Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Welfare and Immune-Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia

Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) causes severe welfare harm in cats. Early diagnosis and immunosuppressive treatment can be life-saving.

Key Facts

IMHA occurs when the immune system destroys red blood cells
Causes include infectious disease, drugs, neoplasia, or idiopathic immune dysregulation
Severe anaemia causes weakness, pallor, rapid breathing, and collapse
Immunosuppressive treatment including prednisolone is the mainstay of therapy
Supportive care including blood transfusion may be life-saving in acute cases

Welfare Considerations

IMHA causes acute, severe welfare harm and can be rapidly fatal without treatment. Early recognition of pale gums, weakness, and lethargy enables life-saving intervention.

What You Can Do

Learn to check your cat's gum colour as an indicator of anaemia
Seek emergency veterinary care for cats showing weakness, pale gums, or rapid breathing
Work closely with your vet during IMHA treatment and monitoring
Follow through with full immunosuppressive treatment courses to prevent relapse