Many people know that humans have different blood types such as A, B, AB, and O, but cats also have their own blood type system. While similar in concept, it works a bit differently — and mismatching blood types in cats can have life-threatening consequences.
The Feline Blood Type System
Cats have three main blood groups: A, B, and AB.
• Type A – The most common worldwide, especially in the U.S. and Europe.
• Type B – Less common, but found in certain breeds like British Shorthair, Devon Rex, and Cornish Rex.
• Type AB – Extremely rare, and considered a universal recipient but not a universal donor.
Unlike humans, cats do not have an Rh factor (positive or negative).
Why Blood Type Matters in Cats
The key difference between cats and humans is that cats are born with strong natural antibodies against other blood types. This means:
• A cat with Type B blood has powerful anti-A antibodies.
• If a Type B cat receives Type A blood, the antibodies will instantly attack and destroy the donor’s red blood cells.
• This reaction is called acute hemolysis, where the red blood cells rupture inside the bloodstream.
The result can be immediate and severe: rapid heartbeat, breathing difficulty, fever, vomiting, dark urine, and in some cases, death within hours.
Comparison to Humans
Humans also need compatible blood for transfusions, but the reaction in cats is often more violent and sudden because of the strong natural antibodies they carry. That’s why veterinarians always perform blood typing and cross-matching before any feline transfusion.
⸻
⚠️ In short: yes, cats do have blood types — and giving the wrong type of blood can be as dangerous as mixing acid and base in a test tube.
No comments:
Post a Comment