Autoimmune hemolytic anemia in cats (AIHA) is a condition where the red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are made.

There are various causes of anaemia in cats, as in anyone. Common ones include:

• blood loss
• a problem in the bone marrow
• an inadequate diet

Without the necessary red blood cells, there is an inadequate supply of oxygen to the body. So it can be a serious condition, either acutely (say from a loss of blood), or chronically from a problem in the bone marrow.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is also known as feline immune mediated hemolytic anemia in cats (IMHA).

Generally, any autoimmune condition can be triggered by toxins, by veterinary drugs (including the injectable drugs) and by a non-nutritious diet (so common today).

There are two types of toxins. One is the normal metabolic waste from digestion, living and breathing. This is normal and natural. The body can handle this perfectly well.

The other is the external toxins, ones that are alien to the body, such as the veterinary drugs. These are difficult for the body to expel and they can build up. That means the ongoing problem worsens over time.

Toxins also abound in commercial cat food. It's full of chemical preservatives and chemical copy-cats of nutrients.

This food, if you can call it that, is not only toxic but nutrient bankrupt.

How on earth is your cat meant to be healthy on all that?

Other toxins can be in the environment – fluoride in the water, chemicals (especially fire retardant chemicals) in the furnishings, chemicals in air fresheners and cleaning products, chemicals in the garden.

That's a good area to start to improve, for everyone's health.

The common symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anaemia in cats include:

• pale or yellowish gums
• excess thirst and urination
• weakness and fatigue
• loss of appetite

• vomiting
• swollen glands

Many of these symptoms also occur in many other conditions. They are not isolated to this. What they do tell us is that the cat is struggling with their health and action is needed. 

Often, these issues will not have an immediate effect, so you, or your vet don't make a connection.

However, the gradual accumulation of toxins wears down the immune system allowing disease to take a hold. The disease can be anything, but is usually linked to the cats predisposition or genetic make up or to something that is prevalent in your area.

The disease is NOT the problem. It is purely the effect of an underlying disharmony caused by a burden of toxins and poor nutrition. And this lowers the effect of the immune system.

The veterinary approach is to add in immune suppressive drugs. These may hide the problem from view. But inside, the problems is getting worse.

As you aren't addressing the cause, as you are adding in more chemicals to your cat's already overburdened body, how could they not worsen?

A far better, more effective, faster and more gentler approach is to change the diet to a healthy, quality, natural, species-specific one that will automatically start improving your cat’s immune system.

Depending on how long your cat has been on the drugs, this may be the complete solution. It's amazing how your cat can rally from any health issue, simply by changing the diet to the one they evolved on.

For those who have had this condition for an extended period of time, the diet may not be the complete answer. It is however, essential.

Consulting with a homeopath can complete the cure.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia in cats, along with every known (and unknown) disease can be treated this way. This way ensures your cat’s immune system remains strong enough to repel unwanted pathogens. 

It's how they are in the wild. It's how life should be.