Five-minute blood donation helps save a cat’s life

When a cat needed an emergency blood transfusion following brain surgery, his veterinary team sprang into action to find a compatible donor. Within four hours, a suitable donor cat was identified, screened, and gave blood to help the seriously ill patient.

Patient in need

Frank, a Domestic shorthair cat, was referred to the Hospital for Small Animals with severe neurological signs. A scan confirmed that Frank had a large brain tumour that was pushing on his normal brain tissue. Emergency surgery was required to remove the tumour and provide the seven-year-old cat with a chance of survival. Specialist neurosurgeons operated to remove the tumour, but the next day, Frank’s recovery faltered.

Frank developed cardiovascular distress due to blood loss during surgery. With a racing heart and low blood pressure, he urgently needed a blood transfusion.

Emergency search

In the UK, feline blood products are not readily available as cat blood is difficult to store. The Hospital therefore maintains a small list of local donor cats that can help in an emergency. 

Lindsey Ashburner, one of the Hospital’s Emergency and Critical Care veterinary nurses, began contacting owners of cats on the list to find a donor with the same blood type as Frank. 

Donor found

One cat was able to help: Max, a one-year-old Maine Coon. After screening checks, Max donated 35ml of blood—around half an egg cup full.

To keep the experience calm and comfortable, Max was given a light sedative, and numbing cream was applied at the collection site. The blood donation procedure took around five minutes, and Max remained calm and relaxed throughout

Frank showed immediate improvement after receiving Max’s donation and was discharged seven days later. A recent check-up confirmed that Frank continues to recover well. 

Max’s owners couldn’t be prouder of him for donating blood and helping to save another cat’s life. 

Can you help?

Max and Frank’s story highlights how a small blood transfusion can be life-saving for a critically ill cat. The Hospital is looking for healthy cats with a range of blood groups to join their donor list and help future feline patients.   

Donors can be indoor or outdoor cats, between 1–8 years old, and should weigh over 4kg. They should not have travelled outside the UK or be on any medication, and should be up to date with their vaccinations and parasite control. Importantly, donor cats should be relaxed in a hospital setting and able to travel to the Hospital at short notice. 

If you think your cat could be a suitable blood donor, please email hfsablooddonors@ed.ac.uk.