Analysis Report

Calcium plays a crucial role in various physiological processes in cats, including bone health, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood coagulation. It is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of bones and teeth, as well as facilitating normal cellular functions and signaling pathways throughout the body. Proper calcium levels are vital for overall health and well-being, especially in older cats who may be more susceptible to metabolic changes and diseases affecting their organ systems.

The calcium level for your cat is 10.6 mg/dL, which falls within the normal reference range of 9.0-11.3 mg/dL. This indicates that her calcium metabolism is functioning appropriately at this time. Given her age of 13 years and the reported symptoms, including increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and vomiting, it is reassuring that her calcium level is normal. This suggests that there are no immediate concerns related to calcium imbalances, which can sometimes be associated with conditions like chronic kidney disease or certain cancers. However, continued monitoring and further evaluation of her other symptoms are important for her overall health management.

Potassium is a vital electrolyte in cats, playing a crucial role in maintaining cellular function, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction. It is primarily regulated by the kidneys, which excrete excess potassium to maintain homeostasis. Potassium levels are influenced by dietary intake, renal function, and hormonal regulation, particularly by aldosterone. In cats, an adequate potassium level is essential for normal muscle and heart function.

Your cat’s potassium is 3.4 mEq/L, below the laboratory reference range of 3.8–5.5 mEq/L (0.4 mEq/L below the lower limit). This is a mild hypokalemia. Even a mild deficit can contribute to muscle weakness, reduced activity and poor appetite, which may play a part in her sleeping more and no longer jumping onto the windowsill.

Low potassium is common in cats with chronic kidney disease, because the kidneys lose more potassium in the large volumes of urine. The raised creatinine (2.6 mg/dL) and BUN (44 mg/dL) fit this explanation. Eating less (lower intake) and vomiting (loss from the gut) can lower potassium as well, and hyperthyroidism can also be associated with low potassium.

If low potassium persists, muscle weakness can worsen, and in cats a long-standing potassium deficit may itself impair kidney function. In cats with kidney disease and low potassium, oral potassium supplementation (for example potassium gluconate) is a standard treatment; the dose is set by your veterinarian, and potassium is rechecked after starting it.

Sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions in cats. It is an essential electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure and is involved in the transport of nutrients and waste products across cell membranes. Proper sodium levels are vital for overall health, particularly in older cats, who may be more susceptible to imbalances due to age-related changes in kidney function and other physiological processes.

The sodium level for your cat is 152 mEq/L, which falls within the normal reference range of 149-158 mEq/L. This indicates that her sodium balance is currently normal, despite the increased thirst and urination you have reported. A normal sodium does not by itself rule out dehydration, which your veterinarian assesses during the examination.

Chloride plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s acid-base balance and fluid regulation in cats. It is an essential electrolyte that helps to control osmotic pressure and is involved in the production of gastric acid, which is important for digestion. Proper chloride levels are vital for normal cellular function and overall metabolic processes. Your cat’s chloride is 119 mEq/L, within the reference range of 111–124 mEq/L.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found mainly inside liver cells, with smaller amounts in muscle. It plays a role in amino acid metabolism by catalyzing the transfer of an amino group from alanine to alpha-ketoglutarate, forming pyruvate and glutamate. In cats, ALT is a sensitive indicator of liver-cell injury, as it leaks into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged. A raised ALT shows that liver cells are affected, but it does not measure how well the liver is working.

Your cat’s ALT is 165 U/L, above the laboratory reference range of 28–109 U/L (about 1.5 times the upper limit). This is a mild increase. Together with her weight loss, increased thirst and vomiting, the cause should be looked for, but this value on its own does not call for emergency care.

In older cats, one of the most common causes of a raised ALT is hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), which also causes weight loss, increased thirst and vomiting; a total T4 blood test checks for it. Other causes include inflammation of the liver and bile ducts (cholangitis), fat accumulation in the liver (hepatic lipidosis) when a cat eats too little, and, less often, tumours. The concurrent increases in ALP (68 U/L) and GGT (4 U/L) and the very small increase in total bilirubin (0.2 mg/dL) are consistent with a liver or biliary component, but none of these values is markedly raised.

