that helps in the growth of RBC like beef, poultry, shellfish, and fish. Other foods rich in iron include peas, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, lentils, and tofu. 

There are also homemade options, which include cooked liver, turkey, chicken, and a small amount of egg yolk. These vital, essential raw pet foods can be beneficial, but it is necessary to consult a vet before introducing new foods. Some of the beneficial seeds for cats include sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds. But it is important to provide the seeds in moderation and only after consulting with a veterinarian.

Role of Feline Supplements to Increase RBC

Feline supplements play a vital role in increasing red blood cells in cats. Because such supplements include several vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that manage RBC rate in the body. Particularly, they are useful in treating anemia caused by chronic illness, immune-related conditions, and poor absorption. 

Some key supplements that help to increase RBC are:

• Iron supplements: Ferrous is one of the active ingredients in the iron supplements. It also includes iron-rich tonics formulated for pets can also be effective when recommended by a vet. 
• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): For cats with nutritional deficiencies, B12 is crucial as it supports the nervous system, RBC formation, and brain function. Vets also recommend injectable supplements for quick recovery. 
• Folic Acid: Supplements rich in folic acid also support DNA synthesis and RBC formation. It also includes multivitamins for cats with anemia. 
• Amino acid blends: Some feline supplements include amino acids like L-lysine, which supports immune function and cell regeneration. Thus, a cat can have high energy and low chances of losing red blood cells. 

It is suggested to choose the supplements made specially for felines because most of the ingredients consumed by humans can be harmful for cats. Before choosing a supplement for your cat, ensure a proper full-body checkup from a vet and choose products based on the cat’s condition. There are several supplements that require daily use to show measurable effects in blood work and energy levels. 

Why Choose Supplements From Profeline?

At ProFeline we manage and determine the right product for your cat. From probiotics to reproductive care, we took the aim to provide good health and nourishment to all felines. Some essential products of ProFeline that can improve the health of both wild and domestic cats are:

• PurrBiotics—Feline Probiotic: With generations and time, the diet has also changed for both humans and animals. So, our PurrBiotics is designed to support the digestive system of modern cats. The supplement is free from corn, soy, and wheat, which provides powerful prebiotics and enzymes to combat diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. 
• VitalBlend: An innovative nutritional supplement designed to improve overall wellness for felines everywhere. It helps to balance essential vitamins and minerals missing from raw diets. Additionally, it supports overall health, strong immunity, and vitality in cats of all breeds and life stages. 
• ReproCare for Females: Taking proper care of cats in pregnancy is more than providing proper diet. There can be chances for health issues, infections, and more. With ReproCare, one can support ova development, lactation, and the overall period of pregnancy in cats. Because the supplement is enriched with omega-3s, folic acid, and iron to ensure a healthy start. 
• ReproBoost for Males: The male feline fertility is as important as female feline fertility. For example, male cats can have issues with libido and sperm production, as well as congenital defects. To prevent male cats or felines from such issues, ReproBoost is an effective supplement. It is enriched with nutrients like taurine and L-carnitine and supports sperm quality, motility, and reproductive health in domestic and wild cats. 

Conclusion

Red blood cells are an essential part of feline health. Lack of RBC means diverse health issues like anemia, kidney issues, and more. Different iron supplements for cats can help manage issues regarding lack of RBC. Whether it is about supporting reproductive health or balanced nutrition, proper supplements can be a good option to ensure cats remain healthy through every life stage. Therefore, consider a right diet that is enriched with vitamins and minerals required to maintain the overall well-being of felines.

FAQs

1. How do you treat low red blood cells in cats?

One of the best ways to treat red blood cells in cats is providing iron-rich foods such as lean meat, fish, tuna, and organ meats. You can also consider supplements like VitalBlend that helps to balance vitamins and minerals missing in the diet. Also consider treatments such as deworming medications, corticosteroids, etc. 

2. Can a cat recover from anemia?

Yes, cats with mild anemia can recover faster with a proper diet that includes iron-rich ingredients. Consider a small amount of eggs, beef, pork, turkey, fish and more that are rich in iron and omega-3s. Or consider supplements that include all the vitamins and minerals that are missing from the raw diet. 

3. How do you treat high red blood cells in cats?

You can treat the high red blood cells in a cat either naturally or through medicine. To manage the rise in RBC naturally, consider proper hydration, a balanced high-quality diet, natural anti-inflammatory, and a focus on stress reduction. The medical approach includes phlebotomy, which places an IV catheter to remove a certain volume of blood and replace the blood with IV fluids to dilute the blood cell concentration. 

4. What can I feed my cat to increase hemoglobin?

Focus on adding iron-rich foods to your cat’s diet. Whether it is a wild cat or domestic cat, iron-rich foods like lean meat such as turkey, beef, pork, and chicken can be beneficial to enhance hemoglobin. Also add some supplements to your cat’s diet that include vitamins and minerals for a proper balanced diet.  

5. When to worry about cat lethargy?

You might notice there is an abnormal decrease in the cat’s activity levels and alertness. They might have issues like difficulty in breathing and frequent vomiting. There can be several reasons for lethargy, like anemia, pain, injury, heart disease, and more. It is better to consult a vet to find the actual reason before jumping to the conclusion.