Can Cats Become Anemic From Fleas?

The most noticeable symptoms of anemia are listlessness, loss of appetite, weight loss, dark, sticky stools, rapid breathing and pulse, and sleeping more than usual. Cats who are heavily infested with fleas scratch frequently and bite at their skin to alleviate itching from flea bites. Fleas will also be visible in the fur close to the skin.

Elderly cats, kittens or cats who are sick are more at risk for developing anemia if infested with fleas. Because their immune systems are weakened (or, in the case of kittens, underdeveloped), they are more susceptible to the effects of blood loss from flea bites. Cats who have suffered a severe injury resulting in blood loss, or cats that have recently undergone surgery and required a blood transfusion, are also at greater risk of developing flea anemia.

If you think your cat has become anemic from fleas, take it to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will be able to diagnose whether your cat is anemic and the probable cause of his condition. Your vet will recommend the best actions to take to treat your cat's problem and prevent its recurrence.

The best way to prevent flea anemia is to give your cat regular flea prevention medication, such as Advantix or Hartz. For kittens too young to receive flea medication, keep them indoors and out of contact with animals who go outside regularly. Feeding your cat an iron-rich, meat-based diet is the second most important measure you can take to prevent flea anemia. You can also choose to supplement your cat's diet with B vitamins from sources such as brewer's yeast.