The outlook depends on the cause. If hyperthyroidism is found, liver enzymes usually fall once it is treated. If a primary liver or biliary problem is suspected, your veterinarian may recommend bile acids testing and an abdominal ultrasound. Because she is eating less, it is important that she keeps eating enough, since prolonged poor food intake can lead to fat accumulation in the liver in cats.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in various tissues throughout the body, including the liver, bone, kidney, and intestine. In adult cats, a raised ALP usually comes from the liver and bile ducts (it increases when bile flow is impaired), but in hyperthyroid cats part of the increase comes from bone. Cats have much less liver ALP than dogs and the enzyme has a short half-life in cats (about 6 hours), so even a mild increase is considered meaningful in this species.

Your cat’s ALP is 68 U/L, above the laboratory reference range of 11–49 U/L (about 1.4 times the upper limit). This is a mild increase, but as explained above it is worth investigating in a cat.

In a 13-year-old cat with weight loss, increased thirst and vomiting, hyperthyroidism is an important cause to rule out, because raised ALT and ALP are common in hyperthyroid cats; a total T4 test checks for it. Other possible causes are liver or bile-duct disease such as cholangitis, and hepatic lipidosis (in which ALP typically rises much more than GGT). The concurrent ALT (165 U/L), GGT (4 U/L) and the very small increase in total bilirubin (0.2 mg/dL) support looking for a liver or biliary component. The slightly low albumin (3.1 g/dL) is non-specific and is discussed in its own section.

The outlook depends on the cause. If hyperthyroidism is confirmed, ALP usually falls after treatment. If a liver or biliary disease is suspected, bile acids testing and an abdominal ultrasound can help your veterinarian decide on further steps.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme primarily associated with the liver and biliary system in cats. It plays a crucial role in the transfer of amino acids and peptides across the cellular membrane and is involved in glutathione metabolism. GGT activity is high in the kidney and pancreas as well as in the bile ducts, but the GGT measured in blood comes mainly from the liver and biliary tract. In cats, GGT tends to rise more than ALP in inflammatory disease of the bile ducts and liver (cholangitis), whereas in hepatic lipidosis ALP usually rises much more than GGT, so comparing the two enzymes can help your veterinarian.

Your cat’s GGT is 4 U/L, above the laboratory reference range of 0–2 U/L. Although this is twice the upper limit, the absolute increase is small (2 U/L), so this is a mild change that should be interpreted together with the other liver values rather than on its own.

A raised GGT suggests that the bile ducts or liver are involved, for example through cholangitis or impaired bile flow. The concurrent ALT (165 U/L) and ALP (68 U/L) increases and the very small increase in total bilirubin (0.2 mg/dL) are consistent with this. The raised globulin (5.2 g/dL) can accompany chronic inflammation, including chronic cholangitis, but it has many other possible causes. GGT is raised less often than ALT and ALP in hyperthyroid cats, which is one more reason not to attribute the liver changes to the thyroid without testing.

The outlook depends on the cause. If a liver or biliary disease is suspected, bile acids testing and an abdominal ultrasound (sometimes followed by sampling of the liver or bile) are the usual next steps, and treatment is chosen once the cause is known.

Total bilirubin is a measure of the bilirubin concentration in the blood, which is a byproduct of the normal breakdown of red blood cells. In cats, bilirubin is processed by the liver, where it is conjugated and then excreted into the bile. This process is crucial for the elimination of waste products from the body. When liver function or bile flow is impaired, or when red blood cells are destroyed faster than normal (hemolysis), bilirubin accumulates in the blood; at much higher levels it causes visible yellowing (jaundice). Your cat’s total bilirubin is 0.2 mg/dL, just above the laboratory reference range of 0–0.1 mg/dL (0.1 mg/dL above the upper limit). This is a very small increase: it does not cause jaundice, and at such low values a difference of 0.1 mg/dL can partly reflect the precision of the measurement, so a repeat test is useful. If confirmed, the most relevant causes here are liver or bile-duct disease (for example cholangitis or hepatic lipidosis), because ALT (165 U/L), ALP (68 U/L) and GGT (4 U/L) are also raised. Hemolysis is less likely, because her anemia shows no sign of regeneration (reticulocytes 0.1%), whereas red-cell destruction would normally trigger a regenerative response after a few days. This result on its own does not call for emergency care; it should be reviewed together with the other liver values at the veterinary visit.

