Pet Blood Bank UK launches national cat blood donation service

PET Blood Bank UK has received official approval from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to launch the UK’s first national cat blood donation service.

Its creation marks a significant milestone for the millions of cats across the UK who may one day need a lifesaving blood transfusion.

Until now, access to cat blood products has been extremely limited, leaving vets facing a

difficult situation when a cat urgently needs a transfusion.

Vets need to find a donor cat there and then, relying on an owner being available to come in, getting a donor of the right blood type, and the cat being eligible to donate when they arrive.

This situation is very stressful and leaves cats in need of transfusions without quick and reliable access to blood.

Pet Blood Bank UK, the nation's only charity dedicated to providing a blood bank service for pets, has run a successful blood donation service for dogs since 2007.

It is determined to change this and is calling on owners of large, healthy, and confident cats to register their pets as donors.

Wendy Barnett, founder and 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."

When a cat is involved in an accident, develops a serious illness, or needs emergency

surgery, a blood transfusion can mean the difference between life and death.

Pet Blood Bank UK already supplies thousands of lifesaving blood products for dogs every year.

Cat welfare is at the heart of everything the charity does. Cats will donate consciously in a calm, quiet, and private space with their owner beside them throughout. If at any point a cat seems unhappy, the session stops.

Every donor cat receives a free health check before each donation, an annual heart scan,

food and treats throughout the session, and a goody bag to take home.

Wendy added: "We understand that coming along to a donation session will feel unfamiliar and daunting for many owners and cats.

"That’s why everything we do is built around stress reduction and making the experience a safe, comfortable, and positive one for you and your cat.

"Your cat’s welfare is always our priority, and everything we do is on their terms."

Pet Blood Bank UK is looking for confident, sociable cats who are happy being handled. To become a donor, cats need to be:

• Fit and healthy

• Between 1 and 8 years old

• Weigh 4.5kg or more

• Comfortable being handled

• Happy to travel in a carrier

Both indoor and outdoor cats are welcome. Donation sessions will be held at venues across the UK, with Pet Blood Bank UK working to ensure cat blood products will be available to vets nationwide as the service grows.

Registration is simple and there is no commitment at the point of signing up. Cat owners can find out more and register at www.petbloodbankuk.org/cats