Feline blood donations offer new lease on nine lives for rescue cat
By Abigail Kurten
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AMES, Iowa (KCCI) — A Warren County cat rescue is crediting Iowa State University’s feline blood donor program with saving the life of one of its residents, Fawn.
Fawn, a mother to three kittens named Bobble, Rosetta, and Vidia, was in critical condition roughly a month ago.
“It was a life-or-death situation,” said Corissa Arndt, President of nonprofit Whiskers TNR. “Her hemoglobin was really low. She was breathing pretty rapidly, and she had a really high temperature.”
Less than a week into her stay at the rescue, Fawn’s condition worsened, prompting a visit to Iowa State’s Small Animal Hospital. It was there Dr. April Blong realized the severity of the problem.
After performing an exploratory surgery, she and her team discovered a free-floating grass awn in Fawn’s abdomen.
“We determined that she had something called septic peritonitis,” Dr. Blong told KCCI. “Which is a very serious and life-threatening condition.”
Fawn underwent blood transfusions and surgery, with a 50-50 chance of survival. Thanks to the blood transfusion, she recovered.
But the blood that saved Fawn’s life isn’t always easy to get, even with a designated feline blood donor program. Due to a dog’s size and general demeanor, dog blood is a lot easier to get than cat blood.
“There is a national shortage of canine and feline blood products, and it’s getting harder and harder to order them and source them in a timely manner. A lot of times, it’s weeks from the date we order a product to when we can receive it,” she said.
Through Iowa State’s feline blood donor program, eligible cats can donate blood approximately every eight weeks. Currently, two rescue cats live on-site, regularly donating blood products when they can.
Blong hopes to see that number rise to six, alongside more community donations.
“I can’t stress how big the need is, whether it’s here, whether it’s another clinic, the need is out there.” Dr. Blong said.
If you’re interested in enrolling your cat in the blood donor program, you can find eligibility requirements here. It’s important to note: Iowa State does not accept one-time feline blood donations due to how quickly cat blood deteriorates, even when refrigerated.
Whiskers TNR is also seeking help from the community after Fawn’s emergency surgery.
“We lose money on every adoption,” Arndt explained. “She’s going to be adopted for $100. Her care was over $10,000.”
Whiskers TNR is hosting its annual fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 14. You can also financially foster a cat here.
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