Glucose plays a crucial role in a cat’s metabolism as it serves as a primary energy source for cells, particularly in the brain and muscles. Cats, being obligate carnivores, have unique metabolic pathways that prioritize protein and fat utilization, but glucose remains essential for various physiological processes, including maintaining normal brain function and overall energy levels. In healthy cats, glucose levels are tightly regulated by hormones such as insulin and glucagon, ensuring that the body has a steady supply of energy even during fasting periods or between meals. Your cat’s glucose is 168 mg/dL, within the reference range of 71–182 mg/dL, although in its upper part. Diabetes mellitus is one of the causes of increased thirst and weight loss in older cats; this result makes it unlikely, but because stress during sampling can raise glucose in cats, a urine test for glucose (and, if needed, a fructosamine test) can confirm this.

Cholesterol plays a vital role in feline physiology, serving as a key component in cell membrane structure and function, as well as being a precursor for the synthesis of steroid hormones and bile acids. In cats, cholesterol levels can be influenced by various factors, including diet, metabolic health, and liver function, making it an important parameter to monitor, especially in senior cats or those with underlying health conditions. Your cat’s cholesterol is 288 mg/dL, within the reference range of 101–323 mg/dL.

Amylase is an enzyme produced primarily by the pancreas and plays a crucial role in the digestion of carbohydrates in cats. It helps break down starches into sugars, facilitating nutrient absorption. Amylase is also present in other tissues, and blood amylase can rise when kidney filtration is reduced. In cats, blood amylase is not a reliable test for pancreatitis; a feline-specific pancreatic lipase test (fPLI) is preferred for that purpose.

The amylase value for your cat is 1420 U/L, which falls within the reference range of 603–2183 U/L. This is a normal result, but because amylase has little diagnostic value for pancreatic disease in cats, it neither confirms nor rules out pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is suspected because of her vomiting and reduced appetite, your veterinarian may recommend an fPLI test.

Lipase is an enzyme produced primarily by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in the digestion of fats. In cats, lipase helps break down dietary fats into fatty acids and glycerol, which can then be absorbed and utilized by the body for energy and other metabolic processes. The blood lipase test is used mainly to look for inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Your cat’s DGGR lipase is 16 U/L, within the reference range of 7–23 U/L. This makes active pancreatitis less likely, although no single blood test rules it out completely in cats.

Total protein in a cat’s blood is a measure of the combined levels of albumin and globulin, which are critical components of the blood plasma. Albumin, produced by the liver, plays a vital role in maintaining oncotic pressure and transporting various substances, including hormones and drugs. Globulins, which include antibodies, are essential for immune function; most are produced by the liver, while antibodies (immunoglobulins) are produced by immune cells. Protein levels are influenced by liver function, nutritional status, hydration and the body’s immune response.

Your cat’s total protein is 8.9 g/dL, above the laboratory reference range of 6.6–8.4 g/dL (0.5 g/dL above the upper limit). This is a mild increase. It is due to the raised globulin (5.2 g/dL), because albumin is slightly low (3.1 g/dL). Dehydration raises albumin and globulin together, so it does not explain this pattern well. Note that albumin plus globulin on this report add up to 8.3 g/dL, which is 0.6 g/dL less than the measured total protein; this may reflect different measurement methods, and your veterinarian or the laboratory can clarify it.

A high total protein caused by high globulin is seen with chronic inflammation or infection (for example chronic dental or mouth inflammation, chronic liver or bowel inflammation, or viral infections such as FIV or FIP) and, less often, with certain tumours such as lymphoma or plasma-cell tumours. A serum protein electrophoresis can show whether the increase is broad (typical of inflammation) or limited to a single narrow band (more typical of some tumours).

A raised total protein is not treated by itself; your veterinarian will look for the cause, and the outlook depends on what is found. On its own, this mild change does not call for emergency care.

Albumin is a crucial protein synthesized by the liver, playing a vital role in maintaining oncotic pressure, which helps keep fluid within the blood vessels. It also serves as a carrier protein for various substances, including hormones, vitamins, and drugs. In cats, albumin levels are influenced by liver production, nutritional intake, inflammation (during inflammation the liver makes less albumin), and losses through the kidneys or gut.

