Pet Blood Bank UK has officially launched the UK’s first national cat blood donation service following approval from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), marking a major milestone for feline emergency and critical care.
The charity, which has provided a national canine blood banking service since 2007, says the new initiative will help address the long-standing shortage of feline blood products, giving veterinary teams faster access to lifesaving transfusions for cats requiring emergency treatment following trauma, surgery, severe anaemia or other serious illnesses. Until now, access to feline blood has largely relied on local donor registers or practices finding suitable donors at short notice.
Pet Blood Bank UK is now inviting owners to register suitable feline donors as it begins building a nationwide network. Eligible cats must be healthy, between one and eight years of age, weigh at least 4.5kg, and be confident and comfortable being handled.
Unlike what many people expect, cats will donate while fully conscious in a calm, quiet environment with their owner present throughout. The charity says donor welfare is its highest priority, with appointments designed to minimise stress and each donor receiving a health check at every visit, an annual heart scan, and ongoing monitoring.
Wendy Barnett, Clinical Director of Pet Blood Bank UK, said:
“We know how much a dedicated service for cats is needed, having heard that message clearly from vets over many years. We are absolutely delighted that we can now say it is happening.
“This has been a long time in the making, and we’re incredibly proud to be taking this next step to support cats, their owners, and the vet teams who take care of them.”
Pet Blood Bank UK hopes the new service will provide veterinary practices across the country with a reliable, welfare-focused supply of feline blood products, improving access to lifesaving transfusions when every minute counts.
