CATS · Condition guide
Feline haemoplasmosis: real veterinary cases
Feline haemoplasmosis (historically called feline infectious anaemia) is caused by Mycoplasma species — Mycoplasma haemofelis is the most pathogenic — that attach to red blood cells and trigger the immune system to destroy them. The result is regenerative haemolytic anaemia, often severe, with pale gums, lethargy, weakness, jaundice, and sometimes fever. Outdoor cats, FIV/FeLV-positive cats, and young male cats are at highest risk; transmission is thought to involve fleas and cat bites.
Diagnosis is by PCR on whole blood — far more sensitive than the old blood-smear method (organisms detach during slide prep). Treatment is doxycycline (often 4-6 weeks), supportive care (fluids, transfusion if PCV is critically low), and addressing co-infections (FeLV/FIV). Most cats respond well, but a chronic carrier state can persist and flare under stress.
What vets typically check for
- CBC — regenerative anaemia (low PCV, reticulocytes up), often with autoagglutination.
- Blood smear — Mycoplasma sometimes visible but PCR is far more sensitive.
- PCR on whole blood for M. haemofelis, M. haemominutum, M. turicensis.
- FeLV/FIV testing — co-infection is common and worsens prognosis.
- Doxycycline 5 mg/kg PO q12h for 2-4 weeks, with food to avoid oesophagitis.
Not a replacement for veterinary care. Use this to walk into the conversation prepared, not to self-diagnose.
Real cases from the veterinary literature
Peer-reviewed reports our semantic search surfaces for Feline haemoplasmosis (Mycoplasma anaemia). Click into any case for the full abstract — or run a personalised search with your pet's exact details.
- Molecular Diagnosis of Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ in Domestic Feline: A Case Report
Advances in Research · 2024 · United States
This case report discusses a domestic cat that was diagnosed with infections caused by two types of bacteria called Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum.' These bacteria can attach to red blood cells and lead to a condition known as feline mycoplasmosis, which can cause anemia (a low red blood cell count). The cat showed signs like pale gums and swollen
- Haemoplasmosis in cats: European guidelines from the ABCD on prevention and management.
Journal of feline medicine and surgery · 2018 · United States
Haemoplasmosis is an infection caused by certain bacteria that can lead to anemia in cats. The most harmful type for cats is called Mycoplasma haemofelis, while two others, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, are less dangerous but can still cause illness, especially in cats with weakened immune systems. Male, mixed-breed cats that go outsid
- Haemoplasmosis in A Hypoalbuminemic Cat: A Case Report
Jurnal Medik Veteriner · 2023 · ID
A cat was diagnosed with a bacterial infection called haemoplasmosis, which affects red blood cells. This cat, who had low protein levels in the blood, showed signs like eating less than usual, eye irritation, and weakness. A blood test confirmed the presence of the bacteria, and the cat also had some skin parasites. The treatment involved giving a medication called Oxytetracyc
- Update on Feline Hemoplasmosis.
The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice · 2019 · United Kingdom
Feline hemoplasmosis is an infection caused by certain types of bacteria that can lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia, where the cat's red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made. Different species of these bacteria can infect cats, and some cats can carry the infection without showing symptoms. If a cat is diagnosed with this infection, veterinarians can
- Haemoplasmas: lessons learnt from cats.
New Zealand veterinary journal · 2013 · United Kingdom
Haemoplasmas are a type of bacteria that can cause anemia, which is a low red blood cell count, in cats and other mammals. There are different types of haemoplasmas, with Mycoplasma haemofelis being the most harmful and capable of causing severe anemia, while others like Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis are less likely to cause noticeable
Frequently asked questions
- How does my indoor cat catch it?
- Mostly through fleas (which is why year-round flea prevention matters even for indoor cats) or, less commonly, through aggressive contact with infected cats. Blood transfusions can also transmit it if donor cats aren't screened. Direct PCR screening of donor blood is standard at most clinics.
- Is it dangerous to my other cats?
- It can spread between cats via fleas or bite wounds. Treating affected cats, strict flea control, and avoiding direct cat-to-cat blood contact (preventing fighting) minimises spread.
- Does treatment cure it?
- Doxycycline resolves clinical disease in most cats, but some become latent carriers and can relapse during immunosuppression. Long-term, treated cats usually do well; severely anaemic cases may need transfusion to survive the acute phase.