Do Cats Have Blood Types
📝 Summary
Like humans, cats have blood types — but no type O. Cat blood is mainly A, B and AB. A is most common, B rarer, AB rarest.
1 Overview
Cat Blood Types
Determined by genes, usually one gene pair. About 95% of house cats are type A; some breeds (Exotic Shorthair, British Shorthair, Persian) have higher type B.
Mainly A, B or AB. For AB-specific, other types have congenital antibodies. Knowing blood type matters: unlike dogs, cats have antibodies against ‘non-self’ red cells causing fatal immune reaction. So cats can’t receive different-type blood.
Before any transfusion, blood type is vital. Incompatibility causes fatal acute hemolysis, especially giving A blood to a B cat. Anti-B antibodies in A blood are weaker, causing mild reaction.
But type B has strong anti-A antibodies causing strong reaction. Even 1 ml of A blood can cause severe, possibly fatal reaction in a B cat.
Why Know Blood Type
Remember, blood typing matters not only before transfusion but also for breeding.
If an A cat mates a B cat, neonatal erythrocyte generation or hemolysis may occur.
When a type B queen births type A or AB kittens and nurses them, breast milk likely contains anti-A antibodies causing severe hemolysis in kittens.
Severe hemolytic anemia has no obvious signs, only subtle ones like hemoglobinuria and jaundice. So check parents’ types before breeding.
How to Prepare for Routine Blood Draw
● Fast — if possible, no food ~6 hours before; clears lipemia (fat droplets after meals) that interferes with tests.
● Adequate water — important in warm weather; even mild dehydration changes results.
● Avoid exercise/play before visit — activity changes results.
If nervous/fearful, hard; tips to ease:
● Dogs: keep leashed to reduce fright from other animals in waiting room.
● Cats: put in carrier with blanket/toy for safety, removing escape risk.
● Handle calmly and quietly; soothing voice distracts and reduces anxiety.
How to Test Cat Blood Type
Labs and clinics use various methods: card tests or immunochromatography. Or send blood/swab to a genetics lab to find gene makeup.
Two methods to identify: PCR with antigen-specific primers and rapid kits. Clinics most use rapid kits — cost-effective and quick.
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