Companion Animals

Feline Haemoplasmosis: Welfare and Management

Feline haemoplasmosis, caused by Mycoplasma haemofelis and related organisms, causes haemolytic anaemia in cats with significant welfare impacts requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Key Facts

Mycoplasma haemofelis is the most pathogenic feline haemoplasma, causing acute haemolytic anaemia
Transmission is via blood-sucking ectoparasites including fleas and possibly biting flies
FIV-positive cats are at higher risk of severe disease from haemoplasma infection
Diagnosis requires PCR testing as the organism is difficult to identify reliably on blood smear

Welfare Considerations

Haemoplasmosis causes acute anaemia leading to weakness, pallor, jaundice and reduced oxygen delivery to tissues. Severely affected cats require blood transfusion and are critically ill. Welfare priorities include ectoparasite control to prevent infection, prompt diagnosis by PCR in cats showing acute anaemia, doxycycline treatment for at least 6 weeks, and supportive care including blood transfusion in severe cases.

What You Can Do

Maintain effective flea control year-round to reduce haemoplasma transmission risk
Request PCR testing for haemoplasma in cats showing unexplained anaemia
Follow full doxycycline treatment course as directed by your vet
Keep cats indoors or in secure enclosures to reduce exposure to ectoparasite vectors