Your cat’s albumin is 3.1 g/dL, just below the laboratory reference range of 3.2–4.3 g/dL (0.1 g/dL below the lower limit). This is a mild decrease and should be considered together with her weight loss and reduced appetite.

Possible contributors include reduced food intake, inflammation (albumin often falls a little when globulin rises, as here: globulin 5.2 g/dL), protein loss in the urine, and, less likely at this level, reduced liver production. Loss through the gut usually lowers globulin as well, so with her high globulin it is less likely. A urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) checks for protein loss through the kidneys, which is also used in IRIS sub-staging of kidney disease.

At this level, albumin is far too high to cause fluid accumulation (oedema or fluid in the abdomen); that occurs only with much lower values. The decrease is not treated by itself — the underlying cause is investigated, and making sure she eats enough is important.

Globulin is a group of proteins in the blood that play various roles, including immune function, transport of substances, and blood clotting. In cats, most alpha and beta globulins are produced by the liver, while gamma globulins (immunoglobulins, i.e. antibodies) are produced by immune cells. Alpha and beta globulins include transport proteins and proteins involved in inflammation and clotting, while gamma globulins are critical for the immune response. Raised globulins usually reflect stimulation of the immune system.

Your cat’s globulin is 5.2 g/dL, above the laboratory reference range of 2.9–4.7 g/dL (0.5 g/dL above the upper limit). This is a mild hyperglobulinemia. The albumin-to-globulin ratio is 3.1 ÷ 5.2 ≈ 0.6. Together with her weight loss and dull coat, the cause is worth investigating, but this value on its own does not call for emergency care.

In older cats, raised globulin is most often caused by chronic inflammation or infection — for example chronic dental or mouth inflammation (worth checking because of her unpleasant breath), chronic liver or bile-duct inflammation, chronic bowel inflammation, or viral infections such as FIV. FIP is mainly a disease of young cats and is less likely at 13 years, although it is not impossible. Less often, tumours such as lymphoma or plasma-cell tumours (multiple myeloma) cause it. Dehydration would raise albumin as well, so it does not explain this pattern. The slightly low albumin (3.1 g/dL) and the mild non-regenerative anemia (HCT 29%) can accompany chronic inflammation.

A raised globulin is not treated by itself. Useful next steps include an oral examination, FeLV/FIV testing, a serum protein electrophoresis (to distinguish a broad inflammatory increase from a single narrow band) and, depending on the findings, abdominal ultrasound. The outlook depends on the cause found.

Hematocrit (HCT) is a measure of the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells (RBCs). It is a critical parameter in assessing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, as RBCs are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. The production of red blood cells, and thus HCT, is controlled mainly by erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels. HCT is read together with the red-cell count, haemoglobin, red-cell indices and reticulocytes.

Your cat’s HCT is 29%, below the laboratory reference range of 31–48% (2 percentage points below the lower limit). This is a mild anemia. A mild anemia can contribute to tiredness and reduced activity, although at this level it is unlikely to be the main cause of her signs.

The red-cell indices are normal (MCV 45 fL, MCHC 34 g/dL), so the red cells are of normal size and haemoglobin content, and the reticulocytes (0.1%, at the lower limit of the range) show no sign that the bone marrow is producing more red cells. This normal-sized, non-regenerative pattern is typical of anemia caused by chronic kidney disease (reduced erythropoietin) or by chronic inflammatory disease; both are possible here, given the raised creatinine (2.6 mg/dL) and BUN (44 mg/dL) and the raised globulin (5.2 g/dL). A recent blood loss would usually produce a regenerative response after a few days. FeLV/FIV status is also relevant for a non-regenerative anemia in a cat.

A mild anemia like this is usually managed by treating its cause and is rechecked over the following weeks. Medicines that stimulate red-cell production (such as darbepoetin) are generally reserved for cats with kidney disease whose anemia is more severe and causing clinical signs, so they are not normally needed at an HCT of 29%. This result on its own does not call for emergency care.

Red blood cells (RBCs) are crucial for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body and returning carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs for exhalation. In cats, RBCs are produced in the bone marrow under the stimulation of erythropoietin, a hormone primarily produced by the kidneys. The lifespan of feline RBCs is approximately 70 days, and their production is tightly regulated to maintain adequate oxygen delivery to tissues. Senior cats are prone to several conditions that can reduce red-cell production or survival.

