Feline haemoplasma infections cause haemolytic anaemia in cats, with clinical disease often triggered by concurrent illness or stress in previously exposed animals.
Feline infectious anaemia causes acute haemolytic crises that are life-threatening without prompt treatment. Affected cats collapse from acute anaemia, become cold and unresponsive, and may require blood transfusions to survive. The welfare impact of acute haemoplasmosis is severe and rapid - cats that appear normal can deteriorate to critical condition within hours. Cats with concurrent FIV or FeLV infection are particularly vulnerable because their impaired immune response cannot limit parasite replication. Flea control prevents transmission and is therefore a primary welfare preventive measure.