Feline Anemia Symptoms

[margotb822]

I am wondering if anyone knows the symptoms of feline anemia. I had a kitten when I was younger who had to be put down because of the condition. I remember that she was very small and, towards the end, very lethargic. Well, now I have a male kitten who is very small and it's making me paranoid that he might have the same condition. He was neutered by the shelter at approximately 5 weeks, which I thought was too you, and I attribute some of his small size to that.

Does anyone know any other symptoms of the condition? Is there a test and/or a treatment available?

Here's a pic, just so you can see how cute he is (he's a few months older now, but still as cute):

[Contrary1]

1. These sites have some info:

http://www.howtodothings.com/pets-and-animals/a2651-how-to-identify-and-treat-feline-anemia.html

http://www.catchannel.com/vetlibrary/article_16124.aspx

[sammythecat]

2. Just Google "feline anemia"

Look at his gums. They should be a nice healthy looking reddish pink. If they're pale, he should see a vet.

Cute little guy. I hope he's alright.

One other thing. If he's not eating, spoil him with whatever he likes. It's important that he eats. Last year I almost lost a cat that had anemia type symptoms. He'd lay there for hours without moving and his gums were more white than pink. The vet couldn't give a diagnosis but gave him prednisone to stimulate his appetite. That helped and I gave him tuna and sliced roast beef that I'd tear up in small pieces. He especially liked the juice in the cans of tuna. After I'd give him the juice I'd put a ounce or so of water back in the can for next time. Take a spoon and squeeze the tuna so the water has flavor. If you do use tuna don't get tuna in oil. Get tuna in water. Just try to do whatever it takes to keep him hydrated and eating. Good luck to both of you.

Forgot something I should have said. If he's eating a good quality cat food already, then I'd stick with that because it's designed with all the proper nutrients. I had to go the gourmet route because he wasn't eating the regular stuff.

[distantearlywarning]

3. I had a cat with that problem.

He had hemobartonella, which manifested several times during his lifetime. During those times he was often lethargic and weak. Once when he was particularly bad, he was dizzy and wobbling (we had to rush him to the ER vet, where they saved his life). He also refused to eat when he was anemic, which was the worst thing for him to do to himself. We had to force-feed him sometimes.