Earlier this month, Spunky—a petite adult cat with electric green eyes—arrived at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH) in dire straits. He had a case of life-threatening anemia; his red blood cell count was perilously low. The culprit? A diminutive, often underestimated insect—the flea.

Spunky was severely infested with the tiny, leaping parasites that thrive in humid environments and feed on the blood of cats and dogs. Fleas can consume 15 times their own body weight and cause a significant amount of blood loss in their furry hosts. Over time, this blood loss can lead to a medical emergency like the one facing Spunky, who needed immediate blood transfusions. Thanks to the ASPCA’s fully stocked feline blood bank, this ailing kitty received two transfusions, which helped restore his red blood cells to healthy levels.

Since 2004, Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital has sponsored a feline donor program to ensure a dependable supply of blood for weekly transfusions like Spunky’s. Last year the hospital administered transfusions for 183 cats and dogs. While most animal hospitals depend on commercial blood banks, the ASPCA recruits kitty donors to maintain its own thoroughly vetted supply. According to Michelle Falcon, Senior Administrator to the Director of Medicine and founder of the ASPCA’s feline donor program, approximately six to 12 cats give blood up to several times each year.

“When a client expresses interest, we check to see if the animal meets certain requirements,” Falcon says. “A cat must be healthy, between the ages of one and eight and weigh at least ten pounds.” At present the hospital’s donor program only includes cats. Since dogs are routinely exposed to infectious agents outdoors, it’s much more expensive to maintain a healthy supply of canine blood. For its doggie needs, the ASPCA still purchases blood from a larger commercial bank.

Spunky has recovered from his brave battle of the bug, and no doubt, owes his life in part to the attentive vets at the ASPCA. But more than an ounce of gratitude is also due to the many selfless cats who’ve donated blood to save their feline brothers and sisters.

For more information about the ASPCA’s feline donor program or to volunteer your kitty’s services, please contact Michelle Falcon at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4324.

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