Feline infectious anemia, caused by Mycoplasma haemofelis, is a tick-transmitted bacterial disease destroying red blood cells and causing life-threatening anemia in cats.
Affected cats experience profound fatigue and breathlessness from severe anemia. The rapid destruction of red blood cells creates a physiological crisis that is frightening and debilitating. Without treatment, cats can die within days. Even with treatment, recovery requires weeks of supportive care. Prevention through rigorous flea and tick control is far preferable to managing an active infection.