Cat blood types

Just like people, cats have different blood types, and when a cat needs a transfusion, receiving the right blood type is absolutely critical. Cats are born with naturally occurring antibodies against the blood type they don’t have. This means that a transfusion of the wrong blood type can trigger a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction.

Which is why we need as many cats as possible to come along and donate, so we can ensure we always have enough of every blood type in stock and available for any cat that needs a lifesaving transfusion.

Cats have three blood types:

• Type A – this is the most common
• Type B – less common
• Type AB – this is the rarest

Your cat will be blood typed as part of their first donation appointment, and we will invite them back based on this and our current stock levels. Cats can donate blood every eight weeks and we manage our service very carefully by blood type. Therefore, depending on your cat’s blood type, you will be invited to attend sessions between one and seven times a year. Your cat’s welfare is always our priority and we will only ever ask them to donate when we know their blood type is needed.