Cat blood types matter more than most pet owners realize, especially in emergencies or breeding situations. Understanding the basics helps you protect your cat from preventable, sometimes life‑threatening complications.
Core blood types in cats
- Cats have three major blood types: A, B, and AB.
- Type A is the most common in the general cat population.
- Type B is less common overall but more frequent in certain pedigree breeds.
- Type AB is rare across all breeds.
- Cats also have no universal donor type, unlike humans.
Why blood type matters
Safe blood transfusions
- Cats naturally have antibodies against blood types they don’t have.
- A mismatched transfusion can cause severe, even fatal, reactions, especially if a Type B cat receives Type A blood.
- Because of this, every cat must be blood‑typed before a transfusion, and crossmatching is often performed to double‑check compatibility.
Breeding considerations
- Blood type incompatibility between a queen and her kittens can cause neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI)—a condition where antibodies in the mother’s colostrum destroy the kittens’ red blood cells.
- This occurs when a Type B queen nurses Type A or AB kittens.
- Responsible breeders test blood types to prevent NI by choosing compatible mates or managing early feeding.
How to find out your cat’s blood type
- A veterinarian can determine your cat’s blood type through a simple blood test.
- Testing is recommended before any planned surgery, before breeding, or if your cat has a condition that may require transfusion.
What pet owners should take away
- Knowing your cat’s blood type can be lifesaving in emergencies.
- It’s especially important for owners of pedigree breeds where Type B is more common.
- If you adopt or breed cats, blood typing is a smart, proactive part of their healthcare.
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