Pancytopenia in Cats: Signs and Symptoms

On the 16th of June 2021, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) issued a statement that they were investigating the sudden rise in the number of cases of cats with Pancytopenia. Consequentially a number of well-known dry food brands were recalled by the Food Standard Agency as part of the RVC investigation.

Last updated – Monday 21st June 2021

The RVC is aware of 278 cats that are known to us based on cases treated at our own hospitals and information provided by some vets in the UK. 

Of these there was 70.2% mortality at time of reporting. 

What is Pancytopenia?

Pancytopenia is a rare condition where the cats’ blood cells (red, white, and platelets), rapidly decrease.

In a healthy cat the red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. White blood cells fight infections and support the immune system. And platelets help stop bleeds by forming clots. When the production of these cells decreases the results can often be fatal.

What causes Pancytopenia in cats?

According to MyFamilyVets.co.uk

‘Feline pancytopenia can be caused by lots of different factors including drugs, toxins, infectious diseases, immune-mediated and primary bone marrow disorders.’

However, due to the sudden increase in cases, the RVC is carrying out a survey for vets to complete. It’s hoped that they will be able to identify the common link and possible cause.

Wednesday 16th June 2021 – A spokesperson for the RVC said:

“We can confirm that we are aware of a series of cases of fatal pancytopenia in cats in the UK.

“After noticing an increase in cats presenting with pancytopenia (a severe reduction in all major types of blood cells) in May, we have been gathering data from UK vets from these affected cats. Based on the evidence to date, the one aspect of these cases that formed a consistent pattern was the diet of the affected individuals.

“We are currently aware of more than 130 affected cats, and have information relating to the diet in approximately 80 per cent of cases reported. From the data shared, most cats show some non-specific signs for around two days before being seen by a vet. Common signs include lethargy and loss of appetite, although in some cases there are signs of spontaneous bleeding or bruising. We encourage owners to contact their veterinary practice if they are worried that their cat may be affected.

“Given this apparent association with diet, we welcome the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) product recall notice. While we have not definitively established diet as the cause of pancytopenia in these cats, we are continuing to liaise with the pet food industry and regulatory bodies to investigate the matter and identify the possible underlying causes of this extremely serious condition.

“To further support these efforts, we are encouraging vets who have seen these cases to complete our survey (https://rvc.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/pancytopenia).” 

What are the symptoms of Panceytopenia?

Cats have a special ability to hide symptoms. Maybe it’s down to their wild background but they rarely show signs of weakness. Usually, by the time they do start to show symptoms, it’s often too late. As cat owners, it’s really important to tune into your cat so that you can pick up any slight changes in behaviour. I closely monitor all the cats in my care throughout the day so that I can act quickly if something doesn’t seem quite right.

If you’re concerned about your cat take them to the vets for a check-up or blood test. The sooner a cat is treated the better chance they have. Owners of cats with Pancytopenia have described symptoms as:

• The cat seems ‘off’, not themselves/off balance/weak – you know your cats better than anyone. If something doesn’t seem right get them checked.
• Lethargic, little or no energy – The PDSA has more information about lethargy in cats
• Loss of appetite – Cats can be fussy when it comes to food but there’s a difference between being fussy and off their food. Pet-GP.co.uk has more info
• Pale gums/nose/paw pads/tissue around the eyes and eyelids– I’m using this as a guide from VetWest.com.au about gum health
• Bleeding from the gums, nose, eyes, mouth anus or vagina
• Blood in the poo or wee – see the PDSA’s leaflet
• Blood in the vomit – PETMd explains the different types
• Unexplained bruising
• Repeated or severe infections
• Fever
• Sickness and vomiting
• Bad breath
• Collapse

Which cat food has been recalled?

Fold Hill Farm has recalled several of the dry cat foods they manufacture as a precaution whilst the investigation is underway. These foods include AVA, Applaws, and Sainsbury’s dry foods. A full list of foods can be found here.

Fold Hill Farm released a statement on 16th June 2021 https://www.foldhill.co.uk/recall-statement-from-fold-hill-foods-ltd/

It is worth noting that the site number Fold Hill Farm uses on their products GB218E5009 can also be found on a number of other cat food brands that they manufacture.

Although there has been no official recall by Fold Hill Farm, Wilko has voluntarily recalled their cat food – which is manufactured at site number GB218E5009.

Lidl’s own brand cat food, Coshida, also has the site code GB218E5009, as does Seriously Good Bistro, Purely Holistic.

What should I do if my cats are eating one of the foods on the recall list?

Stop immediately. My own cats have the Applaws 7.5kg bag of Chicken which has been since recalled. As soon as I found out the news I stopped feeding immediatley. Although they’ve been eating from tat bag since April I’m not taking any risks and have swapped over to a different brand.

What dry food is safe to feed my cats?

If you’re worried about what to feed your cat now I would avoid anything with the site number GB218E5009 just to be on the safe side. Anything with the code GB218E5009 means that the site is Fold Hill Farm, Boston. Fold Hill Farm does have another production site in Aintree, Liverpool although that comes under a different site number.

From what I can find the following brands are not manufactured at the Fold Hill Farm, Boston site:

• Whiskas – made by Mars Petcare
• James Wellbeloved – made by James Wellbeloved
• Perfect Fit – made by Mars Petcare
• Felix – made by Purina
• Beyond (Grain free) – made by Purina
• Go Cat – made by Purina
• Purina One and Pro-Plan – made by Purina
• Iams and Eukanuba – made by Spectrum Brands
• Hills Pet Nutrition – made by Colgate Palmolive

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