Your cat’s RBC count is 6.4 x10^6/uL, below the laboratory reference range of 6.9–10.1 x10^6/uL (0.5 x10^6/uL below the lower limit). This is a mild anemia, matching the low HCT (29%) and haemoglobin (10.2 g/dL).

Anemia in cats can result from decreased red-cell production, increased destruction, or blood loss. Here the normal red-cell indices and the reticulocytes at the lower limit (0.1%) point to decreased production. In a cat with raised creatinine (2.6 mg/dL) and BUN (44 mg/dL) this fits reduced erythropoietin production by the kidneys; chronic inflammation, suggested by the raised globulin (5.2 g/dL), can cause the same pattern.

A mild anemia is usually managed by finding and treating its cause and rechecking the blood count over the following weeks. Medicines that stimulate red-cell production are generally reserved for more severe anemia. This result on its own does not call for emergency care.

Hemoglobin is a crucial protein found in red blood cells, responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and facilitating the return of carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs for exhalation. In cats, as in other mammals, hemoglobin is synthesized in the bone marrow during erythropoiesis, a process regulated by erythropoietin, primarily produced by the kidneys. The function of hemoglobin is vital for delivering oxygen to the tissues, which cells need to produce energy.

Your cat’s hemoglobin is 10.2 g/dL, below the laboratory reference range of 10.9–15.7 g/dL (0.7 g/dL below the lower limit). This is a mild decrease and means the blood can carry somewhat less oxygen than normal.

A mild anemia can contribute to tiredness and reduced activity. Anemia in cats can result from various conditions, including chronic kidney disease, chronic inflammatory disease, blood loss or, rarely, nutritional deficiencies. Here, the raised creatinine (2.6 mg/dL) and BUN (44 mg/dL) fit anemia related to kidney disease, and the raised globulin (5.2 g/dL) fits anemia of chronic inflammation; both produce normal-sized red cells with little regeneration, as seen in this panel.

A mild anemia is usually managed by treating its cause, such as kidney disease or inflammation, and rechecking the blood count over the following weeks. Medicines that stimulate red-cell production are generally reserved for more severe anemia.

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measure of the average size of red blood cells in a cat’s bloodstream. It plays a crucial role in assessing the overall health of the blood and can provide insights into various conditions affecting red blood cell production and function. In cats, MCV can help differentiate between types of anemia and other hematological disorders, which is vital for diagnosing underlying health issues.

The MCV value for your cat is 45 fL, which falls within the normal reference range of 40-52 fL. This indicates that her red blood cells are of normal size. A normal MCV does not mean that there is no anemia — her HCT, RBC count and haemoglobin are mildly low — but it shows that the anemia is normocytic (normal-sized cells), the pattern typical of anemia due to kidney disease or chronic inflammation, rather than the pattern of, for example, iron deficiency.

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin contained in a single red blood cell. Hemoglobin is crucial for transporting oxygen throughout the body, which is essential for maintaining the overall health and energy levels of your cat. In cats, MCH helps to assess the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and can provide insights into various health conditions, including anemia or other blood disorders.

The MCH value for your cat is 16 pg, which falls within the normal reference range of 13-17 pg. This indicates that each red blood cell contains a normal amount of hemoglobin. The total oxygen-carrying capacity of her blood is, however, mildly reduced, because she has fewer red cells than normal (RBC 6.4 x10^6/uL, haemoglobin 10.2 g/dL).

The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a measure of the average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cells. In cats, this parameter is crucial for assessing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, as hemoglobin is the protein responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. A normal MCHC indicates that the red blood cells are adequately saturated with hemoglobin, which is essential for maintaining proper metabolic function and overall health in your cat.

The MCHC value for your cat is 34 g/dL, which falls within the normal reference range of 32-35 g/dL. This means her red blood cells have a normal hemoglobin concentration (normochromic). It does not mean the anemia can be ignored: her HCT, RBC count and haemoglobin are mildly low, and a normal MCHC simply shows that the anemia is of the normochromic type typical of kidney disease or chronic inflammation.

White blood cells (WBC) play a crucial role in a cat’s immune system, helping to defend against infections and diseases. They are essential for identifying and responding to pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, and are involved in the inflammatory response. A healthy balance of white blood cells is vital for maintaining overall health and responding effectively to any potential threats to the body.

