Feline AB Blood Typing Kit is a 10min lateral flow rapid test kit for the quick typing of feline blood type A, B and AB. It is based on immunochromatographic assay and it is quick and reliable. The detection time is 10min, and only one drop of blood is needed for testing.
Cats have three main blood types: A, B, and AB. Type A is the most common, with an estimated 94 to 99 percent of all domestic cats having it coursing through their veins. Type B is the second most common, and is usually found in exotic purebreds, if even then. The most rare is AB.
Feline blood groups are determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens (proteins or sugars) found on the red blood cell membrane. The A-allele is dominant over the b-allele so that cats with genotypes A/A and A/b will be type-A, while only the homozygous b/b will have the type-B phenotype. A third type, AB, occurs rarely and expresses both the A and B antigens.
VIDEO - Feline AB Blood Typing Kit
Cats that are given the wrong type of blood can have allergic reactions that can result in a very mild reaction to a severe, life-threatening crisis. The most significant reactions are seen when a B type cat is given A blood due to the higher rate of antibodies to A blood. This can cause hemolysis, which is the destruction of the red blood cells shortly after they are given. Therefore, it is very important to determine the cat’s blood type and perform a crossmatching test before a blood transfusion can be safely provided.
A cat having an allergic reaction to blood transfusion may show different symptoms depending on the type and severity of the reaction. Some common symptoms are:
These symptoms may occur immediately or within a few days after the transfusion. If you notice any of these signs in your cat, contact your veterinarian immediately.