The WBC value for your cat is 14.8 x10^3/uL, which falls within the normal reference range of 5.1-16.2 x10^3/uL. This means the blood shows no marked increase or decrease in white blood cells. A normal white-cell count does not rule out infection or chronic inflammation — her raised globulin (5.2 g/dL) suggests that some chronic immune stimulation may be present — but there is no sign here of a severe acute inflammatory response.

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune response of cats. They are primarily responsible for fighting off infections and responding to inflammation, acting as the first line of defense against pathogens. In healthy cats, neutrophils help to maintain the balance of the immune system, ensuring that the body can effectively respond to various challenges, including bacterial infections and tissue damage. Your cat’s neutrophil count is 10.9 x10^3/uL, within the reference range of 2.3–11.6 x10^3/uL, in its upper part.

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system of cats. They are responsible for identifying and responding to pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, and are essential for maintaining the body’s defense mechanisms. A healthy balance of lymphocytes is important for a cat’s overall health, especially as they age and may face various health challenges. Your cat’s lymphocyte count is 2.6 x10^3/uL, within the reference range of 0.9–6.0 x10^3/uL.

Monocytes play a crucial role in the immune system of cats, acting as a type of white blood cell that helps to fight infections and respond to inflammation. They are involved in the process of phagocytosis, where they engulf and digest pathogens and debris, and they also contribute to the regulation of immune responses. Monocyte numbers can rise with chronic inflammation or tissue damage. Your cat’s monocyte count is 0.5 x10^3/uL, within the reference range of 0–0.7 x10^3/uL.

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune response of cats, particularly in combating parasitic infections and mediating allergic reactions. They are involved in the inflammatory process and help regulate various immune functions, making them important for maintaining overall health and responding to certain diseases. In cats, eosinophils can also indicate the presence of allergies or other immune-related conditions when present in elevated numbers. Your cat’s eosinophil count is 0.6 x10^3/uL, within the reference range of 0.1–1.8 x10^3/uL.

Basophils are a type of white blood cell that play a role in the immune response, particularly in allergic reactions and inflammation. They release histamine and other chemicals that help to mediate the body’s response to allergens and parasites, contributing to the overall defense mechanisms of the cat’s body. Although they are present in low numbers, their function is important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Your cat’s basophil count is 0.1 x10^3/uL, within the reference range of 0–0.2 x10^3/uL.

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small blood cells that play a crucial role in hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding by forming clots. In cats, as in other mammals, platelets are produced in the bone marrow from megakaryocytes and released into the bloodstream. They also help maintain the integrity of blood vessels.

Your cat’s platelet count is 188 x10^3/uL, just below the laboratory reference range of 195–624 x10^3/uL (7 x10^3/uL below the lower limit). This is a very mild decrease.

In cats, the most common reason for a slightly low platelet count is an artefact: feline platelets clump together easily in the blood tube, and clumps are not counted by the analyser. A review of a blood smear by the laboratory or your veterinarian usually shows whether clumping is present. A true decrease can be caused by infections, immune-mediated disease or bone marrow disorders, but this is far less common, and a decrease this small would usually only be investigated further if it is confirmed on a repeat sample.

Spontaneous bleeding is not expected at this count; it generally occurs only when platelets are far lower. If it is confirmed, your veterinarian will take it into account before any procedure such as tissue sampling.

Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells that play a crucial role in the body’s ability to respond to anemia or blood loss by increasing red blood cell production. In cats, the reticulocyte count helps assess the bone marrow’s response to the need for more red blood cells, which can be vital in understanding various health conditions, especially those affecting oxygen transport and overall vitality. Monitoring reticulocyte levels can provide insights into the cat’s regenerative capacity in response to stressors or underlying diseases. Your cat’s reticulocytes are 0.1%, at the lower limit of the reference range (0.1–0.7%). In a cat that is anemic (HCT 29%), the bone marrow would be expected to release more reticulocytes if it were responding; a value at the bottom of the range therefore means the anemia is non-regenerative — the marrow is not producing extra red cells. This pattern is typical of anemia caused by kidney disease or chronic inflammation, and it makes recent bleeding or red-cell destruction less likely.